SDSU Spirit

Night Time Football
The first night football game of any kind in San Diego took place on September 25, 1930, when the Aztecs smashed the San Diego Marine's second team, 39-0, before 5,000 fans at what is best remembered as Lane Field. On that night, San Diego State fans were treated to a fireworks show as part of the inaugural night event. Since then, nearly 75 percent of all Aztec games, home or away, have been played under the lights.

Basic Black
One of San Diego State's most honored traditions is the all-black uniform the Aztecs wear when playing at home. The "look" has become as much a part of Aztec football as the forward pass. In fact, the concept was the brainchild of the man who brought the modern passing game, not only to San Diego State, but also to college football- Don Coryell.

Coryell became head coach at San Diego State in 1961. At the time, the Aztecs sported a black jersey with silver numerals, silver pants, and a silver helmet- a la the Oakland Raiders. Coryell had first seen a one-color uniform while coaching Wenatchee Junior College in Washington. He felt the all-black uniform, at night, would be not only unique, but would convey a threatening, ominous image to the opposition and boost his players' psyche as well. The Aztecs first took the field in all-black uniforms on October 12, 1963. The team faced Long Beach State that night and before a sellout crowd in Aztec Bowl, won the game 33-8.

The uniform has been a tradition ever since with rare exception. In 1980, the SDSU team began the season in red jerseys, a black helmet, and white pants. After struggling to a 1-8 start, the squad returned to its all-black attire winning its last three games, the final two coming at home. In 1983, San Diego State switched from its traditional nighttime home football games to a daytime schedule in San Diego Stadium. In deference to the daytime heat, the Aztecs switched to white pants, although the jerseys remained black. However, SDSU won only one home game that season. The following year, the team returned to nighttime football and all-black uniforms.

Montezuma
* Montezuma Photo Gallery
It has been six decades since Montezuma, the hallowed symbol of the Aztec athletic tradition, made his first appearance at a San Diego State athletic event. The original "Monty" was Art Munzig, who played the role in a half-time skit during the San Diego State- Pomona game that opened the 1941 football season. It was an idea spawned by the school's Rally Committee and historically based upon Montezuma II, the ruler of the Aztec empire in the early 1500's. Munzig was the first of a long series of "Monty's" to serve as the focal point of fan support of San Diego State's football and basketball teams.

In 1983, Director of Athletics, Mary Hill felt that Montezuma needed a more regal presence and during that football season, Monty's role was to sit atop a pyramid among his attendants on the sidelines at Jack Murphy Stadium. However, following that year, it was decided to return Montezuma to his more traditional role of involvement and encouragement of Aztec fans at the event.