By Raquel Martin and Amanda Guerrero
The San Diego State baseball program celebrated its third annual Stephen Strasburg 5K Walk and Fun Run on Saturday at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Supporting SDSU students, faculty and alumni gathered on campus at 7 a.m. to kick off the event.
SDSU alumnus Jeff Decker, who learned about the Fun Run and Walk through an email, traveled from his home in Orange County to participate in the race and contribute to his alma mater.
The crowd also included San Diego community members of all ages. University of San Diego law student Kaitlyn Brum came to the event to meet former Aztec pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who is now an MLB superstar as a result of his career with the Washington Nationals, and who also hosted the fundraiser. Back in 2010 he was honored by being inducted into Aztec Baseball Wall of Fame and donated $145,000 toward the new Field Turf.
Brum said she enjoyed participating in the fundraiser, which was her first 5k.
“We’re just trying not to get fat in law school,” Brum said with a laugh. “It was fun though, a perfect length.”
Event coordinator Tammy Blackburn said the proceeds from the event, which will directly fund the SDSU baseball team, will help cover costs for team members’ summer school, tuition and supplies.
“They need essential equipment,” she said, adding that the fundraiser is meant to develop a lasting financial support base for the team in years to come.
Members of the Aztec baseball team rallied on the walkers and runners, meeting them at the finish line with an uproar of cheer, laughter and water. At the end of the walk, each participant also received various prizes, including 2013 Aztec baseball tickets, signed autographed baseball cards and vouchers.
Registering for the event cost $45 for adults, $40 for military members on active duty and $25 for students and children on the day of the race. The family-friendly event also featured live music, a food court, a “fun zone” for kids and an autograph booth where participants lined up to get signatures from former SDSU baseball players.
