July 27, 2004
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State football players dedicated their free time this past week at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD) San Diego. The 10 players along with Aztec strength and conditioning coach Jon Francis attended the 2004 Bench Press Challenge to show their support for those serving in the local armed forces.
The student-athletes helped distribute prizes and awards to the top two finishers in each of the men's and women's weight classes.
"Growing up in the San Diego area, I know how important the military is to this community," said junior wide receiver and San Diego native Robert Ortiz. "The competition gave my teammates and I an opportunity to tour the facilities and learn about the dedication and sacrifice that the service men and women put forth on a daily basis."
The July 14 event was the third of five similar competitions with the next event scheduled for Sept. 8. This continues a show of support in building an ongoing relationship between the SDSU athletic department and the San Diego military community.