2007 Hall of Fame Banquet Reception Form

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Important Hall of Fame Documents

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Class of 1994 (Class Photo)
L.C. "Pete" Butler - Coach/Administrator (1940-73)
Rosemary Fri - Coach/Administrator (1963-2005)
Leonard Groom - Wrestling (1967-69)
John Hancock - Coach/Administrator (1925-66)
Tom Petroff - Baseball Coach (1971-85)
Lou Piel - Softball/Basketball (1976-80)
Greg Riddoch - Baseball (1965-67)
Greeley Timothy - Multisports (1922-25)

Class of 1995 (Class Photo)
Tom Backus - Football/Wrestling (1934-39)
Bob Blasi - Football Coach (1966-84)
Elmo Cromer - Football/Basketball/Baseball/Track (1930s)
Bob DeMeo - Baseball (1970-74)
Barb Eaton - Tennis (1980-82)
Jack LaBonde - Wrestling Coach (1966-80)
Dan Libera - Athletic Trainer (1971-97)
Len Lordino - Wrestling (1958-62)
Dick Monfort - Contributor
Tony Rossi - Gymnastics Coach/Athletic Trainer (1949-83)

Class of 1996 (Class Photo)
Frank Carbajal - Baseball/Basketball (1958-61)
Joe Drew - Football (1966-69)
Sandra Elliott - Tennis (1983-86)
Jack Flasche - Wrestling (1961-64)
Mike Higgins - Basketball (1985-89)
Don Meyer - Baseball/Basketball (1964-67)
Buck Rollins - Football Coach (1967-85)
George Sage - Baseball/Basketball (1952-55) & Basketball Coach (1963-69)
Linda Witt - Swimming/Track/Basketball/Softball/Field Hockey (1975-78)
John Zurbrigen - Football (1969-71)/Contributor

Class of 1997 (Class Photo)
Lark Birdsong - Volleyball/Basketball/Tennis/Track (1968-72)
Don Govoni - Wrestling (1950-52)
Roy Hardin - Football (1933-35)
John Koehler - Baseball (1959-61)
Dave Stalls - Football (1973-76)
Carla Stearns - Volleyball/Softball/Basketball (1978-83)
Bill Thomas - Track & Field (1979-83)
Dr. James Wheeler - Team Physician (1958-93)

Class of 1998 (Class Photo)
Tom Benich - Track & Field Coach (1963-86)
Merle Ogle - Tennis/Basketball (1927-30)
Dr. Aaron Parkhurst - Team Physician (1971-99)
Gloria Rodriguez - Softball/Basketball Coach (1969-77)
Teresa Stratman - Swimming (1989-93)
1978 Softball Team - Team Photo

Class of 1999 (Class Photo)
Duane Banks - Baseball/Basketball (1958-59, 62-64)
Mike Bennett - Track & Field (1989-92)
Joe Klune - Wrestling (1942-43, 45-57)
Judy McCreery-Chamberlin - Track/Cross Country (1978-80)
Dean Schott - Gymnastics (1980-83)
Mike Tomasini - FootballWrestling/Track (1964-67)
1969 Football Team - Team Photo

Class of 2000 (Class Photo)
Dana (Cash) Ausec - Volleyball (1990-93)
Jan Breckenridge - Softball (1976-79)
Carolyn Cody - Gymnastics Coach (1967-81)
Kevin Jelden - Football (1979-83)
Vic Nottingham - Tennis (1948-52)/Contributor
Frank Slack - Multi-sports (1936-39)
1968-69 Wrestling Team - Team Photo

Class of 2001
Kristy Jordan - Volleyball (1977-80)
Robert Reed - Football/Basketball/Baseball (1936-40)
Joe Strain - Baseball (1973-76)
Joe Tennessen - Contributor
Larry Wagner - Wrestling (1968-71)
1983 Women's Tennis Team - Team Photo

Class of 2002 (Class Photo)
Jim Alexander - Wrestling (1965-67)
Linda Delk - Volleyball (1976-2002)
Ben Dreith - Baseball/Basketball/Football (1946-50)
Venus Jennings - Basketball/Softball (1975-78)
Deb Ponis - Volleyball/Tennis (1993-97)
Frank Wainright - Football (1987-90)
1955 Baseball Team - Team Photo in 1955 | Team Photo in 2002

Class of 2003 (Class Photo)
Stanley Benson - Swimming (1971-75)
R.W. Eaks - Golf/Basketball (1971-75)
Dr. Betty Everett - Women's Athletics (1951-81)
Lisa Jacobsen Loptien - Women's Soccer (1985-88)
J. Michael (Mike) Thompson - Men's Track & Field (1986-90)
1949 Baseball Team - Team Photo (1949) | Team Photo (2003)
1993 Volleyball Team - Team Photo (1993) | Team Photo (2003)

