After arriving at Stanford in 1955 on a basketball scholarship, Arrillaga became an all-conference player. He then spent the next six decades helping shape the university’s overall athletic program into a national collegiate role model. A pioneering Silicon Valley developer, Arrillaga used his resources and expertise to build state-of-the-art sports facilities. He funded hundreds of scholarships while offering wisdom and moral support to Cardinal athletes. A signature feat was his 2006 construction of Stanford Stadium in less than nine months. He died in 2022.

Gilroy native Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero fought his way to world championships in two different weight divisions to become the most accomplished boxer in Santa Clara County history. His nickname was spawned by the way his elusive style haunted opponents who couldn’t corner him. At age 15, Guerrero won a Junior Olympics gold medal before turning professional and winning the IBF Featherweight title in 2006. Three years later, he claimed the IBF Super Featherweight championship. His career 38-6-1 record included 20 knockouts.

Bay Area native Mike Holmgren spent some of his most formative years as a coach at Oak Grove High School in San Jose, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator from 1975 to 1980 before starting a journey to two Super Bowl championships as a San Francisco 49ers assistant coach and another as the Green Bay Packers’ head coach. In 2005, he guided the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance. Holmgren’s career NFL record of 174-122 included 13 postseason head coaching victories, seventh most in league history.

A five-time Olympian, Santa Clara born Kerri Walsh Jennings became the face of beach volleyball during its 21 st century rise in popularity. She and partner Misty May-Treannor won gold medals at Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, followed by a bronze medal at Rio de Janeiro in 2016. As a multi-sport athlete at Archbishop Mitty High School, she led the Monarchs to three state volleyball titles and a basketball state championship. At Stanford, she was a four-time volleyball All American and won two NCAA titles.

Starred at Los Altos High School and then led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA titles while earning the Honda Sports Award for women’s soccer. Fair earned 120 caps with the USA Women’s National Team winning the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, an Olympic Silver Medal and an Olympic Gold Medal as an alternate in 2004.

The 2nd overall selection in the 1997 NHL Draft went on to become one of the most prolific players in the history of the San Jose Sharks and the NHL. Marleau set an NHL record with 1,779 regular season games played, holds nearly every significant San Jose Sharks scoring record and became the first San Jose Sharks player to have his jersey retired. His impact on the international game includes two Olympic Gold Medals representing Team Canada.

From Oak Grove High School and San Jose City College, Stieb went on to become one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball. He won the second-most games of any pitcher in the 1980s, was a seven-time All-Star, and helped transform the Toronto Blue Jays from their expansion years to world champions.

The De La Salle High School star was a 2005 draft pick of the San Jose Earthquakes where he went on to become the all-time leading goal scorer in Major League Soccer history. The two-time MLS Champion earned a league Most Valuable Player award, MLS scoring titles, and is the only player in league history to score 150 or more regular-season goals.

Starred in football at St. Francis High & Santa Clara University and was the Dallas Cowboys tight end for 10 seasons (1979-88). In his NFL career, Cosbie was All-Pro in 1985 and over his career caught 300 passes for 30 touchdowns. He later was head football coach at Menlo College and an assistant at Cal and is in the Hall of Fame at St. Francis High and SCU.

Phillips has been honored as a CCS honor coach in softball and her team won a CCS title in 1998. Phillips’ basketball teams have won 19 section titles, 9 NorCal titles and 5 state championships, and went a perfect 32-0 record 1999. She was named National Coach of the Year by Student Sports Magazine that same year. In 2021, Phillips served as head coach of the 2021 USA Women's U16 National Team, helping the team to a gold medal win at the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

At San Jose State, his teams compiled a 587-443-5 record through 2005 and made the school’s first trip to the College World Series in 2000. Piraro won more games than any other baseball coach in SJS history. In 34 years, the three-time WAC Coach of the Year compiled over 900 wins and just three losing seasons.

