August 1, 2016 – San Jose State reinstates men’s track after a 28 year hiatus
In a well orchestrated press conference by the Smith-Carlos status at San Jose State, Spartan Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier announced that after a 28 year absence San Jose State will reinstate Men’s T&F in October 2018 to join the Women’s program which was initiated 2 years ago.
In an outdoor press conference by the Smith-Carlos statue 350+ former athletes and alumni joined many of the Bay Area’s T&F community and press to hear the announcement. In a luncheon afterwards, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Lee Evans and Dr. Harry Edwards discussed reinstating the program and the racial struggles surrounding the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and subsequent protest by Carlos and Smith.
San Jose State athletics has also initiated a fund drive for 5 million dollars to rebuild Bud Winter Field on 10th Street in the University’s South Campus athletic facilities. In the 1970’s Winter had the nation’s first 3M track surface laid which has sadly in recent years been used for Football overflow parking.
For more detailed story: http://www.sjsuspartans.com/genrel/073116aab.html
Photos of event:
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