MAXIMILLIANO ACOSTA /  ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

After relocating from San Diego to Los Angeles back in 2017, many felt surprised and bitter that the Los Angeles Chargers decided to partner with the University of San Diego. This past summer, USD hosted the Bolt’s two-day training camp at Torero Stadium- a 6,000-seater on-campus stadium with a grass field. Although the majority of the summer training sessions took place in El Segundo, Calif., this recent local visit welcomed Toreros, San Diegans and others to get a glance at preseason. With enormous blue letters that spelled out  “Bolt Up,” lively music, food trucks and booths sold merch in the sunny San Diego weather. 

The event took place from July 22-23 by the Jenny Craig Pavilion. The Bolt Fam  awaited  ambitiously to see the Chargers back in action despite the 121 mile difference. 

Last season, the Chargers held a practice for the Marines in Camp Pendleton and it showed great results, inspiring their return to San Diego. Tickets on Tuesday were exclusive to active military personnel, veterans and their families while Wednesday was available to all season ticket holders.

Chargers head Coach Jim Harbaugh, after having played professional football with the Chargers, began his head coaching career with the USD Toreros in 2004. 

While some deemed him underqualified  before applying for the role, he made sure to make a lasting impact. Harbaugh coached  two  of  the most successful seasons in Torero history. Having left USD with an impressive 29-6 overall record throughout three seasons, it was clear that he still had strong feelings  for  USD.

Although it was the organization as a whole that brought up the idea to travel to San Diego, it was Coach Harbaugh that came up with the idea of using USD as a practice venue. Harbaugh wore a USD hat representing his roots with the Torero family.

Being back on campus brought back a lot of memories for Harbaugh. In his 30 minute press conference at USD, before the training took place he claimed to feel incredible.

 “As the buses came through, the little hairs on my arm were standing up,” Harbaugh said.

One of his best memories was his training sessions on the notorious hill that is well-known for  its  steep  incline  that tests many who walk up it including those coming from Manchester Village to go toward the center of campus and a great deal of USD athletes during training. It was that same hill that  Harbaugh referenced in his press conference. Harbaugh would even join his team in the workout and push himself just as he pushed his athletes. 

Fans who couldn’t secure tickets on Tuesday  still clamoured for a glimpse of the training that lasted 75 minutes from the top of the nearby hill and a USD sophomore Luke Matguro and life-long Charger fan was seen sitting by the fence seeing the Charger takeover and Matguro gave some insights of what he thought about the event.

 “After so many years, seasons, ups, and downs with this team I love, there has never been a time where I haven’t been excited to see them play,” Matguro said. “When I heard  Jim  Harbaugh was bringing the team to USD to practice, I was going crazy and was so hyped. I instantly knew I was gonna go see them no matter what.” 

San Diego is always a tricky subject to bring up around Chargers fans. Though the team appreciated the fresh breeze coming from Mission Bay, San Diego was just another place for these players. The crowds weren’t so hot either.  Some 3,300 service members and their families attended the first day of the training camp and 3,600 season ticket holders followed on Wednesday. Admission was free. In comparison, 4,500 to 6,500 pay to watch San Diego Loyal or San Diego Wave soccer teams in the same place. After having spent 56 strong seasons in San Diego, many fans felt betrayed. 

USD senior Jack Hansen and USD co-team basketball manager, knew about the Chargers and Harbaugh’s rich history.

“It really made me feel very proud and connected to be a Torero,” Hansen said. “However it made me realize just how much San Diego needs to have more professional sports teams here. [The event] showed just how loyal our fan base is to a team that’s not even here in San Diego currently. Imagine how much pride we’d show if they were actually back.”

Linebacker,  Denzel Perryman,   the   last   original  San Diegan  Charger on   the   team   agrees. After   hearing   that  the  Chargers  were  going  to  return to San Diego for a training camp, he commented to Sports Illustrated. 

“I feel like we should have been back, to be honest with you,” Perryman said. “Love San Diego. That’s where it all started.”

Despite these mixed feelings, friends decked out with their powder blue uniforms and a big crowd ready to see the team that used to call the area its home.

Jim Harbaugh speaks at USD. Photo courtesy of  @usdfootball