June 5, 2006
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State head football coach Chuck Long took time off from his busy recruiting schedule last month to meet with alumni and fans in Northern California as part of the team's spring caravan. The trip was organized by the Aztec Athletic Foundation (AAF) in an effort to increase the program's visibility throughout the state. Assistant coach LeCharls Daniel joined Long on the excursion along with assistant athletic director for the AAF Diana Philippi, senior associate athletic director Dave Powroznik, Vice-President for University Advancement Terri Mendoza and SDSU Alumni Association chapter coordinator Diane Barragan.
"I enjoyed meeting our alumni in the Bay Area and Sacramento," said coach Long. "I look forward every year to reaching out during the recruiting process."
The Aztec contingent kicked things off on May 15 in the Bay Area where they welcomed SDSU alumni and fans at The Sports Page bar in Mountain View. Over 30 guests gathered for the reception, including Keith Harris, president of the Bay Area Aztecs alumni chapter, and longtime AAF members David and Kimberley Pierce. Also present were Anthony and Betty Jo Alexander, AAF members and parents of sophomore offensive lineman Jason Alexander, as well as former SDSU rugby player Jack Troedson.
The festivities continued the following day in Sacramento where a luncheon was held for coach Long and company at the 33rd Street Bistro Bar and Grill. The past caught up with the present as Aztec Hall of Fame coach Claude Gilbert arrived to meet SDSU's new gridiron boss. Among the many others in attendance were former players Rob Awalt, Mike Anderson and Mike Wells along with Phil Woods, president of the Sacramento Capital alumni chapter, and his predecessor Ron Brand.
Because of the overwhelming success of these two events, the AAF is exploring the possibility of holding similar functions in other states in the future.