40 Facts About The Sun Devils

History of the Sun Devils

The Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils have a rich history filled with memorable moments and achievements. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic team.

1. The Sun Devils nickname was adopted in 1946. Before that, ASU's teams were known as the Bulldogs.

2. Sparky the Sun Devil, ASU's mascot, was designed by a former Disney artist. Bert Anthony, who worked on classic films like "Fantasia," created Sparky in 1946.

3. The Sun Devils' colors are maroon and gold. These colors were chosen to represent the desert landscape of Arizona.

4. ASU's football team has won 17 conference championships. This includes titles from the Border Conference, Western Athletic Conference, and Pac-12 Conference.

5. The Sun Devils have appeared in 32 bowl games. Their first bowl appearance was in the 1940 Sun Bowl.

Notable Achievements

The Sun Devils have achieved numerous milestones in various sports. Here are some of their most notable accomplishments.

6. ASU's baseball team has won five national championships. These titles were claimed in 1965, 1967, 1969, 1977, and 1981.

7. The Sun Devils' men's golf team has won two NCAA championships. These victories came in 1990 and 1996.

8. ASU's women's golf team has won eight NCAA championships. This makes them one of the most successful programs in collegiate golf history.

9. The Sun Devils' wrestling team won the NCAA championship in 1988. They remain the only team from the Pac-12 to achieve this feat.

10. ASU's men's track and field team won the NCAA indoor championship in 2008. This was their first national title in the sport.

Famous Alumni

Many Sun Devils have gone on to achieve greatness in their respective fields. Here are some of the most notable alumni.

11. Pat Tillman, a former NFL player, left his career to join the military. He tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004.

12. James Harden, an NBA superstar, played for the Sun Devils. Harden was a standout player at ASU before entering the NBA.

13. Phil Mickelson, a professional golfer, attended ASU. Mickelson has won multiple major championships during his career.

14. Reggie Jackson, an MLB Hall of Famer, played baseball at ASU. Jackson is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

15. Barry Bonds, another MLB legend, also played for the Sun Devils. Bonds holds the record for most home runs in a single season.

Rivalries

Rivalries add excitement and intensity to sports. The Sun Devils have some fierce competitors.

16. The Territorial Cup is awarded to the winner of the ASU vs. University of Arizona football game. This rivalry dates back to 1899, making it one of the oldest in college football.

17. ASU's rivalry with the University of Arizona extends to other sports. The two schools compete fiercely in basketball, baseball, and more.

18. The Duel in the Desert is the name of the annual ASU vs. Arizona basketball game. This matchup is always highly anticipated by fans.

19. The Sun Devils also have a rivalry with the University of Southern California (USC). This rivalry is particularly intense in football.

20. ASU's baseball team has a heated rivalry with the University of Arizona. The two teams have faced off in numerous high-stakes games.

Traditions

Traditions help create a sense of community and pride among fans and athletes. The Sun Devils have several unique traditions.

21. The "Inferno" is the student section at ASU football games. Known for their enthusiasm and energy, they create an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.

22. The Victory Bell is rung after every Sun Devils football win. This tradition dates back to the 1930s.

23. The Lantern Walk is a homecoming tradition at ASU. Students hike up "A" Mountain with lanterns to celebrate school spirit.

24. "A" Mountain is a prominent landmark near ASU's campus. The giant "A" is painted in the school's colors and is a symbol of pride.

25. The Sun Devil Marching Band is known for their impressive performances. They entertain fans at football games and other events.

Facilities

ASU boasts some impressive facilities that contribute to the success of their athletic programs.

26. Sun Devil Stadium is the home of ASU football. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 53,000.

27. The Weatherup Center is the practice facility for ASU basketball. This state-of-the-art facility helps the team prepare for games.

28. Phoenix Municipal Stadium is the home of ASU baseball. The stadium has a seating capacity of 8,775.

29. The Mona Plummer Aquatic Center is the home of ASU swimming and diving. This facility has hosted numerous national and international competitions.

30. The Whiteman Tennis Center is the home of ASU tennis. This facility features multiple courts and seating for fans.

Community Involvement

The Sun Devils are committed to giving back to their community. Here are some ways they make a difference.

31. ASU athletes participate in the Sparky's Tour program. They visit local schools to promote education and healthy living.

32. The Sun Devils host an annual Pat's Run to honor Pat Tillman. This event raises funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

33. ASU's student-athletes volunteer with local charities. They dedicate their time to causes such as food banks and youth programs.

34. The Sun Devils participate in the annual Canned Food Drive. This event helps provide food for those in need during the holiday season.

35. ASU's athletic department supports the Special Olympics. They host events and provide resources for athletes with disabilities.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about the Sun Devils.

36. Sparky the Sun Devil has his own comic book series. The series features Sparky in various adventures around campus.

37. ASU's fight song is called "Maroon and Gold." The song is played at sporting events and other school functions.

38. The Sun Devils' mascot, Sparky, has a pitchfork as his weapon. This symbolizes the team's fighting spirit.

39. ASU's marching band performs a unique pregame show. The show includes formations that spell out "ASU" and other designs.

40. The Sun Devils' cheerleaders are known for their high-energy routines. They help keep the crowd pumped up during games.

The Final Whistle

The Sun Devils have a rich history filled with memorable moments and remarkable achievements. From their impressive athletic records to their dedicated fan base, they embody the spirit of college sports. Whether it's their storied football team, successful basketball program, or other athletic endeavors, the Sun Devils continue to make their mark. Their commitment to excellence and community involvement sets them apart. As you dive deeper into their history, you'll find countless inspiring stories and fun facts that showcase their legacy. Keep cheering for the Sun Devils and celebrating their ongoing success. Their journey is far from over, and there's always something new to learn and appreciate about this dynamic team. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and achievements from the Sun Devils.