SDSU Aztecs
Encyclopedia
The San Diego State Aztecs are the collegiate athletics
and sports teams for San Diego State University
(SDSU).
San Diego State has organized programs for baseball
, basketball
, football
, soccer
, golf
, gymnastics
, rowing
(crew), softball
, tennis
, track
, swimming
, diving
, women's volleyball
, and water polo
.
The Aztecs compete in NCAA
Division I (FBS for football). Its primary conference is the Mountain West Conference
. The women's water polo team participates in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
. The men's soccer team participates as an associate member of the Pacific-12 Conference (or "Pac-12"). The crew team is a member of the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association
(WIRA).
News reports (especially on local radio) often mention "Montezuma Mesa" or "news from the mesa" when discussing San Diego State-related sports events. The San Diego State campus is known as "Montezuma Mesa", as the university is situated on a mesa
overlooking Mission Valley
and is located at the intersection of Montezuma Road and College Avenue in the city of San Diego.
"The mission of the San Diego State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Team is to provide student-athletes the finest educational and athletic experience. We develop the leaders of tomorrow by instilling the core values and work ethic that inspires a passion for success in the classroom, on the field of competition, in the community, and in all future endeavors."
, black and Gold
.
Current Head Coach: Rocky Long
San Diego State University's football team is part of the highest level of American collegiate football, NCAA "Football Bowl Subdivision" of Division 1 (which was formerly known as Division 1 A). Until the 2010 season, the Aztec football team had not won a bowl game in the past 37 years.
In his second year as head coach, Brady Hoke led the team to an 8-4 record in the 2010 regular season and a win in the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl
, before accepting the Head Coaching job at the University of Michigan
.
San Diego State athletics have contributed richly to the National Football League
(NFL). Distinguished NFL head coaches were proud members of the Aztec Football program:
Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in the NFL are:
The football team plays at Qualcomm Stadium
(formerly known as "Jack Murphy" Stadium). See also The Q.
Current Head Coach (women's team): Beth Burns
San Diego State has both men's and women's college basketball
teams. Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in the NBA
and WNBA
are:
Other Aztecs basketball alumni who became more famous outside the sport are 1930s player Art Linkletter
, who went on to an illustrious entertainment career that spanned more than 70 years, and Tony Gwynn
, who also played baseball at San Diego State and opted for that sport professionally, ending up in the Hall of Fame
.
The basketball teams play at Viejas Arena (see also Viejas Arena website) on the San Diego State campus.
The team has had moderate success since Fisher was hired as head coach. The Aztecs won the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2011 earning automatic bids to the NCAA basketball tournament. The Aztecs were also the regular season Mountain West champions in 2006. On March 19, 2007, a new National Invitation Tournament
(NIT) attendance record was set, at 26,752, in a loss in the second-round men's basketball game against Syracuse
. They also made the MWC Tournament
Finals in 2009, losing the Championship to the Utah Utes
, 52-50.
After being overlooked by the NCAA Selection Committee for the 2009 tournament, the Aztecs went on to win the first three rounds of the National Invitational Tournament. With a win against St. Mary's in the tournament's quarter finals the 2008-09 team set a school record for wins in a single season with 26.
In 2010, both the Men's and Women's teams won the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament, earning an automatic berth to the NCAA basketball tournament.
In the 2010–2011 Season, the Men's team had a phenomenal record of 32-2 to capture a share of the Mountain West Conference title, and winning the Conference Tournament outright for the automatic berth to the 2011 NCAA basketball tournament. The only losses of the regular season were to another top 10 ranked team, BYU, who the Aztecs beat to win the tournament. They earned a 2nd seed in the National Championship Tournament.
Current Head Coach: Tony Gwynn
Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in MLB
are:
Current Head Coach (men's team): Lev Kirshner
Current Head Coach (women's team): Michael Giuliano
Some of the more famous San Diego State students soccer stars are:
The men's and women's soccer teams play at Sports Deck on the San Diego State campus. The women compete in the Mountain West Conference
while the men compete in the Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12)
In 1987, the San Diego State men's soccer team lost in the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship
finals by a score of 0-2 to Clemson
.
team competes in MCLA
Division I of the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference
. The women's Lacrosse teams begins play during the 2011 season in NCAA Division I of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
. Both teams play (or will play) their home games at the Sports Deck on the San Diego State campus.
College athletics
College athletics refers primarily to sports and athletic competition organized and funded by institutions of tertiary education . In the United States, college athletics is a two-tiered system. The first tier includes the sports that are sanctioned by one of the collegiate sport governing bodies...
and sports teams for San Diego State University
San Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
(SDSU).
San Diego State has organized programs for baseball
College baseball
College baseball is baseball that is played on the intercollegiate level at institutions of higher education. Compared to football and basketball, college competition in the United States plays a less significant contribution to cultivating professional players, as the minor leagues primarily...
, basketball
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
, football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
, soccer
College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
, golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
, gymnastics
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance. Internationally, all of the gymnastic sports are governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique with each country having its own national governing body...
, rowing
College rowing (United States)
Rowing is one of the oldest intercollegiate sports in the United States. However, rowers comprise only 2.2% of total college athletes. This may be in part because of the status of rowing as an amateur sport and because not all universities have access to suitable bodies of water. In the 2002-03...
(crew), softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
, tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
, track
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
, swimming
Swimming (sport)
Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native...
, diving
Diving
Diving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, sometimes while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally-recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.Diving is one...
, women's volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
, and water polo
Water polo
Water polo is a team water sport. The playing team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The winner of the game is the team that scores more goals. Game play involves swimming, treading water , players passing the ball while being defended by opponents, and scoring by throwing into a...
.
The Aztecs compete in NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
Division I (FBS for football). Its primary conference is the Mountain West Conference
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
. The women's water polo team participates in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation is a college athletic conference whose member teams are located in the western United States. The conference participates at the NCAA Division I level.-History:...
