SAN DIEGO – San Diego State swimming and diving head coach Mike Shrader has released the team's 2020-21 schedule.
"Our team of incredible, first-class young women are doing the best in the opportunities given to them in these unprecedented times," Shrader said. "It is really all about our attitude and effort and we have been excellent in both of those areas (throughout the pandemic). We are so excited to have the opportunity to compete and represent San Diego State University in a first-class manner."
When asked about his excitement for the season, associate head coach Stephen Allnutt noted that "the Aztec swimmers, divers, and coaching staff are thrilled to resume intercollegiate competition in December. We'd like to thank the SDSU Athletics Department staff for preparing us to compete in a safe manner. Additional thanks to the Mountain West Conference administrators, the San Diego County Health Department, and the Aztec Recreation staff for creating an optimal environment that will allow our student-athletes to bring out their best in the pool and on the diving boards. We are ready to make the most of our opportunities ahead of us!"
The Aztecs kick off the season on Dec. 4 at Fresno State, competing in a tri-meet against the San José State Spartans and the Bulldogs. SDSU continues the season and closes out 2020 with their first home meet of the season, hosting the University of San Diego Toreros on Dec. 10 for a Pentathlon. Due to city, county, and state protocols, fans will not be allowed at Aztec home meets throughout the 2020-21 season.
After a 36-day break for finals and the holiday season, the Scarlet and Black open 2021 on the road. The Scarlet and Black head to Malibu, Calif. for a dual meet against Pepperdine on Jan. 15 and just one day later travel to San Luis Obispo, Calif. to compete against the Cal Poly Mustangs, Jan. 16.
To finish the regular season, the Aztecs have two meets in San Diego County, one at the University of San Diego, Jan. 22, and senior day at the Aquaplex against Pepperdine, Jan. 29.
SDSU's divers get one extra taste of competition before the MWC Championships, Feb. 4-6, participating in the Air Force Diving Invite in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The Mountain West Conference Swimming and Diving Championships are in separate locations this year due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols but will run simultaneously. The Aztec swimmers head to Las Vegas, Nev. for the swimming championships, Feb 17-20, while the Aztec divers travel back to Colorado Springs, Colo to compete Feb. 18-20.
For those San Diego State swimmers who do not qualify for the MW Championships, an additional chance to hit the water one more time comes in Sin City where UNLV will host the MWC Invitational, Feb. 25-28.
The Zone E Diving Championships are scheduled for March 8-10 in Flagstaff, Ariz, the final opportunity for Aztec divers to qualify for the NCAA Championships, March 17-20. Aztec swimmers can qualify for the event throughout the season with "A" or "B" cut times. The national championship meet will take place in Greensboro, N.C.