For Jesus Saucedo, this was his first chance to get a glimpse at his future teammates.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who attends City College of San Francisco, was scouted last season by the men’s soccer team, and after several tryouts and scrimmages, Saucedo earned a spot on the Gators soccer team next year.

“Coming here shows me what it takes and what I have to learn because the game here is different,” said Saucedo, who came to watch the men’s soccer practice. “It gets me familiar with the team and the school.”

As part of SF State’s Welcome Days program for the Class of 2012, the Gator Department of Athletics hosted an open house on Aug. 21 at Cox Stadium, where parents and incoming students could learn more about the 12 athletic teams on campus.

“We’re hoping to spread a little bit of knowledge about what we have about SFSU athletics,” said Jamil Sheared, game day management coordinator.

Anyone stopping by the booth was able to grab team schedules, sign up for the Gator newsletter, speak with coaching staff and more.

It was the first time the athletic department held its open house outdoors. In previous years, the annual event was located in the gym, however, the department felt it gave them the opportunity to display the facilities, Assistant Athletic Director Cathy McDermott said.

“We wanted to make a good impression,” said McDermott. “This is a good way to get the program some exposure.”

Among those in attendance was the Ruden family, who drove eight hours from San Diego so that their daughter Sarah Ruden, a soccer player, could personally chat with women’s coach Jack Hyde about the possibility of joining the club in the future.

“I want to play soccer,” said Sarah Ruden, an 18-year-old incoming freshman that wants to play in the 2009 season for the women’s soccer team. “I’ve played in high school and maybe I can come and play here.”

Also on hand was the women’s soccer team, who entertained the public with an inter-squad practice while men’s soccer took on a junior college team in preparation for the opener against Dominican University on Aug. 28.

“I love the aggressive nature of it,” said Lauren Ruden, the father of Sarah, while observing the physicality of the game. “It’s fast, (there’s) contact and there’s intensity.”

Men’s soccer coach Joe Hunter praised the athletic department. He said having his team participate in the open house only helps promote Gator athletics and will get more people in the seats.

“Well, if you don‘t have a great team, they are not going to watch you,” Hunter said. “They’re doing a great job to get the student body because it’s getting younger and younger and come out and see games and support the teams whether it is basketball, soccer, and baseball.”

As for advice for future athletes, Shanna Vachal, a third-year forward with women’s soccer, said the key is not to feel intimidated, but rather keep building every aspect of your game.

“Just step it up as much as you can and act that you been playing here,” said Vachal, “They’re coming in with high expectations, but be open-minded, stay positive and work hard.”

Hunter echoed Vachal’s statement.

“They’re going to be the ambassadors to the university,” he said.

Nonetheless, the intimidation factor has not rubbed on Saucedo

“I’m going to enjoy playing here,” he said. “I’m pretty confident because I know I have the skills. The veterans should worry about me.”