Spartan Football at White House Cinco de Mayo celebration
San Francisco 49ers and former Spartan quarterback Jeff Garcia and one-time San Jose State University assistant football coach Ray Ogas were two of nine National Football League representatives invited by President George W. Bush to participate in a
| Jeff Garcia was one of nine National Football League representatives to visit President George W. Bush. |
"This is an unbelievable honor," said the 2001 Spartan Stadium Ring of Honor inductee prior to his trip to Washington, D.C. "I am truly grateful to be part of the celebration.
Garcia quarterbacked the Spartans in the 1991, 1992 and 1993 seasons after redshirting the 1990 season. He passed for 6,545 yards and 48 touchdowns as a Spartan before heading off to a professional football career with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. The native of Gilroy joined the 49ers prior to the 1999 season.
Ogas was an assistant coach at San Jose State in 1984 – the first year Claude Gilbert was head coach of the Spartans. Presently, he is the coordinator of player programs for the St. Louis Rams.
"I think it is an honor to be selected," said Ogas, who was the defensive ends coach in his only season at San Jose State. "As a Hispanic I feel blessed to represent the Rams and the NFL. I think it is a great honor."
St. Louis Rams guard Frank Garcia, Atlanta Falcons center Roberto Garza, Green Bay Packers guard Marco Rivera, Cincinnati Bengals guard Victor Leyva, San Diego Chargers linebacker Zeke Moreno, Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Juan Castillo and Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach Ron Rivera were also invited to the reception.
Besides the visit to the White House, Jeff Garcia was an invited guest of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and honored at the May 6 Cinco de Mayo celebration on the floor of the California State Assembly. The celebration recognized individuals whose contributions promote the advancement of the Hispanic community throughout the nation.
###