San Jose State Spartans facts for kids
The San Jose State Spartans are the sports teams that represent San José State University in California. These teams compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) at the top level of college sports, known as NCAA Division I. San Jose State has been involved in sports since its baseball team started in 1890.
The university's sports teams have won many championships. They have earned titles in sports like track and field, cross country running, golf, and boxing. By 2008, the Spartans had won 10 team championships from the NCAA and had 50 individual NCAA Division I champions. San Jose State is also very famous for its judo program, having won 43 out of 46 national college championships in that sport by 2008.
Many former San Jose State students have gone on to win big at the Olympic Games. Since Willie Steel won a gold medal in track and field at the 1948 Olympics, Spartans have earned 18 Olympic medals, including seven gold medals. These medals were won in sports like swimming, judo, and boxing.
The track team, coached by "Bud" Winter, became known as "Speed City." This team included famous Olympic medalists and social activists like Lee Evans, John Carlos, and Tommie Smith. Smith and Carlos are especially remembered for their powerful raised fist salute during the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City, which was a protest for human rights.
In 2008, several San Jose State coaches were recognized as the "Coach of the Year" for their conferences. This included the head coaches for men’s soccer, baseball, women’s gymnastics, and women’s golf.
What Sports Do the Spartans Play?
As of 2009, San Jose State University competes in many different sports at the Division I level. Here are some of the sports you can find at SJSU:
- Baseball
- Basketball (Men's team)
- Basketball (Women's team)
- Cross Country (Men's team)
- Cross Country (Women's team)
- Football
- Golf (Men's team)
- Golf (Women's team)
- Gymnastics (Women's team)
- Soccer (Men's team)
- Soccer (Women's team)
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving (Women's team)
- Tennis (Women's team)
- Volleyball (Women's team)
- Water Polo (Women's team)
Images for kids
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The State Normal School at San Jose football team in 1910. Their jerseys had a big "N" for "Normal."
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Utah playing against San Jose State at CEFCU Stadium in 2009.
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SJSU alumnus Bill Walsh and former Spartans Head Football Coach Dick Tomey.
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James Jones catching a touchdown pass against Stanford in 2006 at Spartan Stadium.
See also
In Spanish: San Jose State Spartans para niños
