blackspartans_016
islandora:4978
Willie Steele
SJSU Special Collections & Archives
2022
eng
Originally from San Diego, Willie Steele attended San Jose State College from 1942-1943, then finished his schooling at San Diego State. While best known for his skills at the broad and high jump, Steele also played multiple other sports including baseball, football, and boxing. In 1942, he set... Show moreOriginally from San Diego, Willie Steele attended San Jose State College from 1942-1943, then finished his schooling at San Diego State. While best known for his skills at the broad and high jump, Steele also played multiple other sports including baseball, football, and boxing. In 1942, he set the college’s field jump mark record with a 25’7” jump, which stood as the record until 1966, earning him the National Junior Broad Jump title. In 1945, Steele competed in the Allied Track and Field Championships at the Foro D’Italia stadium in Florence, Italy and won both the broad and high jump events. While at school, Steele batted .310, and after graduation from San Diego State he made the 1949 second All-CCAA baseball team as a first baseman. He competed in the 1948 London Olympics and won gold in the long jump. Steele served as an Army Private First Class in the Fifth Army in World War II. He became a director in Oakland’s Parks and Rec Department, and retired in 1988. Steele passed away on Sept. 19, 1989. Show less
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African Americans--History
African Americans--History Blacks--History San Jose State College San José State University Athletics—America College sports College sports—United States--History Football--United States Boxing African American baseball players Track and field athletes--United States World War, 1939-1945-- African Americans United States. Army
California—San José
Black Spartans
San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives
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San José State University, Black Spartans Exhibit, San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives