Aztec Legend

SDSU Coach Steve Fisher

SDSU Coach Steve Fisher

San Diego’s sports fans didn’t exactly storm Montezuma Mesa on the night Steve Fisher made his Aztecs coaching debut.

Though San Diego State basketball has become the hottest ticket in town, it was barely lukewarm on November 24, 1999, when just 2,697 showed up to watch Fisher—who’d led Michigan to a national championship 10 years earlier—direct SDSU to a 73–57 victory over UC Riverside at Cox (now Viejas) Arena. Empty seats outnumbered people by almost 4–1.

Things got ugly after that opening win, with the Aztecs finishing 5–23 overall and 0–14 in the Mountain West Conference. Plus, only true believers bothered to watch. The average attendance: 2,618.

“Our announced attendance was small, but it was a lot more than were actually in the building,” says Fisher, laughing.

It’s easy for Fisher, 68, to smile. He’s been the architect of one of the greatest turnarounds in college basketball.

In his 15th season, this March Fisher will take the Aztecs into the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season, and the seventh since he was hired. Before Fisher’s arrival, SDSU had been a part of March Madness just three times, the most recent in 1985.

Fisher transformed a program that had had just one winning season in its previous 14 to one with nine straight 20-win seasons and 11 postseason appearances.

Today, a long row of championship and tournament banners hangs in Viejas Arena. The team is often nationally ranked, its games shown on national television, and attracts some of the country’s top recruits. Every home game for two seasons has sold out, and the “The Show”—a loud, irreverent, and fervent flock of fans—has helped create one of the best environments in college basketball.

The underdog became a top dog, and Fisher says he tries to step back now and then to savor what he’s built.

“I’m at a stage and an age where I have enjoyed the whole process,” he says. “We talk to the players, ‘Enjoy the journey. Don’t get so caught up in what’s next. Enjoy what’s going on.’ So yeah, I’ve been able to do that.”

It took hundreds of small steps for the Aztecs to get where they are today.

Following Fisher’s first season, the Aztecs signed talented transfer Randy Holcomb, a true difference maker, and climbed to 14–14. In year two, they broke a 30-game road losing streak. “We celebrated like we had just gotten to the Final Four,” says Fisher.

In year three they got hot, won the conference tournament, went to the NCAA Tournament and finished 21–12.

It was a shocking transition, but Myron Epps—who came to SDSU the year before Fisher and was part of that first NCAA team—knew it was a sign of things to come.

“It was awesome,” says Epps, now a high school coach in Tulare who also runs a youth program called the Aztec Basketball Academy. “It came on overnight. We became known on the national scene and started drawing the interest of kids all over.”

The signing of Holcomb—”That was huge,” says Fisher—and more winning seasons led to signing a succession of other talented players such as Brandon Heath, Marcus Slaughter, Kawhi Leonard, Jamaal Franklin, and Xavier Thames. The program has thrived on Fisher’s formula of athleticism and defense, defense, and more defense.

Epps says SDSU attracts great talent because of Fisher’s reputation.

“He can adapt and he can relate to kids from many backgrounds,” says Epps. “We could confide in him and trust that he had our best interests at hand.”

Another famous Aztec alum sees the same qualities in Fisher.

“When you play a style the kids believe in and you have a coaching staff that preaches playing together and believing in each other, that’s the kind of thing that can happen,” says Tony Gwynn. “We waited a long time for this to happen. Coach Fisher deserves all the credit in the world. It’s the hottest ticket in town. And it’s well worth it, too, if you can get in there.”

But at 68, how long will Fisher coach?

In 2011, he signed a four-year contract extension through the 2014–15 season. As part of that deal, his longtime assistant, Brian Dutcher, was designated as head coach-in-waiting. Dutcher has taken on more of a central role so that when Fisher retires, the transition will be seamless. Fisher says he has absolute faith the program will continue to flourish and calls Dutcher a terrific coach and tactician.

Fisher wanted Dutcher designated his successor to send a signal to recruits that there will be continuity. In part, that was to counter rumors of retirement that were largely generated by schools competing with SDSU for the same talent.

“Some people were starting to say, ‘Well, he’s not going to be there for you. Who’s going to be your head coach? You don’t want to play for a guy you don’t know,’” says Fisher.

Fisher will decide after each season if he’ll continue or walk away. He has a terrific team this year and a touted class of recruits for next season.

“I could go longer, but I’m not going to go forever,” he says, smiling. But he’s still enjoying the journey.

“It’s always more fun when you win.”

The Beast and Belle

The Beast and Belle | Photo by Amy Boyle

Hilary Maiberger is currently starring as Belle in Broadway San Diego’s presentation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which opens at the Civic Theatre on January 7. The San Diego State alum talks with San Diego Magazine about playing a princess, her future as a film star, and the local training that led to her dream role.

How would you say your experience in the music department at SDSU shaped you as a performer?

