SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - He's been a fan since before anyone on the Aztecs team was even born. Tom Ables is what you call a "super fan", and he's been a familiar face in the stands for more than 60 years.
Tom has been to more than 1,000 Aztecs men's basketball games. Just days before the team makes history, Tom recounts the start of his love affair.
"I was a battleship sailor on the Alabama in August 1946, September '46 I was a sports editor for the Aztec newspaper," he said.
Tom's other great love affair began that same year, when he began dating Nancy. The two have now been married for 62 years, and have gone to nearly every game together since they met.
"Hey she's a bigger fan than I am. Basketball games, I gotta be careful, she's very rowdy. I have to keep her calmed down," Tom said.
At 85 years old, Tom's energy is contagious, and his enthusiasm is inspiring.
"It's not a question of whether they won or lost. It's the Aztecs and that's our team," he said.
Tom founded the team's booster club, and is very active in San Diego State's athletic department. Despite holding down a full-time job running his own marketing firm, his dedication got him inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
One of his favorite basketball memories is the most recent.
"We just beat the heck out of Brigham Young," he said.
And he says this season has been a dream.
"I've had a lot of good years, but there is no way you could equal a year like this one," Tom said.
Tom is modest about his contributions, but he is more than willing to brag about the team he loves.
"I've already bought my tickets all the way through the Final Four if that tells you anything," he said.
Looking forward past Thursday's game to Saturday's game, Tom says he wants to see the Aztecs take on Duke.