Swain made history in 1987 by becoming the first male World Champion from the western hemisphere. In addition, Swain has won medals in all major international tournaments, including the Olympics (1988 bronze), World Championships (1985 silver, 1987 gold, 1989 silver), and Pan American Games (1987 gold). He is a four-time Olympian, five-time World Team member, and was the 1996 U.S. Olympic Judo coach for the Atlanta Games.

A San Jose native, James Jones was a 3-sport star at Gunderson HS in football, basketball and track. He went on to play football at San José State Univ., where he earned offensive MVP in the Spartans’ New Mexico Bowl win. Drafted in 2007 by the Green Bay Packers, Jones clutch performances in the 2010 postseason culminated with five receptions in the Packers’ Super Bowl XLV victory.

For 33 years, Mercury News columnist Mark Purdy informed, inspired, provoked and entertained South Bay readers with his commentaries on sports and life. A relentless advocate for the construction of San Jose’s downtown arena, Purdy also coined the Sharks’ secondary nickname of "Los Tiburones" and gave the moniker of "McCovey Cove" to the body of water outside the home ballpark of the SF Giants.

As a collegiate swimmer at Stanford, Sanders was a 10x NCAA champion, won back-to-back NCAA Swimmer of the Year awards and led the Cardinal to the 1992 NCAA team championship. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Sanders was the most decorated swimmer on the U.S. team, winning gold medals in the 200 fly and 4x100 medley relay, silver in the 200 IM and bronze in the 400 IM.

In 1980, Seifert was hired by 49ers head coach Bill Walsh and helped devise the defensive schemes that produced three Super Bowl victories in a decade (XVI, XIX and XXIII). Named to the top job in 1989, Seifert’s rookie season culminated in a Super Bowl XXIV victory. He won his second title as head coach – and fifth overall – at Super Bowl XXIX. Today, Seifert ranks first in 49er history in wins (98), playoff victories (10) and winning percentage (.766).

Competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1990 FIFA World Cup for the U.S. National Team and earned 53 caps. After his playing days, Doyle served as the Earthquakes GM from 2008 to 2016.

One of two coaches to win NCAA volleyball titles at multiple schools, UOP and Stanford. A two-time ACVA “Coach of the Year”, Dunning retired from coaching in 2017 with an 888-185 win-loss record.

The most accomplished golfer in Santa Clara County history. Inkster’s 31 LPGA Tour titles include seven major championships and the women’s golf Grand Slam.

An ultra-marathon cycling legend. Hogan is the first and only six-time winner of the 3,100-mile plus transcontinental Race Across America, known as the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race.

His Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) called for equality and dignity for all competitors at the 1968 Mexico City games. Dr. Edwards is a highly sought after consultant on issues of diversity and works with the MLB, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers.

While at SJSU, Hurst was the NCAA Champion for DI Women’s Golf in 1989. Hurst’s professional career included the 1995 Rookie of the Year, 6 LPGA victories including the 1998 Nabisco Dinah Shore, a major championship, and competed on 5 Solheim Cup teams.

The SJSU graduate won 17 games his rookie year, earning MLB Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1984. Over 16 years, he won 179 games with 2,464 strikeouts. The four-time all star was one of the best fielding pitchers ever, earning seven Gold Glove awards.

Legendary San Jose Sharks goalie. Nabokov holds every major Sharks goal tending record, including games played (563), wins (293) and shutouts (50). He is a two-time Russian Olympian and backstopped Russia to a gold medal in the 2008 World Championships.

Bruner competed in the 1976 Olympics in two events, the 200-meter butterfly and the 800m freestyle relay - earning a gold medal in each in record times. Bruner attended Stanford and competed for the Cardinal, graduating in 1979 and was awarded the American swimmer of the year in 1980.

Townsend was born and raised in San Jose and was the first Filipino-American to be drafted to the NBA. A member of Coach John Wooden’s 1975 UCLA National Championship team, he was selected in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.

A Gatorade National High School Player of the Year from Presentation High School, Wagner went on to star at Santa Clara University winning an NCAA title (‘01) and the Hermann Trophy as the country’s top women’s soccer player. Wagner is a former USWNT player, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup athlete.

