San Luis Obispo - December 5, 2014

The Cal Poly community way brought together in an unexpected way when one of their Alumni threw down the gauntlet using the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness in the fight against ALS

In the week leading up to their annual Parents and Family game, the entire Cal Poly Mustangs football team was challenged to join the worldwide phenomenon known as the "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge", by former Mustangs safety and linebacker, Dale Barthel who is now battling ALS. Not only was the challenge accepted, the entire team rallied  and participated with gusto. The event was captured by KSBY News, the Friday before the game.

“We’re just really happy and grateful for everything you guys have done,” said Dustin Barthel, Dale’s son in the KSBY interview. “The whole Cal Poly Mustang community- the whole football team- it means a lot. Thank you guys.- thank you everyone!”

Barthel’s wife also attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, as did all three of their children. The family brought the challenge to the football team and in turn the players challenged all Alumni, making this Parents and Family weekend one to remember for years to come.

In addition to winning the game against the University of Montana, the Cal Poly community raised over $18,000 that weekend in support of the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. The money was presented to the Golden West Chapter by Barthel’s former coach.

“The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge may have been the catalyst, but it was Dale Barthel that the Cal Poly community that came together for,” says Fred Fisher, President and CEO, of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. “It’s because of support like this that we are able to provide help and hope to the ALS community; it brings us closer to our vision - to create a world without ALS.”