. The men's soccer team participates as an associate member of the Pacific-12 Conference (or "Pac-12"). The crew team is a member of the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association
Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association
The Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association is an American collegiate conference that only sponsors rowing.-Men's Rowing Members:*Arizona State University*California State University, Humboldt*California State University, Long Beach...
(WIRA).
News reports (especially on local radio) often mention "Montezuma Mesa" or "news from the mesa" when discussing San Diego State-related sports events. The San Diego State campus is known as "Montezuma Mesa", as the university is situated on a mesa
Mesa
A mesa or table mountain is an elevated area of land with a flat top and sides that are usually steep cliffs. It takes its name from its characteristic table-top shape....
overlooking Mission Valley
Mission Valley, California
Mission Valley is a wide river valley trending east-west in San Diego, California, through which the San Diego River flows to the Pacific Ocean...
and is located at the intersection of Montezuma Road and College Avenue in the city of San Diego.
Purpose
- San Diego State President Dr. Stephen L. Weber's discussion of the Importance of Athletics
"The mission of the San Diego State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Team is to provide student-athletes the finest educational and athletic experience. We develop the leaders of tomorrow by instilling the core values and work ethic that inspires a passion for success in the classroom, on the field of competition, in the community, and in all future endeavors."
School colors
The school colors are scarlet (red)Scarlet (color)
Scarlet is a bright red color with a hue that is somewhat toward the orange. It is redder than vermilion. It is a pure chroma on the color wheel one-fourth of the way between red and orange. Scarlet is sometimes used as the color of flame...
, black and Gold
Gold (color)
Gold, also called golden, is one of a variety of orange-yellow color blends used to give the impression of the color of the element gold....
.
Sports facilities
A detailed listing of the San Diego State athletics facilities, including photographs and descriptions, is found here: San Diego State Athletics Facilities.- Aztec Athletic Center
- Viejas Arena
- Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
- Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC)
- Tony Gwynn StadiumTony Gwynn StadiumTony Gwynn Stadium is the home field of the San Diego State University Aztecs college baseball team. In addition, the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the independent Golden Baseball League use the park as their home field.-Stadium history:...
- Peterson GymPeterson GymPeterson Gym is a 3,668 seat multi-purpose arena in San Diego, California. It opened in 1961. It was home to the San Diego State University Aztecs basketball teams until Cox Arena opened in 1997. Peterson Gym is currently the home of SDSU's varsity women's volleyball team.-References:*...
nasium - Aztec AquaplexAztec AquaplexThe Aztec Aquaplex, located on the San Diego State University campus in San Diego, California, USA. The facility is operated and managed by the , which provides passes for access.-Intercollegiate sports:...
- San Diego State Sports Deck
- San Diego State Softball Stadium
- San Diego State Tennis Stadium
- San Diego State Practice Facility & Fields
Championships
Total = nine (9)- 1941 - San Diego State Aztecs men's basketballSan Diego State Aztecs men's basketballThe San Diego State Aztecs basketball team is the basketball team that represent San Diego State University Aztecs in San Diego, California. The school's team currently competes in the Mountain West Conference, and play their home games in Viejas Arena...
team won the 1941 NAIA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament1941 NAIA Men's Division I Basketball TournamentThe 1941 NAIA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament was held in March at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The 5th annual NAIA basketball tournament featured 32 teams playing in a single-elimination format . The third time was the charm for the Aztecs of San Diego State...
.
-
- NOTE: In 1957, San Diego State left the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)National Association of Intercollegiate AthleticsThe National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
and moved into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)National Collegiate Athletic AssociationThe National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
, the top intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States- 1966, 1967 & 1968 - The football teams won the NCAA "Small College" (a.k.a. Division II) National Football ChampionshipsNCAA Division II national football championshipThe NCAA Division II National Football Championship began in 1973. Prior to 1973, four regional bowl games were played in order to provide postseason action for what was then called the NCAA College Division and a poll determined the final champion....
in 1966 and 1967, and shared the title in 1968.
- 1966, 1967 & 1968 - The football teams won the NCAA "Small College" (a.k.a. Division II) National Football Championships
- NOTE: In 1957, San Diego State left the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
- In 1966, SDSU had perfect undefeated 11-0-0 season.
- NOTE: In 1969, San Diego State left the NCAANational Collegiate Athletic AssociationThe National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
College Division and moved into the University Division, now known as Division I- 1973 - The men's volleyballVolleyballVolleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
team won the NCAA ChampionshipNCAA Men's Volleyball ChampionshipThe NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship is the tournament that determines the national championship of American college volleyball.The "Final Four" is a term used exclusively by NCAA Basketball but is commonly used to describe the Men's Volleyball Championship...
in 1973, but SDSU has since defunded Men's Volleyball.
- 1973 - The men's volleyball
- One of the team stars was Chris MarloweChris MarloweChristian "Chris" Marlowe is a former volleyball standout and current professional American sportscaster based in Denver, Colorado....
.- 1987 - The men's rugby unionRugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
team (a club sport) won the College rugby national championship in 1987. - 2009 - The cheer team won the College Cheerleading National Championships in the all women's division in 2009.
- 2011 - The cheer team won the College Cheerleading National Championships in the all women's division in 2011.
- 2011 - The dance team won the dance national championship
- 1987 - The men's rugby union
- NOTE: In 1969, San Diego State left the NCAA
Football
Rocky Long
-External links:*...
San Diego State University's football team is part of the highest level of American collegiate football, NCAA "Football Bowl Subdivision" of Division 1 (which was formerly known as Division 1 A). Until the 2010 season, the Aztec football team had not won a bowl game in the past 37 years.
