SEASIDE, Calif.-- Shortly after wrapping up of the 2011 record breaking fall season, the Cal State Monterey Bay cross country program teamed up with the Save Our Shores Organization for the second time this year and volunteered at the Fort Ord Dunes State Beach for an afternoon.

"We amassed 66 pounds of trash from a seemingly clean beach. This work is great for sharpening awareness of how we impact our environment one piece of litter at a time,” says Head Coach Greg Rhines.

“One of the best part's of these efforts is that the student-athletes want to be out here, it's a win-win situation," says Rhines.

Save Our Shores in a non-profit organization based out of Santa Cruz, California who's core initiatives are clean boating, plastic pollution and ocean awareness. They have been responsible for establishing the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary preservation.

The Otters look to continue their work with the Save Our Shores group after returning from break.