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The Daily Aztec
The Back Page
Feb. 16 - 22, 2022 Editor: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com
Black excellence in SDSU Athletics By Jayden Hanzy STAFF WRITER
During the annual celebration of Black History Month it is important to acknowledge and honor all of the accomplishments of African-American athletes. For centuries, sports have been something that has brought communities together, entertained and inspired the people who consume them. It is important to honor and praise the athletes who dedicate their lives to winning and succeeding in their respective sports. Plenty of Black athletes around the world have brought communities together, entertained, and changed lives in doing so. Not only are sports important for the people who watch them but they
are also good for the athletes involved. “I think the lessons that sports have taught me, need to be taught to other young black athletes,” assistant football coach Hunkie Cooper said when asked about what sports mean to Black athletes. SDSU’s athletic program has benefited from the African-American athletes that have been involved with the sports program. Former Aztecs such as Kawhi Leonard, Michael Cage, Marshall Faulk, Herman Edwards, Tony Gwynn, Kieshsha Garnes, and Chana Perry are perfect examples of Black excellence through athletes on campus. These alumni have broken records, won championships, all while wearing their African-American and Aztec pride on their sleeves. Fastforwarding to the current state of SDSU, the group of Black athletes are
Photo by Ernie Anderson, courtesy of SDSU Athletics
Wide reciever Kobe Smith said it can be challenging being a Black athlete at a predominantly white school, but that the black athletes around campus love what they do.
continuing to carry the torch lit by the Aztecs of the past. All of the African-American students, not just athletes, have a tight bond that keeps the culture so strong at SDSU. The African-American population on campus intends to leave their mark while representing the people that have come before them. “Being a Black athlete at a predominantly white school has its challenges. Overall though I can’t complain about the different scenery because it’s life,” senior wide receiver Kobe Smith said when asked what being a black athlete meant to him. “The Black athletes around this campus want to be heard and they love what they do, if not they wouldn’t be here.” Being a Black athlete is not an easy feat
to accomplish on a campus when there aren’t that many African-Americans. “A challenge that I face being a Black athlete is being stereotyped as just another black athlete, which causes me to be more cautious of my actions,” sophomore guard Lamont Butler said about the challenges of being a black athlete. “What makes it worthwhile is the footprint that I can leave in the world and an opportunity to change my family’s life.” The African-American athlete experience at SDSU is worthwhile because of the greatness that has been accomplished in the past, current, and will be accomplished in the future. Without these athletes, the Aztec legacy would not be the same. For more on these student athletes, go to goaztecs.com.
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Sophomore guard Lamont Butler said being labled as “just another Black athlete” causes him to be more cautious with his actions, but he believes that it’ll be “worthwhile” to leave his footprint in the world, and it’s an opportunity to change his family’s life.
