CSUN Athletics Unveils Winningham Spirit Plaza
11/19/2017 9:12:00 AM | General
En Español
Winningham Spirit Plaza Dedication Ceremony
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - CSUN Director of Athletics Brandon E. Martin announced today that the University would rename the Matador Spirit Plaza in honor of Sam Winningham commemorating the former football coach and his contributions to the University.
"Today's ceremony is significant because it highlights a true leader and pioneer who has been a pillar in the rich history of CSUN Athletics," said Martin. "Sam has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many in the Matador family."
Martin also thanked Milt and Debbie Valera for their lead gift in launching the renaming of the plaza.
Winningham was joined by hundreds of family, friends and Matador football alumni for a luncheon and ceremony Saturday on the CSUN campus.
The first head coach of Matador Football, Winningham coached the San Fernando Valley State College/CSUN football program from 1962-68. Winningham's tenure was highlighted by the Matadors' trip to the 1967 Junior Rose Bowl against West Texas State.
Bruce Lemmerman, the quarterback of the Junior Rose Bowl team and one of the all-time greats in Matador football history, was also on hand for Saturday's dedication.
"Coach Winningham was not just a football coach, he was a life coach," said Lemmerman. "He used the game of football to teach people how to compete, how to work together so that the team succeeded no mater what the individual cost might be. To love and respect our differences as well as our similarities. To enjoy others successes as well as our own. Even though at times we were not many (the dirty 30 as we were called), we were still strong when we all pulled in the same direction together. The Winningham Spirit Plaza will continue to keep that message alive."
Former CSUN Sports Information Director Joe Buttitta emceed Saturday's dedication ceremony which is phase one of the Winningham Spirit Plaza project.
Phase two will include visual displays which will depict each era of Matador Football, highlighting each coach and team with emphasis being placed on All-Conference and All-American honorees, record holders, academic excellence and other outstanding accomplishments.
"California State University Northridge, or San Fernando Valley State as it was called back then, was my professional home for many, many years and I have such fond memories," said Winningham. "A special thank you to CSUN Athletics, this honor is very meaningful to me especially at my age."
Martin also touched on the legacy of football on the CSUN campus as well as the surrounding community.
"This afternoon we are also reviving a piece of our University that has been invisible for 16 years," he said. "This project is dear to me because it allows us to celebrate the former players, coaches and alumni who gave so much to our football program and to the many fans in the Northridge community.
"For those who have not been on campus in recent years, I want to welcome you back to the CSUN Athletics family that has always been yours and will be forever."
About CSUN Athletics
The CSUN Athletic Department empowers more than 350 student-athletes and staff to achieve comprehensive excellence both on and off the field in 19 Division I intercollegiate sports through a diverse and inclusive educational experience. The Matadors are members of the Big West Conference, their colors are red, white and black and the "Rise of the Matadors" campaign pays tribute to the rich tradition and culture of CSUN Athletics. For Matadors ticket information, please call (818) 677-2488 or visit www.gomatadors.com/tickets. For information on supporting CSUN Athletics, visit www.gomatadors.com. For additional information, follow the Matadors on Twitter @GoMatadors, on Instagram @MattytheMatador and on Facebook at CSUNAthletics.
#GoMatadors