By Egyptsheanna Lundy — Reporter
San Jose State football reclaimed the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy after defeating the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 35-24 on Saturday.
The idea of honoring Coach Tomey was a partnership originally developed in a conversation between former Hawai’i head coach Nick Rolovich and San Jose State’s Brent Brennan.
The award began in 2019 and is given to the winner of the University of Hawai’i and San Jose State football game each season in remembrance of the legendary head coach in both divisions who died of lung cancer before last season.
The Rainbow Warriors defeated SJSU last year but each team has won the trophy once after this year Spartan victory..
After being announced the head coach of San Jose State University’s football on December 29, 2004, Tomey described himself as a competitor.
“I believe San Jose State University can be successful in college football,” Tomey said. “I always felt San Jose State had tremendous possibilities. The opportunity to be the head coach is really appealing and compelling.”
As an assistant on Tomey’s staff from 2005 to 2009 Brennan says he saw Tomey as another figure he looks up to.
“Obviously, the Dick Tomey Legacy trophy is a really special thing personally,” Brennan said. “For me, because of my history with Coach Tomey outside of my father, there is not a more important man in my life.”
The last time the Spartans had a conference record of 5-0 was in 1939 which ended with a 13-0 season.
Saturday’s game against Hawai’i saw San Jose State rushed for a season-high 288 yards.
Running back Tyler Nevens finished the game with 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns, his longest a 72-yard score.
Along with these player’s Tre Walker, the receiver, scored a 50-yard TD in the fourth quarter to secure victory for the Spartans.
Although SJSU was unable to take home the trophy at the CEFCU stadium due to the new restrictions on COVID-19 in Santa Clara County, this season is something Tomey would be proud of.
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