Oct. 19, 2006
SAN DIEGO -
Q: I read where you refuse to play USD in football. Why?
A: Actually, I think it would be neat for San Diego if the Aztecs were to play USD in football. We have great respect for Jim Harbaugh and the job he has done for the Toreros. Unfortunately, because USD is a non-scholarship program, the NCAA rules do not allow us, as a Division I-A school, to count such a game when considering qualification for post-season football. Of the 119 Division I-A football programs in the country, I don't think there is a single one that plays a game against a non-scholarship program, for that very reason. If we could count the game, we would love to do it, but, unfortunately, we can't.
Q: What is going on with the television deal? Why isn't "The mtn" on locally?
A: You've hit on a very touchy subject. We are all frustrated by the lack of an agreement between the local cable companies and "The mtn." Our frustration is heightened because we understand from both parties that they are very close to agreement. We just hope this hasn't turned into a "stare-down", because the only losers in a stare-down are San Diego State and its fans. I remain optimistic that a deal will get done. Every day that passes, however, without a deal, inflicts more pain on our supporters. I am working every day to push, cajole, and otherwise urge the parties to reach agreement. I suspect they are getting tired of me in their hair, but we can't stop until it's done.
Q: What is the status of the new swimming and diving complex that is supposed to be built at San Diego State?
A: The new Aztec Aquaplex is nearing completion, and we couldn't be more excited! It is located behind our athletic building in front of the new tennis facility, adjacent to the new softball stadium and Tony Gwynn Stadium. It will have an Olympic size pool for both swimming and water polo, one and three meter diving boards, and space for a planned diving tower. It will become the very best training and competition pool in Southern California. It also puts the finishing touches on what we believe is the finest set of collegiate athletic facilities in the United States. In my career I have seen all the athletic complexes in the Big Ten, the Big 12, and the Pac-10. None of those complexes is better than ours. Plans right now are for the Aquaplex to open no later than February 1. We can't wait!
Q: We have heard that Coach Long wants to move the Aztec sideline to the press box side of the stadium. Is that true?
A: Yes, actually Coach Long wanted to do that before this season began, but graciously deferred until next year so that season ticket holders who bought behind the team's bench would not be disappointed. We will make sure that next year's ticket applications remind our season ticket holders of the change, so they can switch their seats if they so desire.
Q: How are season ticket sales going for basketball?
A: We have already reached our budget number in season ticket sales for men's and women's basketball this year! Our men's team has been picked by several publications to repeat as champions, and everyone is excited about the great players that return and the new faces that promise to make us even better! The women's team will also have many new faces, and Beth Burns has done a remarkable job of already beginning to transform her program into a winner.
Q: I see that your men's soccer team is playing in the Pac-10 Conference, not the Mountain West Conference. Why?
A: Not only are they playing in the Pac-10, they are at the top of that league with recent wins over Cal and fourth-ranked Washington! The reason we play men's soccer in the Pac-10 is that there are not enough schools in the Mountain West Conference playing men's soccer to field a conference schedule and season. We therefore petitioned the Pac-10 for special admission in men's soccer, and were accepted. This is our second year in the league. The Pac-10 is clearly one of the top men's soccer conferences in the country, and Coach Kirshner and his team are playing outstanding soccer at the highest level.