University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Life Pass Tailgate Party A Huge Success
October 12, 2004 | Bruin Athletics
On Saturday, October 12, the Athletic Department held the first-ever Life Pass Tailgate Party at the UCLA vs. Oregon football game at the Rose Bowl. Generations of former Bruins gathered to reminisce about their days at UCLA and to visit with former teammates and friends.
John Godina, a former track and field team member, reflected on the event with enthusiasm, "Oh man, it was a lot of fun. It was great to get together with old friends and have a chance to revisit our college years. I haven't seen some of these people in over four years because we all have been so busy with life after school, and it was nice to sit back, relax and talk about old times."
Former women's basketball standout Ann Meyers-Drysdale echoed similar sentiments, "It was an honor to be a part of the afternoon with my fellow alumni. It was great to see everyone respond and I hope that they will continue to participate with the Bruin Family and come together more often for this type of event. I saw so many faces from the past that really meant a lot to me in my career at UCLA and it was such a nice feeling to reunite with them and continue a relationship with the Bruin Family."
Former gymnast Amy Thorne, who attended the event with her daughter, offered an additional viewpoint, "Not only was it great to see people from my own sport, but we don't really have a forum to get together to see other athletes who we went to school with and it was a really great opportunity to do just that. I mean, when you are at UCLA, you naturally get to know your teammates, but you also forge relationships with people in other programs and it is nice to be able to visit with those people as well."
Without a doubt, it was an afternoon of hugs, handshakes and sheer joy as people reunited with friends from the past. One guest commented, "I've seen so many smiles and hugs and people delighting in seeing people that they haven't seen in years. I just saw two roommates from the women's basketball and volleyball teams, who haven't seen each other in over 15 years, bump into each other. How awesome is that? I actually got chills! That is exactly what this event is all about."
Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by the Newport Rib Company and the San Pedro Brewing Company and then went into the game to cheer for the Bruins. With over 700 people in attendance, including former baseball student-athlete and current Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, the event was a huge success and holds promise for future events. Please visit the photo gallery for pictures of this special event. If you attended the event and would like to add your comments, please email Jill Johnson at jjohnson@athletics.ucla.edu.