When I applied at the SDSU music department I had no idea what to expect. All I knew is that I loved to sing. I quickly found out that I had my work cut out for me. Taking voice lessons that focused on classical training (which I had never had before), theory, piano, dictation, aural skill, music history… it was the hardest, most fulfilling four years of my life. I was becoming a well-rounded musician, which I never really thought I could be. I wanted to be a pop star when I came to SDSU, and there I was singing Italian arias, playing piano, and composing music! I then decided to continue on to get my master’s, and after that, there was no turning back.


Any teachers that were particularly influential?

Enrique Toral taught me that singing is so much more than just simply singing what is on the page.  It is about storytelling and taking people on a incredible journey. Enrique was not only a great performer, but an incredible and inspiring teacher. He put the emphasis on motivating acting choices, while teaching vocal technique. He was my first classical voice teacher and, really, my first acting teacher.

What advice can you give to aspiring actors in San Diego?

Practice, practice, practice. You can never practice enough! You have to put in the time and work if you really are serious about pursuing this career. I would also highly recommend taking dance and acting classes. I did not take any dance classes, and I frequently have trouble surviving a dance call. You’ve got to learn your strengths. If you are an amazing dancer, but a weaker singer/actor, do what you need to be better in those areas. If you’re a confident singer, and not a strong dancer, take the steps to be a more confident mover. School is great for discovering who you are, and gives you lots of opportunities to fail. It is also very important to be a well-rounded musician. Darick Pead, who plays the Beast, said it perfectly, “You can’t give of your heart if you’re focusing on technique.” I couldn’t agree more. 


The Beast and Belle

Hilary Maiberger as Belle | Photo by Joan Marcus

What are some things you miss about San Diego?

Oh how I miss the perfect weather, the beautiful people, and the amazing theater scene. And you can’t forget the ocean. Lying on the beach for hours with not a care in the world. It feels like home. â€¨

How does the theater scene in San Diego compare to other areas where you’ve performed?

I’ve performed in places where there is no theater so we perform in an ice arena that converts to a stage. Then there are places where there are four or five theaters in a two-mile radius.  I didn’t really know how good the theater scene was while I was attending SDSU. There are so many places that can help you perfect your craft. Moonlight Amphitheatre, San Diego Musical Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe… all incredible theaters.

Do you have a favorite role of all time? 

Belle. Hands down.

Why?

She is an incredible human being. Strong-willed, loving, caring, adventurous, spunky. She is everything I wanted to be when I was a kid which is why she was my favorite Disney princess. She was also my favorite because she had brown hair and brown eyes like me!ʉ۬

Past roles you loved?

Jo March from Little Women. Like Belle, she’s fearless and just plain awesome. â€¨

If you could play any other role in Beauty and the Beast, male or female, which would you choose?

Lumiere. I love to make people laugh, and that character makes audience members belly laugh.

Do you see yourself possibly branching out to film in the future?

I would love to try film. I’ve been told I have the face for film. Not sure what that means but I’ll take it.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs January 7 through 12 at the San Diego Civic Theatre downtown. For tickets, visit broadwaysd.com.

The Beast and Belle

The Beast and Belle | Photo by Amy Boyle

Hilary Maiberger is currently starring as Belle in Broadway San Diego’s presentation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which opens at the Civic Theatre on January 7. The San Diego State alum talks with San Diego Magazine about playing a princess, her future as a film star, and the local training that led to her dream role.

How would you say your experience in the music department at SDSU shaped you as a performer?

When I applied at the SDSU music department I had no idea what to expect. All I knew is that I loved to sing. I quickly found out that I had my work cut out for me. Taking voice lessons that focused on classical training (which I had never had before), theory, piano, dictation, aural skill, music history… it was the hardest, most fulfilling four years of my life. I was becoming a well-rounded musician, which I never really thought I could be. I wanted to be a pop star when I came to SDSU, and there I was singing Italian arias, playing piano, and composing music! I then decided to continue on to get my master’s, and after that, there was no turning back.


Any teachers that were particularly influential?

Enrique Toral taught me that singing is so much more than just simply singing what is on the page.  It is about storytelling and taking people on a incredible journey. Enrique was not only a great performer, but an incredible and inspiring teacher. He put the emphasis on motivating acting choices, while teaching vocal technique. He was my first classical voice teacher and, really, my first acting teacher.

What advice can you give to aspiring actors in San Diego?

Practice, practice, practice. You can never practice enough! You have to put in the time and work if you really are serious about pursuing this career. I would also highly recommend taking dance and acting classes. I did not take any dance classes, and I frequently have trouble surviving a dance call. You’ve got to learn your strengths. If you are an amazing dancer, but a weaker singer/actor, do what you need to be better in those areas. If you’re a confident singer, and not a strong dancer, take the steps to be a more confident mover. School is great for discovering who you are, and gives you lots of opportunities to fail. It is also very important to be a well-rounded musician. Darick Pead, who plays the Beast, said it perfectly, “You can’t give of your heart if you’re focusing on technique.” I couldn’t agree more. 


The Beast and Belle

Hilary Maiberger as Belle | Photo by Joan Marcus

What are some things you miss about San Diego?