In his second year as head coach, Brady Hoke led the team to an 8-4 record in the 2010 regular season and a win in the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl
2010 Poinsettia Bowl
The 2010 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl was the sixth edition of the college football bowl game and was played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The game was played at 5:00 PM US PST on Thursday, December 23, 2010 and broadcast on ESPN. The game featured Navy against...
, before accepting the Head Coaching job at the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
.
San Diego State athletics have contributed richly to the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL). Distinguished NFL head coaches were proud members of the Aztec Football program:
- Brian BillickBrian BillickBrian Harold Billick is a National Football League game analyst for Fox, and is also an analyst for the network's Bowl Championship Series coverage. He was previously an NFL coach, most recently with the Baltimore Ravens from January 19, 1999 to December 31, 2007...
- NFL former head coach of the Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
, He returned to coaching with San Diego State University, serving as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator for five seasons (1981–1985). After being named the offensive coordinator of Utah State University, Billick improved the second-worst offense in Division I-A into a top-ten offense in only three seasons (1986–1988). - Don CoryellDon CoryellDonald David Coryell was an American football coach, who coached in the NFL first with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1973–1977 and then the San Diego Chargers from 1978-1986. He was well known for his innovations to football's passing offense. Coryell's offense was commonly known as "Air Coryell"...
- former NFL head coachHead coachA head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
of the San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, former Aztec head coachHead coachA head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
. - Herman EdwardsHerman EdwardsHerman "Herm" Edwards, Jr. is an American football analyst who most recently coached in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was fired from this position on January 23, 2009. Since then, he has been hired as a football analyst for ESPN...
- NFL head coachHead coachA head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
of the New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, former Aztec and Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
player. Fondly remembered for the "Miracle in the Meadowlands" play against the rival New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - John Fox - former NFL head coachHead coachA head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
of the Carolina PanthersCarolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
, former Aztec player. - Joe GibbsJoe GibbsJoe Jackson Gibbs is a former American football coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA Pro Stock team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins...
- Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
NFL head coachHead coachA head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
of the Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
,NASCAR team owner, former Aztec player and assistant coach. - John Madden - Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
AFL/NFL head coachHead coachA head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
of the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, former Aztec assistant coach. - Ted TollnerTed TollnerTed Alfred Tollner is a football coach who has worked as a head coach in college football and was also formerly the passing game coordinator of the Oakland Raiders.-Playing career:...
- former NFL offensive coordinatorOffensive coordinatorAn offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
for the Detroit LionsDetroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
, San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
and San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, former Aztec head coach. - Sean PaytonSean PaytonPatrick Sean Payton is the current head coach of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. Payton was a quarterback at Naperville Central High School and Eastern Illinois University and played professionally in 1987 and 1988...
- Head coach of the New Orleans Saints
Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in the NFL are:
- See List of San Diego State football players
- Willie BuchanonWillie BuchanonWillie James Buchanon is a former cornerback for the National Football League's Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers; he was defensive rookie of the year in 1972 and a three-time Pro Bowl player...
- 1972 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and three-time Pro Bowl cornerback. - Isaac CurtisIsaac CurtisIsaac Fisher Curtis is a former professional American football wide receiver who played his entire National Football League career with the Cincinnati Bengals .-College career:...
- 4-time Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
for the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. - Mike DouglassMike Douglass (American football)Michael Reese Douglass is a former American football player. He played outside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League. He ranks third in the lists of tackles made by a Packers player....
- A three-time Pro Bowl linebacker, "Mad Dog" played nine seasons in the NFL, eight of them with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. - Marshall FaulkMarshall FaulkMarshall William Faulk is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League. He is currently an analyst for NFL Total Access, Thursday Night Football, and NFL GameDay Morning on the NFL Network...
- 7-time Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
for the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
and St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2011. - Gary GarrisonGary GarrisonGary Lynn Garrison is a former American football wide receiver who played professional football in the American Football League and the National Football League . He attended San Diego State University from 1964-1965...
- Nicknamed "The Ghost", an AFL All-Star in 1968 with the Chargers and a three-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver. - La'Roi GloverLa'Roi GloverLa'Roi Damon Glover ; born July 4, 1974) is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League who ended his career with the St. Louis Rams. Glover retired from the NFL on June 22, 2009...
- In his 13-year NFL career as a defensive tackle with four teams, he was a Pro Bowl selection 6 times. After playing two games in his rookie season and 15 in his 2nd year, Glover did not miss a game in his final 11 seasons. Led the NFL with 17 sacks in 2000. - Robert GriffithRobert GriffithRobert Otis Griffith is a former American football strong safety in the National Football League. He played thirteen seasons in the league, mostly for the Minnesota Vikings from 1994 to 2001...
- NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
Strong Safety for the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
, Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Played 13 seasons, in which he started 164 of his 195 games played. Executive member of the NFL Players Association for six years. - Dan McGwireDan McGwireDaniel Scott McGwire is a former American football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.-Early life:...
- QB was the 16th pick in 1991 by the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
, playing six years in the NFL. Dan is the brother of former Major LeagueMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
slugger Mark McGwireMark McGwireMark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
. - Kassim OsgoodKassim OsgoodKassim A. Osgood is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection on special teams for the Chargers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent wide receiver in 2003. - Brian SipeBrian SipeBrian Winfield Sipe is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League from 1984 to 1985....
- NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
quarterback; part of the "Kardiac KidsKardiac KidsThe Kardiac Kids is a reference to the 1980 Cleveland Browns, who had a penchant for having games decided in the final moments. Finishing 11-5, the Browns captured their first division title since 1971, winning a tiebreaker with the Houston Oilers...
" for the Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Drafted in the 13th round in 1972, Sipe did not play in the NFL until 1974, but went on to be named the Associated Press Most Valuable Player in 1980. He played 10 seasons in the NFL and two in the USFL. - Kyle TurleyKyle TurleyKyle John Turley is a former American football offensive tackle of the National Football League, and current American recording artist. He was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints seventh overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at San Diego State.In addition to the...
