When someone is asked, ‘‘Who is an Aztec for Life,’’ names like Tony Gwynn, Steve Fisher, Marshall Faulk and Donnel Pumphrey would first come to mind.
But for Steve Bartel, an event and equipment manager for San Diego State water polo and other athletic departments for over 30 years, he made an impact that will be forever remembered.
Before SDSU water polo’s match to begin the second day of the Aztec Invitational, the home team honored Bartel, who passed away last November. In memoriam, the Aztec Invitational will be renamed in his honor.
Head coach Carin Crawford, who has known Bartel since she came to the Mesa in 1999, said he has meant a lot to this program.