SAN DIEGO – San Diego State Athletics has announced the passing of long-time department employee Steve Bartel. He was 64 years old.
Since 2004, Bartel worked as facilities and operations coordinator for the Aztecs after serving as the department's equipment manager for 19 seasons.
A 1979 graduate of San Diego State who earned his bachelor's degree in physical education, Bartel was a member of the Aztec baseball staff for three seasons and worked as an assistant in the SDSU equipment room.
Beginning in 1980, Bartel spent many years working for the Holiday Bowl, serving as a liaison for visiting teams. In addition, he was the former District 9 director of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) and has spoken at various clinics regarding the care and repair of athletic equipment.
In 1988, Bartel was recognized as the national equipment manager of the year by the AEMA.
Bartel was also the co-equipment manager of the West team at the 1988 and 1989 installments of the East-West Shrine Classic football game in Palo Alto, Calif. He additionally assisted the NFL's Denver Broncos, who used SDSU's practice facilities to prepare for Super Bowl XXII in San Diego and was a member of the Bike and the Schutt/AHI Helmet Advisory Board from 1989-90.
Bartel was one of only five collegiate equipment managers invited to the 1990 Wilson Sporting Goods Equipment Managers Conference.
A moment of silence will be observed to recognize Bartel's passing prior to the Aztec men's basketball game vs. Texas Southern on Wednesday night at Viejas Arena.