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Bears Face Unfinished Business Quarterbacks Joseph Ayoob ’09, a transfer from San Francisco City College, and Nathan Longshore ’08, a 2004 red shirt, battled throughout the preseason to succeed NFL first-round draft pick Aaron Rodgers. Last year’s top-rated junior college quarterback, Ayoob is considered the more mobile of the two, while the 6' 5", 230-lb. Longshore has the stronger arm. “The competition helps both us and the team,’’ Ayoob said. “Our goal is to make the team better." Following a 10-2 record, unbeaten at home for the first time since 1950, with a record average attendance of more than 64,000 per home game and the biggest Big Game margin of victory since 1921, the 2005 Bears still have unfinished business, including rectifying their loss in the Holiday Bowl. “We had thought we were invincible,” recalled All America center Marvin Philip ’08. “It was humbling. But if anything it’s just made us more determined.” Fan expectations are also riding high as are the numbers. Cal went from an all-time low in season ticket sales—16,000 in 2002, after the Bears finished 1-10—to an all-time high just two years later. Season ticket sales among young alumni have increased 100 percent every year since Jeff Tedford became coach. During the 2003 and 2004 seasons, average attendance increased by 25,000 for every home game. Season ticket sales have climbed to more than 40,000 for 2005 versus 36,000 for 2004. Single-game tickets went on sale July 12 and 10,124 were sold the same day—a record. The Nov. 12 home game against USC is all but sold out. Big Game allotment is sold out. Plans and fundraising continue for the $150-$200 million seismic retrofit and renovation of the 82-year-old Memorial Stadium. More than $40 million has been raised for the project, which will also include a new press box, upgraded food areas, folding seats, and expanded rest rooms. |
Bears' Last Rose Bowl Blanket Comes Home
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