The day is here I was never expecting to see - the Aztecs vying for the National Championship! Thanks to other board members letting me ramble on these past weeks about things San Diego. Alaska and I both share connections to San Diego so he esp understands that March Madness has been especially crazy this year for those of us with ties to SDSU and the city.
FWIW- I was a long-time Aztec season ticket holder when Steve Fisher first arrived and Viejas Arena was built. I can also remember prior to that when Tony Gwynn was an outstanding guard for the Aztecs way back in the day (he was actually an NBA draftee.) So this has been a remarkable journey for the Aztecs and for me as a long time fan. (Our local NU club members were also very excited about the Aztecs at our club meeting last week.)
I remember Bob Hurley bringing his St. Anthony (NJ) team to San Diego for the holiday tournament years ago at Torrey Pines HS close by to where I live. They were always a top team in the national division and it was always a fun experience watching top talent bound for college compete in this tournament. It’s possible that son and UConn coach Dan Hurley was at the tournament at some time but dad Bob was a huge figure that attracted large crowds to these HS tournament games.
This event is right up there for me with other major sports experiences I’ve had- the NU vs USC Rose Bowl, the Holiday Bowl victory, the Padres run to the World Series vs NY Yankees and the 2000 UM comeback and win with the spread offense wearing down UM’s defense.
The Aztecs are heavy underdogs against UConn. I remember all the times NU was never expected to win only to overcome the odds. I think the mindset of “Expect Victory” under GB was transformative for NU sports. The Aztecs basketball program has emerged as a solid program under Fisher and has elevated to top level under Dutch. Regardless of the outcome today the Aztecs run for the title has electrified the community around the team.
Go Aztecs!
FWIW- I was a long-time Aztec season ticket holder when Steve Fisher first arrived and Viejas Arena was built. I can also remember prior to that when Tony Gwynn was an outstanding guard for the Aztecs way back in the day (he was actually an NBA draftee.) So this has been a remarkable journey for the Aztecs and for me as a long time fan. (Our local NU club members were also very excited about the Aztecs at our club meeting last week.)
I remember Bob Hurley bringing his St. Anthony (NJ) team to San Diego for the holiday tournament years ago at Torrey Pines HS close by to where I live. They were always a top team in the national division and it was always a fun experience watching top talent bound for college compete in this tournament. It’s possible that son and UConn coach Dan Hurley was at the tournament at some time but dad Bob was a huge figure that attracted large crowds to these HS tournament games.
This event is right up there for me with other major sports experiences I’ve had- the NU vs USC Rose Bowl, the Holiday Bowl victory, the Padres run to the World Series vs NY Yankees and the 2000 UM comeback and win with the spread offense wearing down UM’s defense.
The Aztecs are heavy underdogs against UConn. I remember all the times NU was never expected to win only to overcome the odds. I think the mindset of “Expect Victory” under GB was transformative for NU sports. The Aztecs basketball program has emerged as a solid program under Fisher and has elevated to top level under Dutch. Regardless of the outcome today the Aztecs run for the title has electrified the community around the team.
Go Aztecs!
Last edited: