MWC OPPONENTS/CHAMPIONSHIPS

Air Force Falcons Brigham Young Cougars Colorado State Rams

Location: Colorado Springs, Colo. Location: Provo, Utah Location: Fort Collins, Colo. Enrollment: 4,000 Enrollment: 33,278 Enrollment: 25,382 Colors: Blue and Silver Colors: Blue, White and Tan Colors: Green and Gold Superintendent: Lt. Gen. John F. Regni President: Cecil O. Samuelson President: Dr. Larry Penley Athletics Director: Dr. Hans J. Mueh Athletics Director: Tom Holmoe Athletics Director: Paul Kowalczyk Head Coach: Ralph Lindeman Head Coach: R. Craig Poole Head Coach: Brian Bedard 2006 MWC Finishes: 2006 MWC Finishes: 2006 MWC Finishes: Women – Indoor-9th, Outdoor-8th Women – Indoor-2nd, Outdoor-1st Women – Indoor-1st, Outdoor-2nd 2006 NCAA Finishes: 2006 NCAA Finishes: 2006 NCAA Finishes: Women – Indoor-n/a, Outdoor-21st Women – Indoor-t6th, Outdoor-64th Women – Indoor-26th, Outdoor-n/a Track SID: Valerie Perkin Track SID: Ryan Curtis Track SID: Heather Kennedy E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (719) 333-2313 Phone: (801) 422-8948 Phone: (970) 491-5067 Fax: (719) 333-3798 Fax: (801) 422-0633 Fax: (970) 491-1348 Website: www.goairforcefalcons.com Website: www.byucougars.com Website: www.csurams.com

New Mexico Lobos TCU Flyin’ Frogs UNLV Rebels

Location: Albuquerque, N. M. Location: Fort Worth, Texas Location: Las Vegas, Nev. Enrollment: 26,500 Enrollment: 8,749 Enrollment: 28,000 Colors: Cherry and Silver Colors: Purple and White Colors: Scarlet and Gray Acting President: David Harris Chancellor: Dr. Victor J. Boschini, Jr. President: Dr. David B. Ashley Athletics Director: Rudy Davalos Athletics Director: Daniel B. Morrison, Jr. Athletics Director: Mike Hamrick Head Coach: Matt Henry Head Coach: Darryl Anderson Head Coach: Barbara Ferrell-Edmonson 2006 MWC Finishes: 2006 MWC Finishes: 2006 MWC Finishes: Women – Indoor-5th, Outdoor-5th Women – Indoor-3rd, Outdoor-3rd Women – Indoor-9th, Outdoor-8th 2006 NCAA Finishes: 2006 NCAA Finishes: 2006 NCAA Finishes: Women – Indoor-n/a, Outdoor-n/a Women – Indoor-n/a, Outdoor-47th Women – Indoor-t-26th, Outdoor-n/a Track SID: Alfredo Moreno Track SID: Ryan Schulz Track SID: Bryan Haines E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (505) 925-5524 Phone: (817) 257-5378 Phone: (702) 895-3764 Fax: (505) 925-5529 Fax: (817) 257-7964 Fax: (702) 895-0989 Website: www.golobos.com Website: www.gofrogs.com Website: www.unlvrebels.com

Utah Utes Wyoming Cowgirls

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Location: Laramie, Wyo. Location: 15455 Gleneagle Drive, Suite 200 Enrollment: 28,933 Enrollment: 13,207 Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Colors: Crimson and White Colors: Brown and Gold Commissioner: Craig Thompson President: Michael K. Young President: Thom Buchanan Contact: Marlon Edge Athletics Director: Chris Hill Athletics Director: Thom Burman E-Mail: [email protected] Head Coach: Kyle Kepler Head Coach: Don Yentes Phone: (719) 488-4052 2006 MWC Finishes: 2006 MWC Finishes: Fax: (719) 487-7240 Women – Indoor-6th, Outdoor-6th Women – Indoor-7th, Outdoor-7th Website: www.themwc.com 2006 NCAA Finishes: 2006 NCAA Finishes: Women – Indoor-n/a, Outdoor-n/a Women – Indoor-n/a, Outdoor-n/a Track SID: Kyle Holbrook Track SID: Kevin Gibbs E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (801) 581-3511 Phone: (307) 766-2256 Fax: (801) 581-4358 Fax: (307) 766-2346 Website: www.utahutes.com Website: www.wyomingathletics.com

Mountain West Conference Championships NCAA Championships Indoor Indoor Feb. 22-24, Albuquerque, N.M. March 9-10, Fayetteville, Ark. Host: New Mexico Host: Arkansas

Outdoor Outdoor May 9-12, , Calif. June 6-9, Sacramento, Calif. Host: San Diego State Host: Sacramento State

