SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its third annual Gatorade Pong Tournament during the week of Alcohol Awareness on the CSUMB campus.  The event was to raise awareness about the alternatives to drinking alcohol in a fun and entertaining way.

The event, planned exclusively by SAAC -- a group of student-athlete representatives that provide insight on the student-athlete experience and input on the NCAA rules -- will donate all proceeds from the tournament to Make-A-Wish Foundation, the official charity of NCAA Division II. With prizes and a live DJ, the tournament promoted a safe fun environment and showed the alternatives to drinking games.

"The Gatorade Pong tournament builds a bridge between student-athletes, the coaches and the rest of the student body and community, in addition to strengthening the student-athlete leadership presence on campus, said SAAC co-president and junior men's golfer Dylan Jackson.

"The CSUMB Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hopes that the Gatorade Pong Tournament allowed the CSUMB students to see that there are healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol and that you can have a good time without drinking," said SAAC advisor and Athletic Communication Director Mindy Mills.

The winners were Team Two Cups One Ball with Sam Brodkey and Michael Aliotta while CSUMB Women's Basketball coaches Renee Jimenez and Tina Samaniego of Team Get Buckets earned the runner-up honors. 

Duane Lindsay, President of the Residential Housing Association - "As a student-leader on campus, it is great to see our student athletic leaders host such a successful program for our campus community and the fact it benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation and delivers the message that college students can have a great time with out consuming alcohol and also being aware of the affects of alcohol, it is a wonderful thing. Coming from the original G-Pong Champion, I can't wait for the next!"

Greg Rhines, Head Cross Country Coach - It was great to see so many students and student-athletes having a good time last night. G-Pong is a wonderful reminder of the fun that can be had sans any alcoholic beverages. The coaches definitely showed up!"

Jessica Benedetti, CSUMB student - "This is my first year playing in the tournament.  It was a lot of fun getting to know student-athletes from all different sports.  I am definitely participating in the next tournament."

Tina Samaniego, Women's Basketball Associate Head Coach - Our SAAC group put on a fantastic event that was a lot of fun for our students.  More importantly, it was an opportunity for our alcohol awareness message, which is to show the students they can have fun without alcohol. Lastly, it was a great way to raise money for The Make A Wish Foundation, which SAAC always does a great job with.