Last night the International House on the east side of the Berkeley campus was overtaken by Cal athletes past and present adorned in their zebra-striped varsity sweaters. The Big C Society hosted the banquet in honor of this year's graduating seniors.
This particular class of athletes, according to athletic director Sandy Barbour, delivered eight national titles for the Bears, 46 more individual titles and countless Pac-10, MPSF and Nor-Pac crowns as well.
"You were part of arguably the most successful era in Cal sports history," said Barbour from the lectern. "Our primary message to you is one of thanks, as your accomplishments were nothing short of remarkable. We recognize that these achievements came as a result of much sacrifice."
Along with Barbour, pole vaulter Allison Stokke and Nathan Adrian, Cal swimming's resident Olympic gold medalist, addressed the crowd. The special guest speaker was none other than Joe Starkey, who you might recognize as the voice behind this call.
While the banquet was recognizing the finish of an era of Cal athletics, not all of the athletes are done competing for the blue and gold.
"I had five minutes to get dressed after practice today," golfer Pia Halbig said. "We leave for the Pac-10 Championships this weekend."
Even still, there was much to celebrate last night as yet another group of student athletes prepares to graduate from what Barbour described as "the preeminent public university in the nation."
You can see photos from the event below.
Athletes past and present, including these members of the 2011 rugby team, wore their zebra-striped varsity sweaters to the event.
Athletic director Sandy Barbour addressing the banquet just before dinner.
Host Chris Carpenter was a man of many outfits on the night, including this shirt celebrating the reinstatement of Cal baseball.
He also celebrated the achievements of the Cal rugby team.
National champion and Olympic medalist Nathan Adrian served as one of the student speakers on the night.
This particular class of athletes, according to athletic director Sandy Barbour, delivered eight national titles for the Bears, 46 more individual titles and countless Pac-10, MPSF and Nor-Pac crowns as well.
"You were part of arguably the most successful era in Cal sports history," said Barbour from the lectern. "Our primary message to you is one of thanks, as your accomplishments were nothing short of remarkable. We recognize that these achievements came as a result of much sacrifice."
Along with Barbour, pole vaulter Allison Stokke and Nathan Adrian, Cal swimming's resident Olympic gold medalist, addressed the crowd. The special guest speaker was none other than Joe Starkey, who you might recognize as the voice behind this call.
While the banquet was recognizing the finish of an era of Cal athletics, not all of the athletes are done competing for the blue and gold.
"I had five minutes to get dressed after practice today," golfer Pia Halbig said. "We leave for the Pac-10 Championships this weekend."
Even still, there was much to celebrate last night as yet another group of student athletes prepares to graduate from what Barbour described as "the preeminent public university in the nation."
You can see photos from the event below.
Athletes past and present, including these members of the 2011 rugby team, wore their zebra-striped varsity sweaters to the event.
Athletic director Sandy Barbour addressing the banquet just before dinner.
Host Chris Carpenter was a man of many outfits on the night, including this shirt celebrating the reinstatement of Cal baseball.
He also celebrated the achievements of the Cal rugby team.
National champion and Olympic medalist Nathan Adrian served as one of the student speakers on the night.
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