Sept. 23, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO - A contingent of Cal rugby players raced up 72 flights of steps in San Francisco's One Front Street building on Sept. 20 in the annual Climb for a Cure to raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis.

Sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the stair climb was a fundraiser with corporate sponsorship and private donations that yielded substantial resources for research.

Cal won the climb's team title as the fastest team to the top, with Golden Bear junior flanker Tom Rooke winning the title for fastest individual overall.

Cystic fibrosis is the nation's number one threatening disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of children and young adults. Today, the life expectancy of a child with CF is 37 years old, up from 32 years in 2000 and just 10 years old in 1962.

The funds raised by the CF Foundation seeds money with private industry to fund front-end research and early-stage drug development until that research looks promising enough for the drug companies to fund the market.

"Although their athletic accomplishment was outstanding, it was how well the Cal players carried themselves at the event that was truly impressive," said Climb for a Cure committee member Jim Rynne. "They were both humble and gracious in interacting with families at the event whose lives have been touched by CF.

"Cal players seemed genuinely grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a small way to improve the lives of those affected by this terrible disease. The participation of Cal rugby not only enhanced the profile, but definitely increased the energy level of this year's climb."

The 127th season of Cal rugby kicks off in January of 2009.