April 10, 2001

SAN DIEGO - Aproximately 100 volunteers from around San Diego County joined Aztec Athletic Department coaches and staff to officially start the AAF's seven-week campaign to raise $1 million in "unrestricted" contributions for student-athlete scholarships at San Diego State University. The drive concludes on May 24th with a Victory Celebration at Cox Arena.

The volunteers listened to comments from guest speakers Rick Bay, Ted Tollner, and Steve Fisher, all emphasizing the need and importance of a successful campaign. Aztec Athletic Foundation President Ben Bagnas and The Drive 2001 Chairman Craig Nelson rallied the crowd at the event.

The highlight of the night was Beach Bum Team Captain Jim Marshall encouraging all volunteers to increase their support by 25 percent and "officially" kicking off The Drive 2001 by submitting his personal pledge, complete with a 25-percent increase.

Below is a listing of Team Names, Team Locations, and Team Captains of the eight groups representing San Diego County:

1. Monty's Border Patrol (South Bay/Chula Vista/Coronado) - David Youmans
2. The Beach Bums (Pacific & Ocean Beach/Point Loma) - Jim & Deborah Marshall
3. Tierrasanta - Martin Imhof
4. Scripps Ranch - Ben Bagnas
5. The Family Jewels (La Mesa) - Bob McCray
6. East County Full Monty (East San Diego County) - Todd Nielsen
7. North San Diego County - Marcus Matherly
8. El Cajon - To be determined

The Drive 2001 has currently raised $80,374.65 through April 9th. The first Report Night for volunteers is April 19th.

For information regarding The Drive 2001, including how you can contribute, become a volunteer fundraiser in your area, and track progress to $1 million, please contact the AAF at (619) 594-6444, or visit our website at www.goaztecs.com, and click on any "Aztec Athletic Foundation" icon.

Visit this site for daily updates on the progress to $1 million.