The first captain of the San Jose Sharks. In 16 NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and Sharks, Wilson was selected to eight All-Star Games. As GM of the Sharks, Wilson has captured the Presidents’ Trophy, five Pacific Division titles, four trips to the Western Conference Finals, and an appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in 2016.

During the “Speed City” era at San Jose State, Carlos tied world records and led SJSC to the 1969 NCAA team title. He won bronze (200m) at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics where he bowed his head and raised a gloved fist in a show of solidarity with the civil rights movement.

A San Jose State graduate, Chris Carver is recognized as one of the most revolutionary coaches and choreographers in the history of synchronized swimming. During the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Carver choreographed and co-coached Team USA to the gold in the team competition and the first perfect 100 score recorded in the sport’s Olympic history.

A Gilroy native, Garcia remains SJSU’s all-time top-ten rankings in nearly every major passing category. In 1999, he joined the San Francisco 49ers and led the team to back-to-back playoffs and earned four Pro Bowl appearances. Garcia retired having led three different teams to the NFL playoffs (49ers, Eagles and Buccaneers), recording a career total 161 touchdowns and 25,537 total passing yards.

Hernandez won the prestigious Herman Award as the top player in the nation at San Jose State. As a member of the newly-founded San Jose Earthquakes, Mani Hernandez scored the first two goals in franchise history. Following his playing career, he began what would be a storied, 31-year career at Presentation High School, where his girls’ teams won 17 league championships and eight CCS titles.

A cornerstone of U.S. women’s soccer during its “Golden Era,” Julie Foudy made 272 appearances with the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1987 - 2004. During that time, she won two World Cup championships, two Olympic gold medals, and an Olympic silver medal. At Stanford University, Foudy led her team to four NCAA appearances, was named a four-time All-American and the 1991 Soccer America Player of the Year.

A four-time NHL all-star with the San Jose Sharks and set a then-franchise record the 1999-2000 season with 44 goals and 40 assists. He finished his 18-year NHL career with 1,200 games played, 422 goals, 463 assists and won an Olympic gold medal for Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

Schott was a star pitcher for Bellarmine High School and SCU. At SCU he made the Nor-Cal SF All Stars, All-WCAC and registered victories over Stanford and UCLA, and a one hitter against Cal. In 1996 he purchased the Oakland A’s, his new data-based philosophy yielded five playoff appearances.

A San Jose State graduate, Dick Vermeil is the first football coach to win Rose Bowl and Super Bowl championships. UCLA won the 1976 Rose Bowl and the St. Louis Rams captured Super Bowl XXXIV. The four-time NFL Coach of the Year is one of five NFL coaches in league history to coach three teams to the postseason.

In 1940 at Stanford University, Frankie Albert became college football's first T-formation quarterback. The diminutive left-hander invented the bootleg play and twice earned All-American honors. He led the Stanford "Wow Boys" to a 10-0 record and a 21-3 Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska. Albert joined the original San Francisco 49ers in 1946 and played until 1952. He rejoined the 49ers to serve as head coach for three seasons, 1956-1958.

From 1974-1980, Child played for the San Jose Earthquakes and finished as the franchise’s all-time scoring leader with 61 goals. In 1975 Child was named MVP of the NASL Indoor Tournament, leading the Quakes to the title at the Cow Palace in San Francisco with seven goals in four games. Child played 239 games for four NASL teams and scored 102 goals, ranking fifth all-time in NASL history.

Cunningham had a remarkable 21 years at Bellarmine College Prep, where he averaged 25 victories a season and his teams won an unprecedented 34 games in 2005 & 2006. Cunningham coached the Bells to nine WCAL titles and three CCS championships. In his 38 years of coaching, Cunningham compiled an 823-375 record.

An ambassador for Stanford University and the sport of women's basketball, VanDerveer was among the sport’s pioneers and entering the 2013-14 season had won 891 games, 22 conference championships and two NCAA championships. In 1996, VanDerveer led the USA National Team to a 66-0 record and a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games.

