America’s Greatest Sports Moments by State
AP Photo
The task is simple. Find the defining sports moment from all 50 states. That moment can come from a team, at any level, based in the state, or an individual from the state competing in an individual sport.
Some of the picks are obvious. You’ll know those when you see them. Some are much, much more difficult to determine. Some moments might make you nostalgic. Others might make you downright mad.
These are the greatest sports moments in the history of every state.
Alabama: Auburn Wins Iron Bowl on ‘Kick Six’
When: Nov. 30, 2013
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, Alabama)
Team: Auburn University
Sport: College football
Key figures: Cornerback/return specialist Chris Davis, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Alabama kicker Adam Griffith
What happened: Auburn’s Chris Davis caught a field-goal attempt in the back of the end zone as time ran out in the fourth quarter and ran it back 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown and a 34-28 win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
Alaska: Seawolves Make History With NCAA Hockey Victory
When: March 16, 1991
Where: Conte Forum (Boston, Massachusetts)
Team: University of Alaska-Anchorage
Sport: Men’s hockey
Key figures: Head coach Brush Christiansen, right wing Rob Conn, goalie Paul Krake, Boston College right wing David Emma
What happened: UAA men’s hockey sweeps Boston College in three-game series and advances to NCAA tournament quarterfinals.
Arkansas: Broyles, Undefeated Hogs Win Football National Title
When: January 1, 1965
Where: Cotton Bowl (Dallas)
Team: University of Arkansas
Sport: College football
Key figures: Head coach Frank Broyles, linebacker Ronnie Caveness, quarterback Fred Marshall
What happened: The University of Arkansas beat the University of Nebraska in the Cotton Bowl 10-7 to cap off an unbeaten, untied 11-0 season for the national championship.
Arizona: Diamondbacks Deliver World Series in Record Time
When: Nov. 4, 2001
Where: Bank One Ballpark (Phoenix, Arizona)
Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Sport: Baseball
Key figures: Pitcher Randy Johnson, left fielder Luis Gonzalez, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera
What happened: Diamondbacks win Game 7 of the World Series over the New York Yankees, 3-2.