Why the Bay Area Is the Sports Capital of the World

Too Cool for School

We certainly did not forget about college, because the Bay Area’s NCAA teams have been having success as well in recent years.

Jan 1, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw celebrates the 20-14 victory with his children against the Wisconsin Badgers during the 2013 Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Stanford Cardinal are the most notable, winning the Rose Bowl last season under David Shaw. Credit Harbaugh for turning the program around, as he turned a one-win team in 2006 to a one-loss team just four years later. As the story goes, he moved on to the 49ers, Shaw took over, and the winning has continued.

How about a shout-out to the San Jose State Spartans, who were actually ranked in the BCS last season at No. 25. Led by sensational quarterback David Fales, who is already being talked about amongst NFL scouts, the Spartans went 10-2 and defeated Bowling Green in the Military Bowl after going 1-12 in 2010.

The Cal Bears’ football program is looking to rebuild under new head coach Sonny Dykes, but it was their basketball program gaining the attention this year. The Bears advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament, but did not have the firepower to match-up with Syracuse and failed to reach the Sweet 16. However, the team will produce an NBA player in Allen Crabbe (who has declared for the draft), and had a great run this past season.

Finally, the St. Mary’s Gaels basketball team deserves a mention as well. Matthew Dellavedova was simply incredible for them as they earned a birth into the NCAA Tournament. The Gaels were knocked out in the second round of the tournament after winning their First Four matchup, but for the small school located in Moraga, it was really an incredible year.