38 San Diego State University SDSU SPORTS DECK

SDSU SPORTS DECK WOMEN’S CHOC SPORTSMAN OVAL RECORDS 100 10.97 (Medalist TC) 1982 “When there’s no room to build out...build up.” That’s the 200 23.24 (So. Calif. Cheetahs) 2004 23.24 Hydiane Harper (UNLV) 1997 mantra of modern-day engineers and contractors and is some- 400 52.03 Linetta Wilson (South Bay TC) 1996 thing San Diego State took to heart when designing its 800 2:01.18 Ruth Wysocki (Brooks TC) 1984 soccer/track facility. The five-year-old, $13 million SDSU Sports 1,500 4:14.62 Monica Joyce (SDSU) 1981 Deck sits atop the university’s newest two-story parking struc- 3,000 8:49.51 Monica Joyce (Converse TC) 1984 ture (PS 5). The facility is located at 55th Street and Montezuma 3,000SC 9:55.63 Elizabeth Jackson (BYU) 2001 5,000 15:27.50 Monica Joyce (Converse TC) 1983 Avenue at the site of the old Choc Sportsman Oval. 10,000 34:22.10 Lynn Kanuka (SDSU) 1981 100H 12.98 Tiffany Lott (BYU) 1997  The Sports Deck serves as the home for the women’s track 400H 55.38 Brenda Taylor (Sheffield Elite TC) 2003 team as well as the SDSU men’s and women’s soccer programs. 4x100 43.70 Jackson, Sharrieff, Lewis, Jackson (TCU) 1997 The track team competes on the Choc Sportsman Oval which 4x400 3:34.90 Hannus,Bolten, Campbell, Griffith (Stanford TC) 1982 800SR 1:36.27 Bell, Micraw, Watkins, Johnson (SC Cheetahs) 1982 surrounds the soccer field. HJ 6-05.00 Coleen Sommer (Adidas TC) 1983 PV 14-07.25 Lindsey Taylor (Unattached) 2004  The facility features an all-weather Mondo track surface and LJ 22-3.50 Beverly Kings (GBR) 1984 served as the site of the 2003 Cal-Nevada TJ 45-02.50 Shakeema Walker (High Performance) 2004 Championships and the 2001 Mountain West Conference Cham- SP 61-05.50 (Adidas) 1985 DT 208-11.00 Meg Ritchie (Arizona) 1981 pionships. This season, it will also play host to the 2007 MWC HT 208-09.00 Cari Soong (UCLA) 2003 Outdoor Championships. The playing turf for soccer is a state- JT(old) 195-11.00 (Cal Poly SLO) 1981 of-the-art natural grass surface with a built in automatic- Hept. 5,643 Aja Makaila Frary (SDSU) 2001 drainage system. MEN’S CHOC SPORTSMAN OVAL RECORDS 100 10.09 Josh Norman (High Performance) 2004  The stadium seats about 1,000 people. The facility includes 200 20.21 Percival Spencer (TCU) 1997 an electronic message/scoreboard, which is utilized for both 400 45.31 Bert Cameron (UTEP) 1980 soccer and track events. Future plans call for the facility to be 800 1:46.03 Bryan Berryhill (CSU) 2001 lighted for night events and seating capacity to be increased. 1,500 3:39.58 Ray Wicksell (Sub 4 TC) 1982 3,000 7:58.50 Joao N’tyamba (Angola) 1996  The first official NCAA event was held at the Sports Deck on 3,000SC 8:25.69 Wander Moura (Brazil) 1995 5,000 13:44.51 Paul Williams (Canada) 1982 Friday, August 25, 2000, when the Aztec women’s soccer team 10,000 28:31.26 Gidamis Shahanga (UTEP) 1984 faced Mississippi in its season opener. SDSU won that match, 110H 13.59 Robert Reading (Unatt) 1994 2-1. 400H 49.23 Bayano Kamani (Santa Monica TC) 2004 4x100 39.13 TCU 1997  The Aztec track program held its first competition at the 4x200 1:21.12 M. Sanford, Mullins, J. Sanford, Green (USC) 1980 4x400 3:04.20 Mullins, Bethany, J. Sanford, Green (USC) 1980 venue on March 10, 2001, when it played host to the SDSU Quad HJ 7-04.50 (Operation Push TC) 1979 Meet. While the event was not team scored, SDSU athletes cap- PV 18-00.50 Jeff Hansen (BYU) 2001 tured five events including a sweep in the 100-meter dash. LJ 26-03.75 (Tobias Striders TC) 1979 TJ 57-04.75 Kenta Bell (High Performance) 2004  The facility was dedicated on Friday, Oct. 6, 2000, during a SP 68-04.75 (Stars and Stripes TC) 1979 DT 215-06.00 Stefan Fernholm (BYU) 1984 men’s and women’s soccer doubleheader. University president HT 240-09.00 Matt Milehan (Fresno TC) 1985 Dr. Stephen L. Weber presided over the event. JT(old) 303-01.00 (Unattached) 1986 Dec. 7,704 pts. Stan Vegar (San Diego TC) 1983