- Offensive tackle was one of the highest drafted players in Aztec history (7th overall by the Saints in 1998). An All-Pro selection in 2000.
- Willie Buchanon
The football team plays at Qualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
(formerly known as "Jack Murphy" Stadium). See also The Q.
Basketball
Current Head Coach (men's team): Steve FisherSteve Fisher
Steve Fisher is an American college basketball coach currently at San Diego State University.Fisher attended Illinois State University, where he helped lead the Redbirds to the 1967 Division II Final Four. After school, he became a high school coach in Park Forest, Illinois. In 1979, he accepted...
Current Head Coach (women's team): Beth Burns
Beth Burns
Beth Burns is the head women's basketball coach at San Diego State. She is in her second stint as head coach at SDSU after coaching there from 1989 to 1997. She guided San Diego State to four NCAA tournaments, and was a three time Western Athletic Conference coach of the year...
San Diego State has both men's and women's college basketball
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
teams. Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
and WNBA
Women's National Basketball Association
The Women's National Basketball Association is a women's professional basketball league in the United States. It currently is composed of twelve teams. The league was founded on April 24, 1996 as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association...
are:
- Michael CageMichael CageMichael Jerome Cage is a retired American NBA basketball player.A 6'9" power forward/center from San Diego State, he is the Aztec's all-time rebounding leader and second leading scorer as of 2011. Cage was the 14th pick of the 1984 NBA Draft...
- All star NBA player with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Seattle SuperSonics, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets. - Brandon HeathBrandon Heath (basketball)Brandon Heath is an American professional basketball player who plays for PBC Lukoil Academic of the National Basketball League of Bulgaria.Brandon formerly played for the APOEL B.C. of Cyprus. In 2007, he played in France for Entente Orléanaise 45, where he averaged 12 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9...
- Los Angeles D-FendersLos Angeles D-FendersThe Los Angeles D-Fenders are a NBA Development League team based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2006, the team is owned by the Los Angeles Lakers, which became the first National Basketball Association franchise to own a D-League team... - Marcus SlaughterMarcus SlaughterMarcus Anthony Slaughter is an American professional basketball player. In his collegiate career, he played for the San Diego State. After his junior year, he declared himself eligible for 2006 NBA Draft and hired an agent , but was not selected by any team...
- Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
and Eisbären BremerhavenEisbären BremerhavenThe team was born of the older team BSG Bremerhaven and is playing its sixth season in the Basketball Bundesliga .-Roster:- Depth Chart :-Other Staff:*Assistant Coach: Stephan Voelkel*Athletic Trainer: Michael Seedorf... - Kawhi LeonardKawhi LeonardKawhi Leonard is an American professional basketball small forward with the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association. In 2009 as a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, he was named Mr...
–San Antonio SpursSan Antonio SpursThe San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association .... - Jené MorrisJené MorrisJené Morris is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA. She played college basketball for San Diego State University.-Awards and honors:*State Farm Coaches' Honorable Mention All-American...
–Indiana FeverIndiana FeverThe Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began...
Other Aztecs basketball alumni who became more famous outside the sport are 1930s player Art Linkletter
Art Linkletter
Arthur Gordon "Art" Linkletter was a Canadian-born American radio and television personality. He was the host of House Party, which ran on CBS radio and television for 25 years, and People Are Funny, on NBC radio-TV for 19 years...
, who went on to an illustrious entertainment career that spanned more than 70 years, and Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn
Anthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
, who also played baseball at San Diego State and opted for that sport professionally, ending up in the Hall of Fame
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of...
.
The basketball teams play at Viejas Arena (see also Viejas Arena website) on the San Diego State campus.
The team has had moderate success since Fisher was hired as head coach. The Aztecs won the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2011 earning automatic bids to the NCAA basketball tournament. The Aztecs were also the regular season Mountain West champions in 2006. On March 19, 2007, a new National Invitation Tournament
National Invitation Tournament
The National Invitation Tournament is a men's college basketball tournament operated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. There are two NIT events each season. The first, played in November and known as the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off , was founded in 1985...
(NIT) attendance record was set, at 26,752, in a loss in the second-round men's basketball game against Syracuse
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
. They also made the MWC Tournament
2009 MWC Men's Basketball Tournament
-External links:*...
Finals in 2009, losing the Championship to the Utah Utes
Utah Utes
The Utah Utes are the athletics teams of the University of Utah. They are named after the Ute tribe of Native Americans. The men's basketball team is known as the "Runnin' Utes"; the women's basketball team, formerly known as the "Lady Utes," now prefers to be referred to as the "Utes"; and the...
, 52-50.
After being overlooked by the NCAA Selection Committee for the 2009 tournament, the Aztecs went on to win the first three rounds of the National Invitational Tournament. With a win against St. Mary's in the tournament's quarter finals the 2008-09 team set a school record for wins in a single season with 26.
In 2010, both the Men's and Women's teams won the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament, earning an automatic berth to the NCAA basketball tournament.
In the 2010–2011 Season, the Men's team had a phenomenal record of 32-2 to capture a share of the Mountain West Conference title, and winning the Conference Tournament outright for the automatic berth to the 2011 NCAA basketball tournament. The only losses of the regular season were to another top 10 ranked team, BYU, who the Aztecs beat to win the tournament. They earned a 2nd seed in the National Championship Tournament.
Baseball
- See: San Diego State baseball and College baseballCollege baseballCollege baseball is baseball that is played on the intercollegiate level at institutions of higher education. Compared to football and basketball, college competition in the United States plays a less significant contribution to cultivating professional players, as the minor leagues primarily...
Current Head Coach: Tony Gwynn
Tony Gwynn
Anthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in MLB
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
are:
- Bud BlackBud BlackHarry Ralston "Bud" Black is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher and current manager of the San Diego Padres.-College:Black played two years at Lower Columbia College in Longview...
