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Location: San Diego, California
Enrollment: 33,790
Established: 1897
Mascot: Aztecs
Colors: Black, Scarlet and Gold

 

-          13 NFL Draft selections since 2004

-          134 all-time NFL Draft selections – by far the most of any current Mountain West Conference school

-          Back-to-back postseason appearances in 2010 and 2011

-          18 conference championships

-          Nine postseason appearances

 

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 was inspired by former coach Don Coryell, who 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 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.

It has been six decades since Montezuma, the first Aztec Warrior figure associated with the university, initially appeared at a San Diego State athletic event. The school's Rally Committee came up with the idea based on the ruler of the Aztec empire in the early 1500's, Montezuma II. The character, affectionately known as "Monty" to generations of SDSU alumni, evolved through the years to become emblematic of San Diego State's athletic teams.

 

San Diego State defeated San Diego Marine’s second team 39-0 on September 25, 1930. After the game fans were treated to a fireworks show. Ever since, about 75 percent of all Aztec games, home and away, have been played at night.