At Cal, Bartkowski led the nation in passing and was a consensus All-American QB. After graduation, he was the number one overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft and named NFL Rookie of the Year that same year. During his 12-year career, he appeared in two Pro Bowls and compiled 24,124 career passing yards.

A soccer star at Archbishop Mitty High School and Santa Clara University, Chastain became a member of the US National team for over 12 years and collected 192 caps. She was a member of the 1991 and 1999 Women's World Cup Championship teams as well as the Olympic teams that brought home gold in 1996 and 2004 and silver in 2000. Her game winning penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup has elevated the profile of women’s soccer.

Maltbie, a SJSU alumni, was named PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year in 1975. A five-time winner on the PGA Tour and carded 55 Top 10 finishes in his career. He has been a key member of NBC Sports’ golf coverage team since 1992. As the network’s lead course reporter, Maltbie usually draws the assignment of walking with the leaders.

Born in San Jose Ca in 1955, Ribbs took his father’s hobby and made it a career beginning in England 1977 at age 22 and becoming British Formula Ford “Star Of Tomorrow“ Champion. In 1991, he continued a historically remarkable career by becoming the first African American in the 75th running of the Indianapolis 500.

A member of San Jose’s inaugural NHL team, Irbe became the first Sharks goalie to be selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game. Irbe was one of the most popular players during the Sharks first decade, in large part due to his community work and selflessness.

Jenner prepared for the 1976 Games with San Jose City College and was the American decathlon champion in 1974 and 1976 He went on to win gold at the 1976 Olympics with a world record 8,634 points, and earned the title “World's Greatest Athlete”.

A Santa Teresa High School soccer standout, Sanchez was a leader on the University of North Carolina women's soccer dynasty teams, winning four consecutive NCAA Championships from 1991-1994, including two undefeated seasons. Sanchez played professionally in San Jose for the WUSA CyberRays and has gone on to coach at the collegiate level.

The former Palo Alto High School wrestlers were the first brothers in U.S. history to win Olympic titles at the same Olympic Games (1984), and are the only brothers in U.S. history to win both Olympic and World championships. The Schultz brothers combined to win more NCAA, World, and Olympic titles than any American brother combination in history.

In 1972, Calcagno was named head football coach at Saint Francis High School and served in that capacity for 24 years compiling a record of 233-59-3. His Lancer teams made 21 Central Coast Section playoff appearances including 19 in a row, played in 16 championship games and captured 11 Central Coast Section championships.

Johnson won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics and a silver medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. She was voted USA Field Hockey Player of the Year in 1986, 1987 and 1989 and was inducted into the U.S. Field Hockey Association Hall of Fame in 1994. As Stanford’s field hockey coach from 1984 to 2002, she compiled a 168-125-11 record with nine Nor Pac Conference titles and seven NCAA appearances.

An All-American at USC and an NFL Hall of Famer, Lott’s legendary career included four Super Bowl titles, 10 Pro Bowl appearances and 63 career interceptions. Since 1989, Lott has given back to the community through his non-profit organization, All Stars Helping Kids, which supports disadvantaged youth in the Bay Area and throughout the nation.

Murphy led Stanford to a school record with 29 wins on the way to its first appearance in the NCAA College World Series. After graduation, he pitched for three seasons for the Oakland Oaks. Murphy may be best known to Bay Area sports fans as the radio voice for Cardinal football and basketball for more than 43 years.

In his 38 years as head coach, Stanford won a combined 34 NCAA Championships (17 team titles, 10 singles and 7 doubles championships). He was named Coach of the Decade for both the 1980s and 1990s. Gould retired from coaching in 2004 with a record of 88-11 (.889) in NCAA championship play and an overall record of 776-148 (.839).

In 1990, the NHL awarded George an expansion franchise that forever changed San Jose’s sports history– the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks played its first two seasons off-site before dropping the puck here in 1993. Since then, these walls have been home to thrilling playoff wins, the NHL All-Star Game, and countless other exciting events in sports and entertainment.