Oh how I miss the perfect weather, the beautiful people, and the amazing theater scene. And you can’t forget the ocean. Lying on the beach for hours with not a care in the world. It feels like home. â€¨

How does the theater scene in San Diego compare to other areas where you’ve performed?

I’ve performed in places where there is no theater so we perform in an ice arena that converts to a stage. Then there are places where there are four or five theaters in a two-mile radius.  I didn’t really know how good the theater scene was while I was attending SDSU. There are so many places that can help you perfect your craft. Moonlight Amphitheatre, San Diego Musical Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe… all incredible theaters.

Do you have a favorite role of all time? 

Belle. Hands down.

Why?

She is an incredible human being. Strong-willed, loving, caring, adventurous, spunky. She is everything I wanted to be when I was a kid which is why she was my favorite Disney princess. She was also my favorite because she had brown hair and brown eyes like me!ʉ۬

Past roles you loved?

Jo March from Little Women. Like Belle, she’s fearless and just plain awesome. â€¨

If you could play any other role in Beauty and the Beast, male or female, which would you choose?

Lumiere. I love to make people laugh, and that character makes audience members belly laugh.

Do you see yourself possibly branching out to film in the future?

I would love to try film. I’ve been told I have the face for film. Not sure what that means but I’ll take it.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs January 7 through 12 at the San Diego Civic Theatre downtown. For tickets, visit broadwaysd.com.

Tailgating illustration

The moment Greg saw our son’s little alien face in our ultrasound a decade ago, he vowed to indoctrinate the entire family into the SDSU sports cult. My red-and-black-bleeding, Aztec-for-Life husband lured me in with Aztec men’s basketball, which was starting to show real promise under then-new coach Steve Fisher.

While I’m neither a sports lover nor an SDSU alum, I went to the games and actually got pretty into them, coming to hate BYU’s guts as much as any diehard Aztec. Sure, we had some dicey moments, like when Greg caught me reading the Wall Street Journal during a time out, but we worked through it and somehow saved our marriage.

Then Greg got greedy and suggested we get season tickets to Aztec football for the whole family. He knew exactly how to get me to agree: the tailgate. We’d pop up a canopy and canvas chairs, fire up the hibachi, grill some burgers, and drink beer with friends.

Not to be boastful, but I am so good at all of these things. I instantly became a diehard fan … of tailgating. I created new special sauce or burger topping each week and made it a real party.

The thing is, after a couple hours, you’re expected to leave this perfectly good party to sit on hard plastic chairs and watch football for six long hours. (Don’t try and tell me football games aren’t six hours long.)

Okay, so I don’t like football. The action-to-standing-around ratio is all wrong for someone with my fleeting attention span. But my misery originates in the stands, where my husband dutifully attempts to coach the Aztecs, tough-love style, by berating them for their shortcomings.

And the kids. OH MY GOD THE KIDS. Can I have a hot chocolate what about a pretzel how come he gets cotton candy I have to pee again how much longer is this going to be can we just go back to the car why are those kids running around why can’t we run around if she gets a hot chocolate can I have a soda I don’t like this pretzel my hot dog fell on the floor this is boring the Aztecs are losing this is the worst day of my life.

After two years of this, Greg suggested this summer that he not renew all four season tickets. Instead he’d get just two, and said I could “find somewhere else to read Twitter and tell the kids ‘no’ repeatedly.”

At his suggestion, I know just where I’ll be for every home game: sitting under a canopy in a canvas chair in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot.

“You go coach the team, honey,” I’ll say. “I’ll stay here with the kids and other diehard tailgate fans and make sure the beer doesn’t go to waste.”

Viejas Arena, home of the Aztecs

Ernie Anderson

As the story goes, SDSU men’s basketball coach Steve Fisher used to wander campus with a pocketful of tickets, imploring an indifferent student body to come to games. Boy, have times sure changed. The Aztecs have fast become the hottest ticket in town—much more so than the two pro teams in San Diego, the Chargers and Padres.

For the first time this year, the Aztecs turned away season-ticket requests and now have a waiting list to watch a team that advanced to the NCAA tournament in each of the last three seasons. This is a far cry from Fisher’s first season (1999-2000), when the team averaged 2,618 fans a game. These days, Viejas Arena rocks, awash with red and black and with former Aztecs like Padres manager Bud Black and NFL Hall of Fame tailback Marshall Faulk taking in games. “The energy is amazing,” says Mike May, associate athletic director of media relations. This means a sold-out crowd of 12,414 every game, even against less-than-marquee teams (looking at you, U of Arkansas–Pine Bluff). May says, “It’s been remarkable.”

TRY FOR TIX:

The school makes 2,500 tickets available for students each week. For non-students, secondary ticket markets (like StubHub) are your best bet. They’re also sold through Ticketmaster, when available.

COMING UP!

2/6 vs. Boise State

2/9 vs. Fresno State

2/19 vs. Wyoming

2/23 vs. Nevada