Monday, May 28, 2007

Contra Costa Times: Ayoob endures struggles for a Cal degree

Worth its weight in gold

By Jonathan Okanes

BERKELEY -- Every now and then last season, there were reminders that Joe Ayoob still was part of Cal's football program. He was seen holding for place-kicker Tom Schneider. A television camera occasionally would steal a shot of him on the sideline.  No, Ayoob had not given up on college football or transferred to get away from all the bad memories. He simply had become similar to so many other student-athletes -- off the main stage, in a reserve role, attending classes and working toward his degree.  To say that Ayoob's playing career didn't work out would be an injustice to what he endured. But his ineffective play at quarterback, his ensuing lack of confidence, the booing and nasty e-mails from fans, and ultimately, the loss of his starting job, never prompted Ayoob to lose sight of the one thing he had in his sights -- a Cal diploma.

Read the entire article here.

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