Margaret Jenkins was Santa Clara County’s first female Olympian. She competed in the discus at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics, the first two Games to include women. In 1928, the javelin was not included in women’s Olympic competition, but it was Jenkins’ true talent: she set the world record in San Jose with a throw of 129 feet, 1 ½ inches.

In 1959, Oldham coached his alma mater, Campbell High, to three championships. Oldham then spent 18 seasons at San Jose City College, leading his teams to 390 wins and five conference titles. In 1985, he continued his winning ways at Santa Clara University, posting a 433-324 record in 13 seasons, including conference titles in 1994, ’94, ’96 and four appearances in the NCAA playoffs.

Azzi led Stanford to a NCAA Championship in 1990 and also earned a gold medal as a member of the 1996 United States Olympic team. During her professional career, Azzi was a three-time all-star with the San Jose Lasers from 1996-99 and was drafted by the Detroit Shock in the first round (fifth overall) in the inaugural WNBA draft.

Returning to his alma maters, Mcpherson began his coaching career at Bellarmine Prep and Santa Clara University. One of the most respected teachers in the game at the time, McPherson worked in multiple capacities on the 49ers coaching staff for over 20 years (1979-98). Hired by Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh in his first season with the team in 1979, McPherson was part of San Francisco's five Super Bowl Championships (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV and XXIX).

As the winningest coach in San Jose State basketball history, McPherson had a career win-loss record of 264-208. San Jose State advanced to the third round of the 1948 NAIA national championship, the second of 1949 NAIA national championship and the 1951 NCAA Western Regionals. The Spartans were the first West Coast member at-large to participate in an NCAA Tournament.

While at Santa Clara University, Jone’s illustrious collegiate career included two Western Football Conference championships, three all-conference selections, ranked second all-time with 137 career receptions, fourth with 2,267 receiving yards, fourth in scoring with 200 points and third with 24 touchdown receptions. During his 12 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, he was named All-Pro four times and won three Super Bowl championships.

The Jordan sisters won the 1978 AIAW College National doubles title while playing for Stanford University. Barbara and Kathy Jordan were the first sisters to both reach a Grand Slam singles final (different tournaments) in the Open Era and first since Maud and Lillian Watson played for the first Wimbledon women’s title in 1884.

During his playing days, Pierce was a star quarterback at San Jose State. As the Saratoga high school head football coach, Pierce led the Falcons to 31 winning seasons, 16 league championships, and four CCS crowns. His coaching record of 270-84-4 is nothing short of astounding. His 1980 team ended the season undefeated and ranked sixth nationally.

A San Jose State alumnus and American professional golfer, Venturi became a force on the PGA Tour, claiming 14 victories, notably a 1964 win (while suffering from severe dehydration) in the U.S. Open. As a sportscaster, he enjoyed a 35-year career (1968–2002) as a colour commentator and analyst with CBS Sports television.

The Bay Area native began his historic football career at Stanford University. Brodie would go on to become the longest-tenured 49ers player in franchise history. Brodie boasts many NFL accomplishments including an MVP award, two Pro Bowl selections and 31,548 passing yards – which ranked third in NFL history at the time of his retirement in 1973, trailing only Hall of Famers Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton.

Chow was a member of the “Magnificent 7”, the first U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team to win gold in the women's team competition. Chow was the first American woman to perform both the double twisting Yurchenko and the tucked double double dismount in international competition, and the first Asian-American woman to win an Olympic medal in artistic gymnastic competition.

The Santa Clara men’s basketball legend was named the WCC Freshman of the Year (‘76) and Player of the Year (‘80). During his 14-year NBA Career, Rambis won 4 championships with the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers. After retiring, Rambis returned to the Lakers as a head and assistant coach, winning two more NBA Championships in 2002 and 2009.

Professional football player and soldier, Tillman was a star safety at Leland High School, Arizona State University, and the Arizona Cardinals. Tillman set a Cardinals team record for the number of tackles in 2000. A member of the U.S. Army Rangers, Tillman put his NFL career on hold in the Spring of 2002 to serve his country.

