'The Drive 2003' Reaches ,000 At Last Checkpoint

June 23, 2003

Volunteers from around San Diego gathered for the final time at the AztecAthletic Center on Thursday, June 19th for the last Report Night of "TheDrive 2003".

At the final checkpoint of the annual campaign, volunteers have securedpledges totaling $979,131 toward their goal of $1.25 million forstudent-athlete scholarships at San Diego State University. Teams fromaround San Diego and Orange Counties are in competition for this year'sdrive, building on last year's record and all-time high of $1.1 million.

Twelve days remain in the campaign prior to the closing date of July 1st."We are approximately $270K short of our goal with 12 days remaining, which is roughly the same amount we were short with two weeks remaining last year, so we feel we are positioned well to attain our goal and set a record for the third consecutive year," said "The Drive 2003" Chairman Kevin Faulconer. "However, we can't do it without the loyal support of the constituency of San Diego State, so our volunteers are going out and working those phone lines for one final push to $1.25 million, so we are asking everyone out there to help us hit our goal, which makes such a direct impact on the lives of our student-athletes."

In the team competition, Morrison's Monty Clubbers from Scripps Ranch/Poway, led by Captain Bert Morrison, continue their quest for their third consecutive team title with $115,345, 104 percent of their 2002 total. The Better Half out of North County, led by Larry Cook, are second at $57,232, or 102 percent of 2002, while Monty's Family Jewels out of La Mesa, led by Bob McCray, are in third at $112,174, or 94 percent of 2002.

The Team Champions are decided by the greatest overall percentage increase over their 2002 final tally.

In the individual race, Ben Bagnas from Morrison's Monty Clubbers continues his quest for the "three-peat" with $62,135. The husband and wife duo of Jim and Deborah Marshall from Monty's Beach Bum Border Patrol is in second at $50,236, Bobbie Harkey of the Tierrasanta Titans is in third at $48,979, Todd Nielsen from the Aztechnicians is in fourth at $39,919, and Bob McCray of Monty's Family Jewels out of La Mesa round out the top five at $37,870.

You can still support the AAF in their quest to raise $1.25 million. Simplycall the Aztec Athletic Foundation at (619) 594-6444, or e-mail ataaf@mail.sdsu.edu, to make your donation today and help set a new record for the third consecutive year.

Visit the Aztecs website at www.goaztecs.com for continuing updates during"The Drive 2003". Volunteers will convene for the final time on Tuesday,July 1st for "The Drive 2003" Victory Celebration.