- Mark Grace
- Chris GwynnChris GwynnChristopher Karlton "Chris" Gwynn is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Career:...
- Tony GwynnTony GwynnAnthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
, the namesake of SDSU's Tony Gwynn StadiumTony Gwynn StadiumTony Gwynn Stadium is the home field of the San Diego State University Aztecs college baseball team. In addition, the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the independent Golden Baseball League use the park as their home field.-Stadium history:...
, where the baseball team plays at Smith Field. A baseball and basketball player at SDSU, Gwynn is now a Baseball Hall of FameNational Baseball Hall of Fame and MuseumThe National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of...
member. - Tony Gwynn, Jr.Tony Gwynn, Jr.Anthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Jr. is a Major League Baseball player, who is currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is the son of baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.-Amateur career:...
- Doug HarveyDoug Harvey (umpire)Harold Douglas Harvey is a former umpire in Major League Baseball, who worked in the National League from 1962 through 1992. Noted for his authoritative command of baseball rules, he earned the tongue in cheek nickname "God" from players, and was among the last major league umpires who never...
- Travis LeeTravis LeeTravis Lee is a former Major League Baseball first baseman.Lee graduated from Capital High School in Olympia, Washington in 1993, where he also played football. Being ambidextrous Lee played as a lefty in baseball and as a QB for the Capital High football team threw with his right...
- Justin MastersonJustin MastersonJustin Daniel Masterson is a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians. Masterson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft. Masterson was rated as the 64th-best prospect going into that year's draft by...
- Bobby MeachamBobby MeachamRobert Andrew Meacham is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who spent his entire six year career with the New York Yankees...
- Graig NettlesGraig NettlesGraig Nettles , nicknamed "Puff", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. During a 22-year baseball career, he played for the Minnesota Twins , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , San Diego Padres , Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos .Nettles was one of the best...
- Al NewmanAl NewmanAlbert Dwayne Newman is a former infielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos , Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers...
- Dave Smith
- Stephen StrasburgStephen StrasburgStephen James Strasburg is a right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who selected him with the first pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft...
- Mark WilliamsonMark WilliamsonProfessor Mark H. Williamson OBE is professor emeritus of biology at the University of York. He is an expert on biological invasions.Williamson gained a BA from the Oxford in 1950 and received a D.Phil. eight years later, having been a demonstrator of at Oxford since 1952...
Soccer
- See: San Diego State soccer and College soccerCollege soccerCollege soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
Current Head Coach (men's team): Lev Kirshner
Lev Kirshner
Lev Kirshner is the head coach for the men's soccer team San Diego State University.-High school and college:Kirshner attended Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California where he played soccer, badminton and ran cross country. He graduated in 1987 and was inducted into the school’s Hall...
Current Head Coach (women's team): Michael Giuliano
Some of the more famous San Diego State students soccer stars are:
- Marcelo BalboaMarcelo BalboaMarcelo Balboa is an American former soccer defender who played in the 1990s for the U.S. national team, becoming its captain. After retiring from playing, he has worked as a commentator for ESPN and ABC and MLS games on HDNet and Altitude...
- Rick BlubaughRick BlubaughRick Brian Blubaugh is an American former professional soccer player. He spent four seasons in the Western Soccer Alliance, one in the Major Indoor Soccer League and one in the Continental Indoor Soccer League.-Youth:Blubaugh's roots are traced to Lynnwood, Washington, son of Joe and Selva Blubaugh...
- Jimmy ConradJimmy ConradJames "Jimmy" Conrad is a retired American soccer defender who last played for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer.-High School and College:...
- Kevin CrowKevin CrowKevin Troy Crow is a former U.S. soccer defender. He played two seasons in the North American Soccer League, eight in the Major Indoor Soccer League and four in the Continental Indoor Soccer League, all with the San Diego Sockers. He was a first team NASL All Star, a five time MISL All Star and...
- Tally HallTally Hall (soccer)Talmon Henry "Tally" Hall is an American soccer player who currently plays for Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer.-College:...
- Carlos MenjívarCarlos MenjivarCarlos Alberto Menjívar Aguilar, Jr. is a Salvadoran American footballer who currently plays for Juventud Independiente.-Club career:...
- Dean WurzbergerDean WurzbergerDean Wurzberger is a U.S. soccer coach who was a reserve team player with the Seattle Sounders of the North American Soccer League. He later spent three seasons in the American Soccer League and most recently served as Head Coach for the University of Washington men's soccer team, a position he...
- head coach of the University of WashingtonUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
men's soccer team from 1992–present - Eric WynaldaEric WynaldaEric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
The men's and women's soccer teams play at Sports Deck on the San Diego State campus. The women compete in the Mountain West Conference
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
while the men compete in the Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12)
In 1987, the San Diego State men's soccer team lost in the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship
NCAA Men's Soccer Championship
The NCAA began conducting a Men's Division I Soccer Championship tournament in 1959 with an eight-team tournament. Currently, the tournament field consists of 48 teams...
finals by a score of 0-2 to Clemson
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
.
Lacrosse
The San Diego State men's lacrosseCollege lacrosse
College lacrosse refers to lacrosse played by student athletes at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. In both countries, men's field lacrosse and women's lacrosse are played in both the varsity and club levels...
team competes in MCLA
Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association
The Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association is a national organization of non-NCAA, men's college lacrosse programs. The MCLA oversees game play and conducts national championships for over 200 teams in ten conferences throughout the United States and Canada...
Division I of the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference
Southwestern Lacrosse Conference
The Southwestern Lacrosse Conference is a lacrosse-only athletic conference affiliated with the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association...
. The women's Lacrosse teams begins play during the 2011 season in NCAA Division I of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation is a college athletic conference whose member teams are located in the western United States. The conference participates at the NCAA Division I level.-History:...
