The quiet, warm evening under the lights of CEFCU Stadium, Home of the Spartans, was the background for a comforting feeling to the San Jose State University football team as it conducted its first practice at home since mid-March when COVID-19 changed the ways of the world near the midpoint of 2020 spring practice.
The stadium's welcome sign on the west side was not lit and the stunning new scoreboard behind the north end zone stood in its majesty as the Spartans individually and collectively could get that home field feeling.
For 12 days in early October, the Spartans conducted practice more than 320 miles away in the Redwood Bowl on the Humboldt State University campus in Arcata, Calif. There was one evening session, but nothing duplicating the team's 2.5-hour Friday night closed practice.
"It feels great to be back in CEFCU Stadium. It feels great to be back at San Jose State and its atmosphere, back on field and get ready for Air Force," said cornerback Nehemiah Shelton, who had three interceptions and led the 2019 Spartans with seven pass break-ups.
Shelton saw quite a bit of action going head-to-head with senior Bailey Gaither, a 2019 honorable mention All-Mountain West wide receiver who caught 52 passes for 812 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. One three returning starting receivers, along with senior Tre Walker and sophomore Isaiah Hamilton, they hauled in 174 passes for 12 touchdowns as the number-four passing offense in the country a year ago.
"It feels good to be back in our own home, our own roots, our own home environment and get our first practice in a week before our first game," said Gaither.
The Spartans re-acclimated themselves to the night skies inside CEFCU Stadium since they will be hosting Air Force in their season opener, Saturday, October 24. FS1 will televise the game nationally beginning at 7:30 p.m. (PT).
While fans in the stands won't be permitted, the opportunity to place a cardboard cutout in the stadium is a meaningful option for games this season. Contact Director of Annual Giving Nate Olson at 408-924-1250 or nate.olson@sjsu.edu for more information.