39 2007 Women’s Track and Field Media Guide AZTEC ATHLETICS CENTER

n place now on Montezuma Mesa are arguably some of the finest fa- the site of major news conferences, watch parties and public forums. cilities in the United States and San Diego State is certainly among Each varsity sport, with the exception of the baseball squad, which Ithe leaders on the west coast. has a clubhouse at Stadium, has a plush locker room on The athletic department is now housed in the $30 million, 130,000- the first floor of the building. The locker rooms include a lounge and square-foot Aztec Athletics Center. The new centerpiece of the depart- television area and oak lockers. ment, which was dedicated in February of 2002, is located just across the The academic center, complete with two lecture halls, private tutorial street from Cox Arena and just east of Tony Gwynn Stadium. rooms, and a new computer lab, is housed on the third floor. The com- The four-story Athletics Center provides state-of-the-art facilities cou- puter lab and study areas are flanked by academic counselors, tutor of- pled with tremendous logistical advantages and a great location for fices and learning specialists. studying, workouts, treatment, academic support or just stopping by The third floor is also home to the athletic administration and the between classes. men's and women's basketball staffs. On the south, the AAC is buffered by the new Sports Deck, where Women’s track and field coaches offices and more administration of- San Diego State's track and field team, along with both soccer squads, fices are located on the fourth floor of the building, along with a recruit- compete. ing lounge and a staff lunch room. On the north side, it is connected to Peterson Gym, the home of Aztec The Athletics Center also overlooks Tony Gwynn Stadium, Aztec volleyball and a part-time practice facility for the Aztec basketball Tennis Center, SDSU Softball Stadium and the , open- teams. ing in the spring of 2007. The west exit of the building opens onto three 100-yard practice All of SDSU's facilities, including the athletics center, Cox Arena, fields. One of the fields is natural grass and two utilize field-turf, pro- Tony Gwynn Stadium, the Sports Deck, the Aztec Tennis Center and viding San Diego State daily options for its workouts. the SDSU Softball Stadium have opened since 1997. A state-of-the-art weight room, encompassing more than 15,000 The entrance lobby of the Aztec Athletics Center houses the 5,000- square feet, is located on the first floor of the building. It includes a run- square-foot Aztec Hall of Fame, presented by the Wise Foundation. The ning track for indoor timing. museum is the first permanent home of the Hall of Fame and features The sports medicine center and equipment operations are also lo- displays, informative kiosks, interactive video trivia games and a cated on the first floor and help provide incredible convenience to the plaque commemorating the induction of each Hall of Fame member. locker rooms, weight room and other practice facilities. Included in the Hall of Fame are women’s track and field athletes Deby A first-floor auditorium that seats more than 200 has already been LaPlante Sweezy, LaTanya Sheffield and Marla Runyan to name a few.

Aztec Athletics Center

Aztec Hall of Fame Aztec Sports Medicine Aztec Athletics Center Auditorium Aztec Weight Room

40 San Diego State University AZTEC FACILITIES

n addition to everything the Aztec Athlet- Qualcomm Stadium ics Center has to offer, San Diego State has Isome of the finest athletic facilities west of the Mississppi River. On the south, the Aztec Athletic Center is buffered by the SDSU Sports Deck, where San Diego State's track and field team, along with both soccer squads compete. On the north side, it is connected to Peter- son Gym, the home of Aztec volleyball. The west exit of the building opens onto three 120-yard practice fields. One of the fields is natural grass and two utilize field-turf, pro- viding San Diego State daily options for its workouts. All of SDSU's new facilities, including the athletics center, Cox Arena, Tony Gwynn Sta- Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl dium and the Sports Deck, have opened since 1997. Just this past spring, San Diego State opened its new 12-court tennis complex com- plete with state-of-the art Plexicushion surfac- ing and a tennis operations center. Also opening last spring was the softball team’s new stadium adjacent to Tony Gwynn Sta- dium. The buildings are not just sparkling new, but they are already postseason tested. Cox Arena, the 12,400-seat basketball facility, has served as a site for the 2001 and 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Division I Championship Tony Gwynn Stadium (first and second rounds), the 2001 NCAA Di- vision I Women's Volleyball National Cham- pionship and the 2006 McDonald’s Boys and Girls High School All-American games. The Sports Deck has already played host to the Mountain West Conference Track & Field Championships. Tony Gwynn Stadium was the site of the MWC baseball tournament in 2001 and the softball stadium hosted the 2005 Mountain West Conference softball championship. Also in the plans for Montezuma Mesa is a new pool where the San Diego State women’s swimming and diving and women’s water polo programs will compete. The complex will One of Two Field-Turf Practice Fields feature two pools, one for competition and an- other for recreation, and is set to open in spring 2007. Besides all of the school’s on-campus facil- ities, the football team plays at Qualcomm Sta- dium, home of the National Football League’s San Diego Chargers, in Mission Valley. Qual- comm Stadium is the host of the Holiday and Poinsettia Bowls and was the home of Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. Tony Gwynn Stadium, the Aztec Athletics Center and the Aztec Tennis Center were con- structed thanks to donations by owners John and Becky Moores.

41 2007 Women’s Track and Field Media Guide AZTEC LEADERSHIP

Dr. Stephen L. Weber Jeff Schemmel University President Director of Athletics

tephen L. Weber, the seventh presi- eff Schemmel, who brings a wealth of dent of San Diego State University, experience, a history of success and Sprovides dynamic leadership to an in- Jnew expectations to Montezuma Mesa, stitution that ranks among the largest in the was introduced as San Diego State’s Direc- nation and third largest in California. Edu- tor of Athletics on July 6, 2005. cated as a philosopher, President Weber Schemmel immediately became one of the began his tenure at SDSU in July 1996 and most accomplished sitting athletic directors shortly afterward initiated a broad-based dialog intended to set the in the country. He is a former practicing attorney, has directed a Final course for the University’s future. Four, served as a senior administrator at Big 10 and Big 12 schools, and Under President Weber’s guidance, students, faculty, staff, alumni played a part in what might be the biggest football turnaround in the and community leaders participated in shaping this “Shared Vision.” history of college athletics. SDSU is now moving boldly ahead toward goals set by those discus- Schemmel arrived at San Diego State from Conference USA, where sions: reinforcing academic excellence, nurturing students, honoring di- he had served as associate commissioner for governance and legal af- versity and social justice, carefully stewarding resources and further fairs since October of 2004. During his stay in Dallas, he helped the developing global programs. league negotiate television contracts with ESPN and College Sports Tel- A champion of community involvement as well as academic excel- evision that exceeded more than $100 million in revenue, and he served lence, President Weber has been an advocate for community service. as a member of the NCAA Division I Management Council. Leading by example, he is immediate past chair of the American Asso- From February of 2004 to October of 2004, Schemmel was the senior ciation of State Colleges and Universities Board of Directors and co- vice president and executive director of development for the Arizona chairs Partners for K-12 School Reform. He also serves on the boards of State University Foundation, where he oversaw that school’s fundrais- governors of The Peres Center for Peace and the San Diego Foundation, ing efforts while supervising approximately 135 employees across the and on the boards of directors of the San Diego Regional Economic De- Tempe campus. velopment Corporation, the San Diego Science and Technology Coun- Schemmel was an administrator at the University of Minnesota from cil, and the California Healthcare Institute. He co-chairs the College 1991 to 2003. During his stay in the Twin Cities, he advanced from as- Presidents Forum of the San Diego County Policy Panel on Youth Ac- sociate athletic director for compliance to senior associate athletic di- cess to Alcohol. rector and chief operating officer for Gopher athletics. In addition, President Weber is a member of the international advi- Along with his departmental duties, Schemmel supervised and im- sory board for the Foundation for Children of the Californias, the advi- plemented a $3 million capital improvement campaign and directed the sory council of the San Diego Performing Arts League, and the school’s efforts in hosting NCAA Championship events, including the honorary advisory board of the San Diego Science Alliance. He is a 2001 Final Four, one of America’s fastest growing events. member of the San Diego Rotary Club, an honorary director of the Japan From 1988 to 1991, Schemmel was an administrator at his alma Society of San Diego and Tijuana, and a member of the advisory board mater, Kansas State. He served as the school’s assistant athletic director for Bahcesehir University in Turkey. for development and later was the associate athletic director for compli- Born in Boston, President Weber is a graduate of Bowling Green Uni- ance while supervising the school’s Olympic sports. versity with a B.A. in philosophy. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy Schemmel was part of the management team that hired Bill Snyder from the University of Notre Dame in 1969 and is the author of numer- as the Wildcats head football coach. Under Snyder’s direction, Kansas ous articles on philosophy and higher education. State executed what is considered one of the greatest turnarounds in President Weber’s many awards include an honorary degree from college football history. K-State had made just one bowl appearance in Beijing Capital Normal University. He was named among the 1997 its history prior to Snyder’s arrival, did not win a single game in the Headliners of the Year by the San Diego Press Club. Also in 1997, the two seasons before he took over in 1989, and had just three wins in the San Diego Mediation Center honored him with its Peacemaker Award. previous four seasons. Under Snyder, the Wildcats went to a bowl game In 1999, President Weber received the Executive Director’s Award from 11 times and claimed their first-ever Big 12 title. the San Diego Education Association and the Gold Key Award from Schemmel was a decorated runner at Kansas State and was named the San Diego Hospitality Association. He was recognized as a Leader the 1976 outstanding student athlete at the school. As a Wildcat, he was of Vision by the League of Women Voters of San Diego in 2000. a four-time track and field All-American, a five-time Big 8 Conference Before coming to SDSU, President Weber served as interim provost champion, was a member of a national champion distance medley relay of the State University of New York (SUNY). He also served seven years team and won the Big 8 Conference Medallion. as president of the SUNY Oswego campus. Prior to that he was vice He also served as an ABC Television and Time Magazine correspon- president of academic affairs at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, dent for the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. dean of arts and sciences at Fairfield University in Connecticut, and as- After earning his undergraduate degree in political science, Schem- sistant to the president of the University of Maine. While a faculty mem- mel earned his law degree at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. He ber at the University of Maine, he was recognized as the outstanding began his professional career as an attorney and later was a partner in professor in humanities. his own firm, specializing in business and sports law. President Weber is married to Susan Keim Weber, who shares his en- Schemmel and his wife, Lori, have been married for 29 years. They thusiastic commitment to SDSU. They have two sons. have two adult sons, Justin, and Jon, who plays minor league baseball in the New York Mets organization.

42 San Diego State University SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

 SDSU is No. 9 in the nation and No. 4 in total of more than a half-billion dollars in California for bachelor’s degrees awarded external funding in the last four years, and to Hispanics according to the May 2006 annual research funding secured by SDSU faculty is about double compared to that of eginning its 110th academic year in fall issue of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Educa- a decade ago. 2006, San Diego State University can tion. take pride in more than a century of B  The School of Accountancy was the first  Recently completed facilities, totaling more achievement in education, research and serv- ice. With an enrollment of more than 34,000 and one of only four accredited accounting than $200 million in value, include Cuica- students, SDSU has grown into the largest in- programs in California. Student test scores calli, a dining and residence complex; the stitution of higher education in the San Diego on the CPA exam consistently rank among Chemical Sciences Laboratory, a showcase region and one of the largest in California. the top five in the nation. of leading-edge laboratories and infrastruc- ture; a 2,458-space parking structure, the  largest in the California State University  San Diego State currently grants bachelor’s The SDSU College of Business’ Entrepre- system; and the Aztec Athletics Center, degrees in 81 academic areas, master’s de- neurial Management Center is a Nasdaq housing coaches' offices, training facilities grees in 72 and doctoral degrees in 16. Center of Excellence, which places it among the top eight such programs in the and the Wise Foundation Hall of Fame. The summer of 2005 also marked the long-  One in seven adults in San Diego holds a nation awaited completion of the SDSU trolley degree from San Diego State.  San Diego State has been designated a “Re- station and tunnel, part of the Metropolitan Transit Development Board's Mission Val-  SDSU is No. 14 in the nation for bachelor’s search University” with high research ac- ley East extension of the San Diego Trolley degrees conferred to ethnic minorities ac- tivity by the Carnegie Foundation. This system. cording to the June 2006 edition of Black Is- designation places SDSU among the top sues in Higher Education. 200 universities conducting research in the United States. Peers in this group include Georgetown, Syracuse, Notre Dame and  SDSU’s undergraduate international busi- Oregon. ness program was ranked No. 9 in the na- tion in August 2005 by U.S. News & World  Report. SDSU was also ranked No. 22 in en- SDSU’s college of education ranked No. 57 trepreneurship among best graduate pro- in the nation in the U.S. News & World Re- grams in April 2006, by the same magazine. port’s 2006 rankings of best graduate schools.

 San Diego State’s graduate school of public health is No. 1 in the continental U.S. for Hispanic graduates.

 In 2002, SDSU was ranked among the 31 hottest and trendiest universities in the nation according to Kaplan’s An- nual National High School Guidance Counselor Survey.

 SDSU faculty received more than $130 million in grants and contracts for research and administering programs during the fiscal year 2004/2005, the most of any California State University campus. SDSU faculty have received a

43 2007 Women’s Track and Field Media Guide AZTEC ACADEMIC SUPPORT

ment employs more than 20 mentors and tu- tors. Collectively, they operate a program that enhances each student’s satisfactory progress toward graduation.

The Services Throughout the academic year, advisors offer a variety of services to aid individuals in the development of their personal goals and the blueprint for pursuing those goals. All new student-athletes are invited to an orientation that helps lay the foundation for future successes. Each advisor teaches a sec- tion of the University’s Freshman Success course (General Studies 100), which deals with specific transition issues for student-athletes. Topics include time management, study skills and test taking. In addition, the course also in- troduces new students to services such as the Love Library, University Advising Center, Ca- reer Services, Health Services and the counsel- ing center.

he dual role of student and athlete can The Resources student-athletes were treated to an awards be a daunting challenge for any person In the fall of 2001, the academic unit joined banquet and ceremonies to recognize out- Tat the Division I level. Recognizing that the rest of the athletic department in moving standing individual achievements throughout academic challenge, the Student Athlete Aca- into the new $30 million, 130,000-square-foot the athletic department. demic Support Services (SAASS) program has Aztec Athletics Center. The academic staff is been developed at San Diego State to assist all located on the third floor of the complex and Life Skills student-athletes in achieving academic excel- includes a new 40-station computer lab, indi- To further increase the opportunities for lence. vidual study rooms and two lecture rooms. success, San Diego State is part of the NCAA’s It is a source of pride within San Diego State CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. The curricu- athletics that the department has developed The Commitment lum of Aztec Pride (Promoting Responsibility, one of the most comprehensive academic sup- San Diego State’s annual Scholar-Athlete Integrity, Diversity, Education) offers a wide port programs in the country. Awards Banquet honors students with a range of programs and activities that enhance grade-point average in excess of 3.2. In 2006, the educational experience. Special emphasis The Staff 206 student-athletes, more than one-third of is placed on the areas of personal develop- The SAASS staff includes a learning special- the SDSU student-athlete body, were honored ment, community service and career develop- ist, four academic advisors, the department’s at the Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet and at- ment. director of compliance, an eligibility coordina- tended a theatrical production downtown. In conjunction with the Student Athlete Ad- tor, a financial aid coordinator as well as a re- A new event was launched in the spring of visory Committee, the Life Skills Program rep- cruitment coordinator. 2005 with the inaugural Student-Athlete Ad- resents SDSU’s total commitment to enhancing In addition to the full-time staff, the depart- visory Committee (SAAC) Awards. SDSU’s the quality of each student’s experience.

44 San Diego State University AZTEC CULTURE

San Diego State’s Aztec Heritage sphere of influence that From the early decades of its history, San Diego State has identi- stretched across much of fied itself with the Aztecs, one of the most sophisticated and distinc- present-day Mexico. tive societies in the history of the Western Hemisphere. A fitting Tenochtitlan and its choice for a university committed to internationalism and diversity, surrounding valley the Aztec identity evokes great pride in Mexico, as well as among evolved into a many people in the United States, and certainly within the SDSU highly sophisti- community. Consequently, San Diego State strives to honor the cated, multicul- Aztec people by enhancing awareness, understanding and appreci- tural and ation of Aztec culture and achievements. multilingual city- state of several Aztec History million inhabi- Aztec civilization dates back at least to the 12th century A.D. The tants. At this same precise location is still debated by scholars, but tradition tells us of time, major Euro- a place somewhere north of modern-day known at that pean cities num- time as Aztlan, which meant "the place of the cranes" or "the place of bered only 30,000 to the herons." The people who lived in this land were called Azteca, 40,000 in population. A meaning "those of Aztlan." cradle of innovation, the The Azteca eventually left their homeland and became known as Aztec Empire devel- the Mexica. Native folklore attributes this name change to the in- oped advanced sys- structions of the people's patron deity, Huitzilopochtli (Humming- tems of trade, bird on the Left). science, politics, re- Around 1325, the Mexica settled on an island in Lake Texcoco, an ligion, education area that is now the heart of Mexico City, and named it Tenochtitlan and agriculture. or "the place of the fruit of the cactus." A century later, the Mexica The Aztecs also and two other Nahuatl-speaking city-states, Texcoco and Tlacopan, enjoyed sports combined to create an entity popularly known as the Aztec Empire. and built Boasting a strong military force, this new alliance commanded a grand ball- courts to ac- commodate team events.

