The Drive 2004 Reaches $ 532,457

SAN DIEGO -- Volunteers from throughout San Diego County gathered at the Aztec Athletics Center for The Drive Report Night No. 2 on Thursday, reporting their progress toward their goal of $1.5 million for student-athlete scholarship dollars.

Seventy volunteers representing the Aztec Athletic Foundation have secured $532,457 in pledges thus far. During this reporting session, Director of Athletic Development Dave Powroznik was on hand to thank the volunteers and discuss his new role as he transitions from his role of Director of Football Operations. Powroznik outlined his fundraising efforts that will complement the dollars raised during The Drive 2004.

Individually, Ben Bagnas has gained the lead in total pledges by securing $47,580 edging Cliff Bee who has reported $46,325. Rounding out the top five were Todd Nielsen, $36,814, Bobbie Harkey, $32,799 and Jim and Deborah Marshall with $26,670.In the team competition, standings are based on the percentage renewed and/or increased from the previous year. Leading the way is the I-15 Aztec Road Warriors, led by individual leader Ben Bagnas with 66 percent renewed. The Beach Bum Border Patrol team, which spans from Pacific Beach to the Border, secured 61 percent renewed while the East County Aztechnicians, are in third with 58 percent reported.

You can assist the AAF in contacting fans and alumni of the Aztecs to help reach the goal of $1.5 million. For your volunteer efforts, you will receive great rewards, including the opportunity to earn season tickets to the 2004 Aztec football or 2004-05 men's basketball campaigns.

For more information on how to join the team in your area or how to make a tax-deductible contribution to the AAF, contact Bob Moosbrugger at the Aztec Athletic Foundation at (619) 594-6444 or email at bmoosbru@mail.sdsu.edu.Also, for the first time, Aztec fans can contribute to the AAF by visiting www.goaztecs.com and clicking on "The Drive 2004".