Norfolk State University
Norfolk State College was founded in 1935. The College, brought to life in the midst of the Great Depression, provided a setting in which the youth of the region could give expression to their hopes and aspirations. At this founding, it was named the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University. In 1942, the College became the independent Norfolk Polytechnic College, and two years later an Act of the Virginia Legislature mandated that it become a part of Virginia State College.
The Norfolk State Spartans refer to the 14 sports teams representing Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia in intercollegiate athletics, including men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field; women's sports include bowling, softball, and volleyball; men's-only sports include baseball and football. The Spartans compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.[2]
