Final Push Puts 'The Drive 2002' Over the Top, Surpasses .1 Million Goal

June 21, 2002

A furious late charge from volunteers for "The Drive 2002" put pledges at $1,105,699, surpassing the AAF's goal of raising $1.1 million for student-athlete scholarships at SDSU. The results were announced as part of the Aztec Athletic Foundation's "Victory Celebration" for "The Drive 2002" at the Aztec Athletic Center on Thursday, June 20th.

"I'm amazed at the hard work and dedication of our volunteers," said "The Drive 2002" Chairman and incoming AAF President Craig Nelson. "To hit the $400,000 needed to reach our goal in four weeks time is unbelievable. I'd like to thank the SDSU constituency for their support of the program, it is vital. I can't stress enough how great this is."

"We've had a lot of challenges in front of us, but this group just doesn't make excuses," said AAF President Ben Bagnas. "It's a tribute to this group and our contributors, they are sending a message that this program is important."

Individual and team awards were announced at the celebration. A record 37 volunteers reached the prestigious "Monty Club" level, raising $10,000. In the "Rookie of the Year" race, Rulon Jenson of "The Family Jewels" won the crown, turning in pledges totaling $13,238.36, a new record for AAFRookies. In the competition for Volunteer with Most New Dollars, Ben Bagnas held the title for the second consecutive year, bringing in $19,655.

In the team race, the defending champion Aztec Warriors from Scripps Ranch/Poway , led by Captain Ben Bagnas, kept the title with $151,138, 175.83 percent of their 2001 team total. The team champion is determined by the team with the greatest percentage increase over their starting amount. Team results are as follows:

1. Aztec Warriors (from Scripps Ranch/Poway, captained by Ben Bagnas) - $151,138, 175.83 percent
2. The Better Half (North County, captained by Larry Cook) - $64,743, 155.65 percent.
3. The Family Jewels (from La Mesa, captained by Bob McCray) - $164,055, 153.72 percent.
4. Aztechnicians (from East County, captained by Todd Nielsen) - $131,162, 147.14 percent.
5. Tierrasanta Titans (captained by Martin Imhof) - $179,747, 137.28 percent.
6. Monty's Beach Bums (from Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Point Loma, captained by Jim & Deborah Marshall) - $124,272, 130.97 percent.
7. Hi, I'm Tony Gwynn! (North County, captained by Marcus Matherly) - $64,201, 110.68 percent.
8. East County Aztecs (captained by Rodney Winter) - $83,799, 107.68 percent.
9. Monty's Border Patrol (South Bay, Chula Vista, Bonita, and Coronado, captained by David Youmans) $67,315, 95.19 percent.

In the individual race, last year's defending champion, Ben Bagnas of the Aztec Warriors, kept the title at $77,750, and will go for the three-peat next year. Top 10 individuals are as follows:

1. Ben Bagnas (Aztec Warriors) - $77,750
2. Sharon Burgreen (Aztechnicians) - $67,845
3. Jim & Deborah Marshall (Monty's Beach Bums) - $66,766
4. Bobbie Harkey (Tierrasanta Titans) - $63,461
5. Todd Nielsen (Aztechnicians) - $52,129
6. Bob McCray (The Family Jewels) - $43,607
7. Kurt Cecconi (Tierrasanta Titans) - $37,776
8. Fred Conger (Monty's Beach Bums) - $31,950
9. Craig Nelson (The Better Half) - $28,643
10. Martin Imhof (Tierrasanta Titans) - $24,510

Even though the public phase of the campaign has ended, volunteers are continuing work on finishing their prospects. If you have not yet contributed to "The Drive 2002", please contact the AAF at (619) 594-6444, or visit our website www.goaztecs.com to make your contribution in support of "The Drive 2002" and student-athlete scholarships at San Diego State University.

The AAF would like to thank all those who have supported "The Drive 2002".