Cribbs won a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome as a 15-year-old swimmer, sparking a relationship with the Olympic movement that spanned six decades. Along the way, she set standards as a pioneering women’s sports executive while inspiring countless young girls —and boys.

One of the most dominant synchronized swimmers of all time. The former Santa Clara Aquamaid won an unprecedented nine Grand Slams in National Championships and International Competition. As team captain, Becky led the U.S. Team to the gold medal with a perfect score of 100 at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

After winning the 400m hurdles at the NCAA championships in 1981, Phillips continued the gold medal tradition of Silver Creek High School track athletes. He won the Gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1988 Summer Olympics, making for a rare instance when two Olympic Gold medalists have come from the same high school.

Wilson's career mark of 5,902 yards in a 49ers uniform places him fifth all-time in San Francisco history, behind only Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Dwight Clark and Gene Washington. Wilson led the NFL three times in pass receptions (1954, 1956 and 1957) and was in the Pro Bowl six times, including 1955 when he was the MVP.

A superb middle-distance runner at Cal Berkeley, Bowden became the first American to break the four-minute barrier in the mile in 1957, running 3:58.7. That same year he won the NCAA title at 880yd clocking a blistering 1:47.2. Bowden was also A member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1956.

Elway became an All-American college football star at Stanford. He went on to play his entire 16 year NFL career with the Broncos. Elway played in five Super Bowls, winning the final two, Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. His father, Jack, was a highly successful football head coach at Stanford and SJSU and was the earliest supporter of Elway's football career.

Francie Larrieu Smith was the first U.S. woman to break 4:30 in the Mile outdoors when she ran 4:28.2 in 1977. The five-time U.S. Olympic team member also was the first U.S. woman sub-4:30, an indoor world record of 4:29.0 in 1975. In the 1992 Olympic games, she represented the United States in the marathon, finishing 13th at age 39.

Charles "Chuck" Taylor was heralded as a man who had gone to the Rose Bowl as a player, head coach, and athletic director at Stanford University. In seven years, his Stanford teams had a 40-29-2 record. His 1951 team went 9-2, was in the Rose Bowl, and earned Taylor election as Coach of the Year.

The first of two Silver Creek High School track athletes to win Olympic gold. While at San Jose City College, Hampton won the 200m at the 1976 Olympic Trials. He would later win the gold medal in the 4x100m relay and the individual silver medal in the 200m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

From 1959-1984 Malley achieved a 141-100-3 record, resurrecting Bronco Football. Twenty-four of Malley's players, including QB Dan Pastorini (a No. 1 draft pick, Houston Oilers) and WR Doug Cosbie (Dallas Cowboys), went on to sign professional contracts. Malley was a four-time Northern California College Coach of the Year and reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1980.

A former San Jose State golfer, Sheehan won 35 LPGA tournaments, including six majors, in an illustrious career. In 1992, Sheehan won the U.S. Women's Open and the Women's British Open, she became the first golfer to win both in the same year. Sheehan was inducted into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame in 1993.

A two-time Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in four events. During her career Kolb won 25 U.S. national AAU Championships and set 23 world records. In 1967 she was named "World Swimmer of the Year". Kolb retired from competition and coached at Stanford University and at Pacific University. Her Stanford swimmers won the 1980 AIAW national team championship.

Payton coached the 1968 U.S. Olympic track and field team to record setting twenty-four Olympic medals. Jordan was exceedingly successful as a collegiate track coach for 23 years at Stanford University. Later in life, he became one of the most outstanding senior track athletes ever, setting world records in the 100 and 200m dash for every age group from 55 to 80.

Hank Luisetti revolutionized the game of basketball with his one-handed shot. Recognized as the greatest player in West Coast history, he led Stanford to three consecutive Pacific Coast Championships, from 1936 to 1938. Currently, he holds Stanford’s single game scoring record, with 50 points against Duquesne set in 1938.

At 17, Mathias won the decathlon at the 1948 Olympic Games, becoming the youngest Olympic champion in track and field history. While at Stanford, Mathias repeated as Olympic champion in 1952. Also a star fullback, he played in the 1952 Rose Bowl, making him the only person ever to compete in that event and an Olympics in the same year.