. Both teams play (or will play) their home games at the Sports Deck on the San Diego State campus.
Aztec Hall of Fame inductees
- See: Hall of fameHall of FameA hall of fame, wall of fame, walk of fame, walk of stars or avenue of stars is a type of attraction established for any field of endeavor to honor individuals of noteworthy achievement in that field...
and footnote
1988
• Laurel Brassey - W. Volleyball (1974–1981)
• Willie Buchanon - Football (1970–71)
• John Butler - Football (1933–35)
• Don CoryellDon CoryellDonald David Coryell was an American football coach, who coached in the NFL first with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1973–1977 and then the San Diego Chargers from 1978-1986. He was well known for his innovations to football's passing offense. Coryell's offense was commonly known as "Air Coryell"...
- Football Coach (1961–72)
• Fred DryerFred DryerJohn Frederick "Fred" Dryer is an American actor and former football defensive end in the National Football League . Dryer played 13 years in the NFL, playing 176 games, starting 166, and recording 104 career sacks with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams...
- Football (1967–68)
• Gary Garrison - Football (1964–65)
• Gene LittlerGene LittlerGene Alec Littler is an American professional golfer. Known for a solid temperament and nicknamed "Gene the Machine" for his smooth rhythmical swing, he once said that, "Golf is not a game of great shots. It's a game of the best misses. The people who win make the smallest mistakes."-Early years...
- M. Golf (1949–52)
• Haven MosesHaven MosesHaven Christopher Moses is a former American football wide receiver. Haven played collegiately for Los Angeles Harbor College and San Diego State University. He was drafted by the American Football League's Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1968 Draft and played for the Bills from 1968 to...
- Football (1966–67)
• Graig NettlesGraig NettlesGraig Nettles , nicknamed "Puff", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. During a 22-year baseball career, he played for the Minnesota Twins , Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , San Diego Padres , Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos .Nettles was one of the best...
- Baseball (1964–65); M. Basketball (1964–65)
• C.E. Peterson - Football Coach (1921–29); M. Bball Coach (1921–26); Track Coach (1922–46)
• Milton Phelps - M. Basketball (1939–41)
• Art Preston - Football (1949–51); Baseball (1950–52)
• Arnie Robinson - M. Track (1970–71)
• Dennis ShawDennis ShawDennis Wendell Shaw is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and the Kansas City Chiefs.-College career:...
- Football (1968–69)
• Brian SipeBrian SipeBrian Winfield Sipe is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League from 1984 to 1985....
- Football (1969–71)
• Willie Steele - M. Track (1947–48); M. Basketball (1947); Baseball (1949)
1989
• Kevin Crow - Soccer (1979–82)
• Morris Gross - Football, Baseball, M. Basketball Coach (1929–42)
• Tony GwynnTony GwynnAnthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
- Baseball (1979–81); M. Basketball (1978–81)
• Don Horn - Football (1965–66)
• Jack Rand - M. Track (1934–35); Football (1932–34)
1990
• Tim Delaney - Football (1968–70)
• Art LinkletterArt LinkletterArthur Gordon "Art" Linkletter was a Canadian-born American radio and television personality. He was the host of House Party, which ran on CBS radio and television for 25 years, and People Are Funny, on NBC radio-TV for 19 years...
- M. Basketball (1932–34); M. Swimming (1932–34)
• Judy Porter - W. Basketball (1980–83)
• Tom Reynolds - Football (1969–71)
1991
• Steve Copp - M. Basketball (1973–76)
• Chuck CourtneyChuck Courtney (golfer)Charles Courtney is an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and 1970s.Courtney was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in San Diego, California...
- M. Golf (1960–61)
• Tom Dahms - Football (1947–49)
• Monte Jackson - Football (1973–74)
• Angela Rock - W. Volleyball (1981–84)
1992
• Barbara BarrowBarbara BarrowBarbara Barrow is an American professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour.Barrow played college golf at San Diego State University. She won the AIAW Championship in 1975. She was a member of the U.S. Curtis Cup team in 1976...
- W. Golf (1974–77)
• Bud BlackBud BlackHarry Ralston "Bud" Black is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher and current manager of the San Diego Padres.-College:Black played two years at Lower Columbia College in Longview...
- Baseball (1978–79)
• Tony Pinkins - M. Basketball (1955–57)
• Bob Smith - M. Track (1949–50)
• Charlie Smith - Baseball Coach (1934–64)
• Deby LaPlante - W. Track (1979–80)
1993
• Tom Ables - Honorary
• Michael Cage - M. Basketball (1981–84)
• Vidal Fernandez - M. Soccer (1977–79)
• Ann Lebedeff - W. Tennis (1972–74)
• Tom Nettles - Football (1966–68)
• LaTanya SheffieldLaTanya SheffieldLaTanya Sheffield is a retired hurdler from the United States, who finished in eight place in the women's 400 metres hurdles final at the 1988 Summer Olympics . The 1985 NCAA champion, she won the bronze medal in the same event at the 1987 Pan American Games.-References:*...
- W. Track (1983–86)
1994
• Patricia Mang - Softball (1987–88)
• Chris Marlowe - M. Volleyball (1972–73); M. Basketball (1970–73)
• Bill Schuttee - Football Coach (1947–55)
• Nate Wright - Football (1967–68)
• George ZiegenfussGeorge ZiegenfussGeorge Ziegenfuss was the head men's basketball coach at San Diego State University from 1948 until 1969.-Playing career:...
- M. Basketball Coach (1948–69)
1995
• Marcelo BalboaMarcelo BalboaMarcelo Balboa is an American former soccer defender who played in the 1990s for the U.S. national team, becoming its captain. After retiring from playing, he has worked as a commentator for ESPN and ABC and MLS games on HDNet and Altitude...
