SDSU AD John David Wicker cites ‘disappointment and frustration,’ but also hope in email to Aztec Club

San Diego State AD John David Wicker speaks during a ribbon-cutting event last August for Snapdragon Stadium.

SDSU director of athletics addresses conference situation while asking supporters to invite ‘a fellow alumnus, a friend, a neighbor to join you at a game’

Aug. 26, 2023 1:14 PM PT

San Diego State’s most committed supporters woke up Saturday morning in anticipation of the football team’s season opener against Ohio.

Just hours before kickoff, they were greeted to an email in their inboxes from AD John David Wicker, who wrote “with a mix of emotions” in regard to his “disappointment and frustration in the recent events surrounding conference realignment.”

Wicker also shared a message of hope for SDSU’s athletic future and included a request that Aztec Club members bring an alum, friend or neighbor to a game.

“My ask of you is to help us fill up our home venues as we know with certainty that an enthusiastic Aztec crowd can inspire our student-athletes to be at their best.”

SDSU enters Year 2 at Snapdragon Stadium still looking for its first sellout of the 32,500-seat (35,000 capacity) venue.

The largest in-house crowd was 26,816 in last September’s season opener against Arizona. Announced attendance, which is based on tickets distributed, was 34,046. In-house attendance for Saturday’s 2023 opener against Ohio is expected to be in the low 20,000s.

Wicker’s eight-paragraph email to Aztec Club Members read as follows:

I write to you today this reflection with a mix of emotions,” Wicker’s message began, as I know many of you share my disappointment and frustration in the recent events surrounding conference realignment. It has been a challenging time for all of us, but I want to assure you that as we enter the 2023-24 academic and athletic year, we are committed to bringing more pride to Aztec Nation!

I acknowledge that we all had high hopes for the outcome of the conference realignment process. With the support of many, President de la Torre and I have worked tirelessly to secure the best possible situation for Aztec Athletics. Despite our efforts and successes along the way, the final decisions have been out of our control. Please know that I understand how disheartening this may feel.

Amidst the uncertainty that accompanies this period, I want to emphasize that we are still valued members of the Mountain West Conference. Our existing TV agreement and long-term stability in our affiliation with the MW provide a strong foundation for us to continue to build upon. A foundation that includes the most MW conference championships of any school, record shattering performances, Super Regional wins, National Title game appearances, continued academic excellence, and the best life skills program in the country.

I want to reiterate that every decision we make, and will continue to make, is with SDSU Athletics and our student-athletes as our top priority. We cannot do this without your generous support! You have helped us achieve many successes and look forward to many more. Together, we can conquer new heights!

As we continue forward, now, more than ever, we need all Aztecs to rally behind our beloved University. We must control what we can control. Our presence nationally will continue to rise when Aztec nation once again shows how mighty we can be. The estimated 7,000+ Aztecs at the Final Four was eye-opening to some, but we all know how great our alumni and fans truly can be!

My ask of you is to help us fill up our home venues as we know with certainty that an enthusiastic Aztec crowd can inspire our student-athletes to be at their best. Please ask a fellow alumnus, a friend, a neighbor to join you at a game. While college athletics is facing huge challenges, I firmly believe, on game day, it is still the absolute best place for comradery and engagement for our alumni and fans.

Together, we have overcome challenges in the past, and together we will always move forward, even in the face of uncertainty. Your investment in and passion for Aztec Athletics inspires me every day, and I am proud to lead this exceptional team. Thank you!!

Go Aztecs!

John David Wicker, Director of Athletics