In route to the 1960 Rome Olympics, von Saltza won five gold medals in the 1959 Pan American Games. She was picked as the outstanding girl swimmer of the 1960 Rome Olympics for her 3 gold medals and a silver. Her performances in 1960 were considerably ahead of the U.S. competition and helped spark the current renaissance in U.S. swimming.

A fierce blocker for the Santa Clara Broncos football team. After graduation, Ruffo became an assistant coach to legendary head coach, Buck Shaw. A former San Jose Mayor, Ruffo designed the framework that helped found the San Francisco 49ers. The son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Ruffo was admired as a "renaissance man" whose career spanned land-use law, politics and sports.

San Jose State's “Speed City” sprinter set a world record in the men’s 200-meter at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968. But Smith is best remembered for the iconic statement that he made during the medal ceremony — when he raised a black-gloved fist on the podium. The silent gesture became a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement.

Hanna was a dual sport athlete for the Santa Clara Broncos. He played fullback on the Varsity football team and anchored left field to help the baseball team to a number of big wins. After his career as an athlete, Hanna traveled to Bellarmine College Prep and had a successful career as coach for their football program.

The San Jose native was the 1968 Olympic Champion in Ladies' Singles. She won five consecutive U.S. championships and was a three-time World Champion (1966–1968). In 1981, Fleming began her longest-running professional engagement, sitting beside the legendary, Dick Button for more than 20 years to comment on ABC figure skating broadcasts and several Winter Olympic Games.

Menendez won three NCAA boxing championships at San Jose State. He became head boxing coach for the United States in the 1960 Olympics in Rome when Muhammed Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, won the light-heavyweight division. As the Spartans’ soccer coach, Menendez won 295 games in 36 seasons and coached the U.S. men's soccer team in the Olympics (‘72,’76).

Uchida brought the sport of judo to SJSU in the 1940s. He was instrumental in establishing judo as a sport in the Amateur Athletic Union and hosted the first National AAU championships at San Jose State in 1953. Uchida was able to qualify judo as an Olympic event and was the first United States judo coach in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

An elite 400m runner for San Jose State’s “Speed City”. Evans became the first person to break the 44-second mark when he set a new world record of 43.86 seconds in the 1968 Mexico City Games final. A founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Evans added another gold medal in the 4×400-meter relay with a world record time of 2:56.1.

Between 1960 and 1988, Haines coached the mighty Santa Clara Swim Team, producing a total of 53 Olympic swimmers who won 44 gold medals, 14 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Enshrined with Haines in the international Swimming Hall of Fame are 15 Santa Clara Swimmers, more than from any other club.

Plunkett, the most celebrated player in Stanford history, won his school’s first Heisman and led the Indians to a 1971 Rose Bowl win. A native of San Jose, Plunkett played for the Oakland Raiders and quarterbacked them to two Super Bowl wins in 1980 and 1983, and was named the MVP of the 1980 match-up.

At age 13, Donna de Varona was the youngest member of the United States swimming team at the Olympic Games Rome 1960. Impressively, de Varona broke 18 world records by the age of 17, and won two gold medals when she competed in the 400-meter individual medley and the 4x100 freestyle relay at the Tokyo 1964 Games.

Born in Hawaii, Charlie’s outstanding athletic talents earned him a football scholarship to Michigan State University. Charlie and Lucy, high-school sweethearts, and moved to Los Gatos where Charlie eventually taught and coached at Los Gatos High School. At the age of 30, Charlie was diagnosed with ALS. He and Lucy traveled the world to share their moving story of hope, faith, inspiration and commitment.

The illustrious “Speed City” coach propelled San Jose State to the pinnacle of track and field during the mid-1900s. As a team, San Jose State won the 1969 NCAA Division I Championship. Over a 39-year coaching career (1941-1970), Winter produced 102 All Americans, 27 Olympians, and 37 world record holders throughout his career as the Spartans’ coach.