ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The San Diego State football team completed its final practice on Thursday in preparation for the 2019 New Mexico Bowl.
With temperatures hovering around freezing, the Aztecs practiced in the "indoor bubble" on the campus of New Mexico, which was arguably colder than the frigid, but sunny outside Albuquerque air.
SDSU held another animated practice session, officially running 13 periods (65 minutes) on the artificial turf. The final practice ended as usual with San Diego State's 15 departing seniors being hoisted off the field individually by their teammates.
"Today's last practice was sad. It was fun. It was rememberable," senior quarterback Ryan Agnew said. "It was all those emotions remembering when I walked out there and I was like, 'Dang, I'm playing Division I football, I'm really happy to be out here.' And now walking off my last practice and saying, 'I got to play Division I football.' I'm very thankful, very fortunate and I'm always going to remember this."
"It's so real," senior defensive end Myles Cheatum said. "They always say it's over before you know it and you never really grasp that concept until it's over before you know it. I think seeing it done correctly so many times before by the seniors that came before me kind of prepared me for this moment. I'm trying to take everything in stride, enjoying every play, every drill and the time with your teammates especially. In terms of coaches just trying to soak up as much knowledge as you can. I'm definitely grateful."
Following the spirited practice, Aztec players Kyree Woods, Mark Salazar and Nash Devan visited the Isleta Elementary School, where they signed autographs and participated in a school assembly. The SDSU trio were asked hard-hitting questions on football, college and some of their favorite things.
Woods, Salazar and Devan then went to UNM Child's Life Center inside UNM Children's Hospital, where they visited rooms of patients, gave out bears and other goodies.
Later in the evening, San Diego State attended a team dinner for both squads at Albuquerque Convention Center, which featured barbecue from Rudy's and a friendly game of Survey Says between SDSU and CMU.
A busy Friday awaits for the Aztecs, beginning with a press conference in the morning, a luncheon in the afternoon and a Pep Rally/Battle of the Bands event in the evening.
The Aztecs (9-3) and Chippewas (8-5) play at noon MT (11 a.m. PT ) Saturday.
Tickets are on sale to the general public online (GoAztecs.com), in person (SDCCU Stadium Window E) and over the phone ((619) 283-7378).
Football Holds Final Practice for New Mexico Bowl