Aztecs and San Diego State San Diego State University first adopted the Aztec name in the 1920s as a nickname for the college's sports teams. In 1925, the stu- dent newspaper followed suit, changing its name from The Paper Lantern to The Aztec. Since that time, San Diego State's celebration of Aztec heritage has permeated the campus. In 1936, a Donald Hord sculpture of Montezuma II, the last Aztec emperor, became a wel- coming campus icon. With the passing years, Aztec themes echoed in the names, colors and architectural elements of new campus build- ings. And Aztec culture became the subject of more than a dozen university courses. In 1941, Monty Montezuma, a character based on Montezuma II, debuted at San Diego State athletic events as a symbolic personifica- tion of the Aztecs. Over time, the Montezuma character's look and activities have evolved from a sports mascot into a more dignified and accurate representation of the historical emperor. Montezuma now serves as the university's ambassador of Aztec culture, charged with the responsibility of informing and educating the San Diego community about Aztec civilization. SDSU continues to take pride in its affiliation with Aztec culture and to celebrate the Aztec virtues of strength, valor and intellectual achievement.

45 2007 Women’s Track and Field Media Guide MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE

State (1978) and Air Force (1980) were long- the most compelling college sports action in time members as well. UNLV entered the fold the country. It combines Comcast’s industry- in 1996 and TCU began its first year of compe- leading sports media expertise and cross-plat- tition in 2005-06. form distribution resources with CSTV’s When the MWC officially began operations singular focus on providing a multimedia col- on July 1, 1999, the new league had in place a lege athletics experience and their deep rela- seven-year contract with ESPN, giving the tionship with the MWC. The mtn. will deliver broadcaster exclusive national television rights more access to MWC sports coverage than has to MWC football and men’s basketball; and ever been offered before, and bring fans more three-year agreements to send the league’s coverage of the teams, rivalries, and action of football champion to the Liberty Bowl and a the MWC. The mtn. will not only broadcast second team to the Las Vegas Bowl. Thompson live games, but will air a variety of studio also arranged a third bowl tie-in each of the shows, including pre and post-game shows, first three years (1999 Motor City, 2000 Silicon which break down MWC games, look ahead Mountain West Conference Valley, 2001 New Orleans) before securing a to the big games on the horizon and feature ex- 15455 Gleneagle Drive, Suite 200 four-year deal with the Emerald Bowl in San tensive game highlights. The unique coverage Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Francisco in 2002. An innovator in the postsea- includes over 30 football games, 75 men’s bas- Phone: (719) 488-4040 son bowl structure, the MWC engineered ketball games, 25 women’s basketball games, many “firsts,” as league teams will have partic- conference championships, and men’s and Fax: (719) 487-7241 ipated in four inaugural bowl games (2000 Sil- women’s Olympic matches, including sports icon Valley, 2001 New Orleans, 2002 San like swimming and diving, soccer, and tennis. This is the Mountain West Francisco (Emerald), 2005 Poinsettia Bowl), as CSTV is the 24-hour college sports network From its inception in 1999, the Mountain well as placing the first non-automatic- owned by CBS Corporation. It covers more West Conference has been committed to excel- qualifying BCS team into a BCS bowl game college sports and more schools, across more lence in intercollegiate athletics, while promot- with Utah’s appearance in the 2005 Tostitos Fi- platforms than any other network. CSTV is a ing the academic missions of its member esta Bowl. national network built to connect passionate institutions. Progressive in its approach, the college sports fans to their favorite sports and MWC continues to cultivate opportunities for 2005-06 in Review teams. CSTV offers a variety of original pro- student-athletes to compete at the highest The 2005-06 academic year concluded with gramming and studio shows featuring expert level, while fostering academic achievement several significant achievements for the MWC. analysts and hosts that provide in-depth col- and sportsmanship. The MWC has been as- League newcomer TCU would make an imme- lege football coverage and also examine the en- sertive in its involvement with the NCAA gov- diate impact in its first year in the MWC, win- tire landscape of college sports, bringing fans ernance structure and has taken a leadership ning conference titles in football, baseball and the latest news, highlights and stories. role in the overall administration of intercolle- tennis. The Horned Frogs capped an 11-1 sea- As CSTV’s national presence grows along giate athletics. son with a victory over Iowa St. in the Houston with its Top Ten sports Website, The MWC is noted for its geographic diver- Bowl and ranked No. 9 in the final USA Today www.cstv.com, the Mountain West Confer- sity. Some of the most beautiful terrain and top 25 poll. Overall, the MWC sent a record ence, its teams and student-athletes will con- landscapes in the nation can be found within four teams to bowl games and posted a 2-2 tinue to gain even more national exposure Mountain West Conference boundaries, in- mark in those contests. Seventeen football stu- across a variety of platforms. Together, CSTV cluding the majestic Rocky Mountain range, dent-athletes earned all-America honors, while and the mtn. will showcase the passion and which borders four MWC schools (Utah, BYU, another dozen were selected in the 2006 NFL pageantry of the Mountain West Conference, Air Force and Colorado State). The high plains Draft. while delivering unparalleled 24/7 coverage of Wyoming (elevation 7,220 feet – the highest to fans across the nation. Division I campus in the nation) contrast with Exposure the desert city of Las Vegas (the fastest grow- On Aug. 26, 2004, College Sports Television Achievement ing metropolitan area in the West) and the Pa- (CSTV) and the MWC announced a visionary The MWC has produced over 425 All- cific Ocean locale of San Diego State. The partnership that revolutionized the college America selections among its 19 sponsored southwestern flavor of New Mexico comple- sports landscape. The landmark agreement sports in the last seven years, including a ments the western heritage and culture of Fort was the first NCAA Division I-A football and league record 84 All-America honorees in Worth, Texas, home of the MWC’s newest men’s basketball conference wide deal for 2004-05. Over 70 MWC student-athletes have member, TCU. CSTV. The CSTV/MWC partnership creates a also earned Academic All-America accolades fully integrated multi-media relationship that in that span. The MWC has sent at least 30 History will deliver more games to more people in teams to NCAA postseason events each of the The MWC was conceived on May 26, 1998, more homes across more sports than any other past seven years. when the presidents of eight institutions — Air Conference partnership. Force, Brigham Young, Colorado State, New In the fall of 2006, CSTV Networks and the Opportunity Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV, Utah and Mountain West Conference kicked off an un- The MWC provides a first-class athletic and Wyoming — decided to form a new NCAA precedented 14-year relationship to offer the academic experience for over 4,000 student- Division I-A intercollegiate athletic conference. most in-depth coverage ever centered around athletes each year. In the past four years, 12 The split from the former 16-team Western one Division I-A conference. The centerpiece MWC student-athletes have earned NCAA Athletic Conference re-established continuity of this historic relationship is the launch of the Postgraduate Scholarships, and since the and stability among the membership within mtn. (“The mountain”)—MountainWest league’s inception in 1999, an additional 14 the new league and signaled the continuation Sports Network, the first-ever sports network student-athletes were named MWC Student- of its tradition-rich, long-standing athletic ri- serving a collegiate athletic conference 24 Athlete of the Year and awarded league-spon- valries. Five of the MWC’s eight members hours a day, 7 days a week. On July 19, 2006, sored postgraduate scholarships. Two have been conference rivals since the 1960s Comcast was named an equity partner in the student-athletes have earned distinction as (Brigham Young, Utah, New Mexico, mtn. This network brings together an unparal- Rhodes Scholars (Jessica Mellinger, Wyoming Wyoming, Colorado State), while San Diego leled collection of resources to deliver some of and Delavane Diaz, Air Force).

46 San Diego State University

CITY OF SAN DIEGO

The City San Diego Quick Facts Dubbed the “jewel” of the southern California Population (County) ...... 3,017,204 coast, the city of San Diego has grown to sur- Population (City)...... 1,266,753 round its natural harbor and is the eighth U.S. Population Rank (City)...... Eighth largest city in the United States and the second Avg. Daytime Temperature...... 70 largest in California. Avg. Annual Rain Fall...... 10 inches Airport...... Lindbergh Field (SAN) Diversity Media Age of Residents ...... 32 The rich flavors and colors of this diverse pop- ulation blends all ethnic groups and all walks of life to create an amazing quality of life that makes San Diego all things to all people.

Natural Beauty As America’s seventh largest city, San Diego also protects vast areas of open space for rid- ing, hiking, skiing, and camping. The region also boasts more than 70 miles of beaches along its coastline. From Torrey Pines and La Costa to Aviara, Mission Bay or Singing Hills, beautiful settings offer an abundance of golf and tennis options.

The Weather Meteorologists claim San Diego as the coun- try’s only area with a perfect climate. This year-round environment posts an average daytime temperature of 70 degrees, with an annual rainfall average of less than 10 inches.

Ideal Living Whether watching the sun rise over the east county mountains or the sun setting over the Pacific, in San Diego, one is surrounded by natural beauty, pampered by an ideal climate, immersed in old-world traditions and able to enjoy a comfortable, friendly lifestyle that no other city offers. What a treat to live, play and study in “America’s Finest City.”

Places To Go There’s always something to do in San Diego. SeaWorld, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, LEGOLAND Califor- nia, Balboa Park and historic Old Town are just some of the attractions San Diego has to offer.

If it’s art and history you seek, you’ll find it here. Did you know San Diego is the birthplace of California or that San Diego boasts the largest concentration of museums west of the Mississippi?

San Diego also offers Tony Award-winning theatre, opera, symphony, art galleries and performance art for the culturally curious.

For that “night on the town” San Diego’s night life beckons with over 200 nightclubs that offer toe-tapping beats of everything from country western to R&B.

48 San Diego State University