By Ryan Carlson — Executive Editor
The Redwood Bowl and surrounding facilities located at Humboldt State University is the temporary home for San Jose State football while it prepares for the upcoming home opener against Air Force.
Santa Clara County has yet to grant team practices, forcing the Spartans to relocate north to Humboldt County where guidelines allowed for larger groups to conjugate. This gives SJSU football the opportunity to prepare for the recently announced, eight-game Mountain West season.
SJSU Head Coach Brent Brennan and senior safety Tre Webb represented the team for a Zoom press conference with Bay Area media last week.
Brennan wore a yellow Humboldt State University hat and a black hoodie that read the letters, “SJ.” Both were in Spartan-blue masks and were grateful to Humboldt State for granting access to the facilities.
Webb, in his Spartan jersey about to join the team for practice, mentioned that the experience has provided an opportunity for team bonding and that everyone was excited to play football again upon hearing the announcement.
Players begin their day at practice and proceed to take classes back in the dorms, which are a short walk away from the interim Spartan facilities.
Coach Brennan was ecstatic about the way his team handled the moving situation and has been proud of the team’s commitment.
“The first day of warm up was electric and fun,” Brennan said. “We’re just having a great time.”
Brennan took the team on a nature walk one day through the nearby towering sequoia redwoods in Humboldt. It was a breath of fresh air for Brennan and his team to safely get away from the restricted routine of practice and classes.
The Spartans are adhering to strict, consistent protocols by staying in the dorms when away from the field and not leaving campus without consent of the team.
With less than 14 days until the first Spartan kickoff against Air Force, there is still no answer on whether the Spartans will play in San Jose or host the Falcons at the Redwood Bowl.
Practicing (and possibly playing games) more than 300 miles away from South Campus is just one extra sacrifice the Spartan athletes gladly make to play the game they love.
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