- M. Soccer (1988–89)
• Bob Brady - M. Basketball (1952–54)
• Claudie Minor - Football (1972–73)
• Micki Schillig - W. Tennis (1980–83)
• Frank Scott - M. Golf Coach (1948–83)
1996
• Paul Mott - Football, M. Basketball, M. Track (1925–28)
• Ramona Pagel - W. Track (1983–84)
• Todd Santos - Football (1984–87)
• Eric WynaldaEric WynaldaEric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
- M. Soccer (1987–89)
1997
• Vicki Cantrell - W. Volleyball (1980–83)
• Kenny Hale - M. Basketball (1941, 1946–47)
• Joel Kramer - M. Basketball (1974, 1976–78)
• Duncan McFarland - M. Volleyball (1973)
1998
• Marshall FaulkMarshall FaulkMarshall William Faulk is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League. He is currently an analyst for NFL Total Access, Thursday Night Football, and NFL GameDay Morning on the NFL Network...
- Football (1991–93)
• Chris Gwynn - Baseball (1983–85)
• Mary Holland - W. Volleyball (1979–82)
• Dick Mitchell - M. Basketball (1940–42)
• Chana Perry - W. Basketball (1988–89)
1999
• Lennie ClementsLennie ClementsLennie Clements is an American professional golfer.Clements was born in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He played college golf at San Diego State University where he was a three-time All-American. He was inducted into the San Diego State Aztec Hall of Fame in 1999.Clements turned professional in...
- M. Golf (1976–79)
• Laura DeSnoo - W. Track (1983–86)
• Harry Hodgetts - M. Basketball (1937–41)
• Carol Plunkett - W. Tennis Coach (1976–94)
• Wendy Wheat - W. Volleyball (1977–80)
2002
• 1940-41 Men's Basketball Team
• 1987 Men's Soccer Team
• Joe GibbsJoe GibbsJoe Jackson Gibbs is a former American football coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA Pro Stock team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins...
- Football (1961–63); Football Coach (1965–66)
• Norm Nygaard - Football (1952–54)
• Falisha Wright - W. Basketball (1992–95)
2003
• 1973 Men's Volleyball National Champions
• Al Skalecky - Men's Basketball (1966–67-68)
• Nicole Storto - Women's Tennis (1990–93)
• Marla Runyan - Track and Field (1988–91)
2004
• Mike Douglass - Football (1976–77)
• Rod Dowhower - Football (1963–64)
• Claude Gilbert - Football coach (1967–80, 1995–99)
• Travis LeeTravis LeeTravis Lee is a former Major League Baseball first baseman.Lee graduated from Capital High School in Olympia, Washington in 1993, where he also played football. Being ambidextrous Lee played as a lefty in baseball and as a QB for the Capital High football team threw with his right...
- Baseball (1994–96)
• Ron Reina - Broadcaster (1969–86)
• Carrie McLaughlin Stathas - Track and Field (1981–83)
2005
• 1987 Men's Rugby National Champion
• Henry Allison - Football (1969–70)
• Kern Carson - Football (1961–63)
• Bernie Finlay - Basketball (1958–60)
• Lynn Kanuka - Cross Country/Track and Field (1980–82)
Spirit
San Diego State's athletic teams are nicknamed "Aztecs", and its current mascotMascotThe term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
is the Aztec WarriorAztec armyAztec warfare concerns the aspects associated with the militaristic conventions, forces, weaponry and strategic expansions conducted by the Late Postclassic Aztec civilizations of Mesoamerica, including particularly the military history of the Aztec Triple Alliance involving the city-states of ...
, historically referred to as "Monty - Montezuma".
- ALMA MATER
- Hail Montezuma
- We with loyal hearts our homage pay:
- Proud working and glorying,
- In the spirit of the Aztec name.
- To thee, San Diego
- And the fond Traditions old and new
- A tribute raise of lasting praise and steadfast faith,
- Hail Montezuma.
-
- Hail Montezuma
- We salute thy glorious destiny:
- Far seeing in company days,
- Men and women strong who live in truth.
- To thee, San Diego
- And the Black and Scarlet we'll be true
- An echo comes from Aztec drums through all the years,
- Hail Montezuma!
- FIGHT SONG
- Fight on and on ye Aztec men,
- Sons of Montezuma,
- We will win again,
- Keep your spirits high,
- Never bow a knee,
- We will fight till victory.
-
- Fight on and on ye Aztec men,
- Proudly raise your banners high,
- For it's the Red and Black,
- Hail to our team,
- San Diego Aztecs fight!
- Cheerleading
- Students
- The ShowSDSU ShowThe Show is the name of the San Diego State Aztecs basketball student section at Viejas Arena. They are known for their vocal and creative support of Aztec athletics. The Show's uniqueness and creativity sets them apart from other student sections. They came up with the idea to wave giant cut-out...
is the loud and vocal student section at men's basketball games. They are known for heckling visiting teams and taunting them with the large celebrity faces. Shownana, a student dressed in a banana costume, has become a celebrity at games.
- The Show
Band
The San Diego State Marching Aztecs, and Pep and Varsity Bands are often seen at many sporting events including Football, Basketball and even Volleyball.
Notable athletes
-
- See also the List of San Diego State University alumni and faculty
- Marcelo BalboaMarcelo BalboaMarcelo Balboa is an American former soccer defender who played in the 1990s for the U.S. national team, becoming its captain. After retiring from playing, he has worked as a commentator for ESPN and ABC and MLS games on HDNet and Altitude...
, World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
and Major League Soccer (MLS)Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
soccer star - Bud BlackBud BlackHarry Ralston "Bud" Black is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher and current manager of the San Diego Padres.-College:Black played two years at Lower Columbia College in Longview...
, former Major League Baseball (MLB)Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher and current manager of the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times... - Jim CampbellJim Campbell (pitcher)James Marcus Campbell is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He played for the Kansas City Royals for two games during the 1990 Kansas City Royals season. He played college baseball at San Diego State University.-External links:...
, former MLB pitcher - Isaac CurtisIsaac CurtisIsaac Fisher Curtis is a former professional American football wide receiver who played his entire National Football League career with the Cincinnati Bengals .-College career:...
- former National Football League (NFL)National Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
receiver - Jeff DaVanonJeff DaVanonJeffrey Graham DaVanon is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder.DaVanon came up through the Oakland Athletics system before being traded to the Anaheim Angels as a minor-leaguer in ....
, MLB baseball player (Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
) - Fred DryerFred DryerJohn Frederick "Fred" Dryer is an American actor and former football defensive end in the National Football League . Dryer played 13 years in the NFL, playing 176 games, starting 166, and recording 104 career sacks with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams...
, actor-producer and former NFL player - Herm Edwards, former Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
head coach - Marshall FaulkMarshall FaulkMarshall William Faulk is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League. He is currently an analyst for NFL Total Access, Thursday Night Football, and NFL GameDay Morning on the NFL Network...
, Pro Football Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
NFL running back and broadcaster - John FoxJohn Fox (NFL)John Fox is an American football coach who is currently head coach of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League....
, current Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
head coach - Mark Grace, retired MLB player and World SeriesWorld SeriesThe World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
Champion - Tony GwynnTony GwynnAnthony Keith "Tony" Gwynn, Sr. , nicknamed Mr. Padre and Captain Video, is a former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is statistically one of the best and most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the San Diego Padres...
, current Baseball Hall of Famer (and current San Diego State baseball Head Coach) - Az-Zahir HakimAz-Zahir HakimAz-Zahir Ali Hakim is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, NFL wide receiver for the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Armen KeteyianArmen KeteyianArmen Keteyian is an American television journalist and author. He is currently CBS News' Chief Investigative Correspondent based out of New York, reporting primarily for the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley, while also contributing to 60 Minutes.-Early life and career:Keteyian was born in...
, Sports Journalist, HBO Sports, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel - Kirk MorrisonKirk MorrisonKirk David Morrison is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, current Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
starting linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... - Kabeer Gbaja-BiamilaKabeer Gbaja-BiamilaMuhammed-Kabeer Olanrewaju Gbaja-Biamila , commonly referred to as "KGB", is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
, former NFL player with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... - Joe GibbsJoe GibbsJoe Jackson Gibbs is a former American football coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA Pro Stock team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins...
, former NFL head coach of the Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
and current NASCAR team ownerJoe Gibbs RacingJoe Gibbs Racing is a group of NASCAR racing teams owned and operated by former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, who first started racing on the NASCAR circuit in 1991, and J. D. Gibbs, his son... - Travis LeeTravis LeeTravis Lee is a former Major League Baseball first baseman.Lee graduated from Capital High School in Olympia, Washington in 1993, where he also played football. Being ambidextrous Lee played as a lefty in baseball and as a QB for the Capital High football team threw with his right...
, MLB player with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Chris MarloweChris MarloweChristian "Chris" Marlowe is a former volleyball standout and current professional American sportscaster based in Denver, Colorado....
, Sportscaster, former Olympic volleyball player - Haven MosesHaven MosesHaven Christopher Moses is a former American football wide receiver. Haven played collegiately for Los Angeles Harbor College and San Diego State University. He was drafted by the American Football League's Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1968 Draft and played for the Bills from 1968 to...
, former NFL receiver with Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Kassim OsgoodKassim OsgoodKassim A. Osgood is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
, Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
receiver - Noel PrefontaineNoel PrefontaineNoel Prefontaine is a professional Canadian football punter / kicker with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.- Early years :...
, Toronto ArgonautsToronto ArgonautsThe Toronto Argonauts are a professional Canadian football team competing in the East Division of the Canadian Football League. The Toronto, Ontario based team was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest existing professional sports teams in North America, after the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta...
kicker - Jimmy Raye, former NFL player
- Darnay ScottDarnay ScottDarnay Scott is a former professional American football player who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.-High school career:...
, former Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
wide receiver - Don Shaw, former MLB pitcher
- Brian SipeBrian SipeBrian Winfield Sipe is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League from 1984 to 1985....
- former NFL quarterback - Webster SlaughterWebster SlaughterWebster Melvin Slaughter is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League from 1986 to 1998....
, former American football wide receiver - Dave Smith, former MLB pitcher
- Stephen StrasburgStephen StrasburgStephen James Strasburg is a right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who selected him with the first pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft...
, Washington NationalsWashington NationalsThe Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
pitcher - Carl WeathersCarl WeathersCarl Weathers is an American actor, as well as former professional football player in the United States and Canada. He is best known for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky series of films...
, Actor/former NFL player, Apollo Creed - Eric WynaldaEric WynaldaEric Boswell Wynalda is a retired American soccer player, and former sports broadcaster. He was the co-host of Fox Football Fone-In on Fox Soccer Channel and is currently employeed as the president of international operations at Mexican third division club Murcielagos.Wynalda scored the first goal...
, well-known World Cup and MLS soccer star, and current ABC SportsESPN on ABCESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
broadcaster - Jeanne ZelaskoJeanne ZelaskoJeanne Zelasko is a journalist and sportscaster who took over as the pre-game host of Fox's MLB games in 2001 after the departure of Keith Olbermann until October 2008. She also covered pre-game for MLB 2K6, MLB 2K7, and MLB 2K8 alongside Steve Physioc...
, Sports Journalist, Fox SportsFox Sports (USA)Fox Sports is a division of the Fox Broadcasting Company . It was formed in 1994 with Fox's acquisition of broadcast rights to National Football League games...
- Marcelo Balboa
- See also the List of San Diego State University alumni and faculty
External links
- Official athletics website
- Sports: Aztecs homepage. SignOn San Diego website (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
- ALMA MATER