Class of 2004 (Class Photo)
Tom Beck - Football (1993-96)
Dennis Colson - Basketball/Track & Field/Baseball (1963-68)
Gerry Dattilio - Football (1972-75)
Alexis Gardner - Softball (1976-79)
Terry (Wenzinger) Goldwater - Women's Swimming (1990-94)
Mike Rogers - Wrestling (1967-69)
1974 Baseball Team - Team Photo (1974) | Team Photo (2004)

Class of 2005 (Class Photo)
Sharon Akiyama - Gymnastics (1973-76)
Ernie Andrade - Baseball (1960-62)
Derek Chaney - Basketball (1990-94)
Don Cumley - Football/Track & Field/Billiards (1939-41 & 1946-48)
Theo Holland - Basketball/Track & Field (1957-61)
Corte McGuffey - Football (1996-99)
Kim Schiemenz - Volleyball/Track & Field (1995-2000)
1978-79 Men's Golf Team - Team Photo (1978) | Team Photo (2005)
1981 Volleyball Team - Team Photo (1981) | Team Photo (2005)

Class of 2006 (Class Photo)
Irv Brown - Baseball/Basketball (1954-57)/Contributor
Joe Glenn - Football Coach (1987-99)
Shelley (Lindstrom) Johnson - Basketball (1988-92)
David Keller - Baseball/Basketball (1979-82)
Jim Lochner - Baseball (1959-62)
Tatjana (Smith) Sanders - Volleyball (1993-95)
Nancy (Weber) Sylvester - Track & Field (1994-97)
1996 Football Team - Team Photo (1996) | Team Photo (2006)

Class of 2007
Karl Dodge - Track & Field (1988-93)
Ed Dyer - Baseball (1961-64)
Billy Holmes - Football (1994-97)
Jim Lord - Contributor
Mandy Nilsen - Soccer (1998-01)
Stormie Wells - Volleyball (1992-95)
1997 Football Team

1949 Baseball Team
Team Photo (1949) | Team Photo (2003)
Pete Butler (Head Coach)

Under the direction of head coach Pete Butler, the 1949 baseball squad finished 17-3 overall and advanced to the NCAA Regionals. The Bears tallied a 16-1 mark in the regular season was a perfect 8-0 in Rocky Mountain Conference games. The Bears took on Southern California in the NCAA Region 7 Playoffs. USC scored a 12-2 win in game one of the three-game series, but the Bears bounced back behind the arm of Harry Wise to take game two, 6-2. Wise then pitched in the deciding game of the series and staked the Bears to a 7-0 lead in the sixth inning. But coach Butler was forced to use a series of relief pitchers and USC rallied for a 8-7 victory. Wise was honored as an All-America after the 1949 season. Members of the team included: Cal Cordes, E. Stuckey, Ed Kinney, Jerry Harrod, Ed Gustafson, Marvin Eakes, Paul Distefano, Art Conroy, Lou Garramone, Rocco (Rip) Gioso, Art Wollenweber, Harry Risoli, Lowell Stuckey, Mel Spence, Ivan Ellis, Frank Sajevic, Ben Dreith, Harry Wise, Dean Steward, Thurm Wright, Jim Baldi, Clarence Clark, Glen Stenson (Trainer) and Pete Butler (Coach).

1955 Baseball Team
Team Photo in 1955 | Team Photo in 2002
Pete Butler (Head Coach)

Under the direction of head coach Pete Butler, the 1955 baseball squad finished 25-4 overall and advanced to the College World Series after a series win over Wyoming in the NCAA Regionals. George Sage pitched the Bears into the College World Series with a 12-5 triumph. Sage then tossed a six-hitter and the Bears edged past Southern California 2-1 in the NCAA first-round contest. Members of the squad included: Willie Wright, Jerry McMillen, Bob Kordula, Quinten Hoien, Manual Martinez, Mike Lucas, Ward Lee, Kent Hill, John Hogg, Wayne Coates, Dick Weed, Coach Pete Butler, George Sage, Bob Gill, Del Petersen, Les Charles, Don Stern.

1968-69 Wrestling Team
Team Photo
Jack LaBonde (Head Coach)

The 1968-69 wrestling team finished second in the nation at the College Division level and 13th at the University Division level. The team posted a dual record of 13-1-1. Len Groom led the squad with a College Division national title at 130 pounds and a second place finish in the University Division. Other All-American selections on the team included Mike Rogers (137 pounds), Mel Crider (152 pounds), Jim Alexander (167 pounds), Mike Patterson (177 pounds) and Bob Smith (145 pounds). Inducted in 2000.

1969 Football Team
Team Photo
Bob Blasi (Head Coach)

With an unblemished 10-0 record, the 1969 UNC football team remains the only squad in school history to record a perfect season on the gridiron. The Bears finished the season ranked third in the nation and won their first undisputed Rocky Mountain Conference Championship. The Bears averaged 43.5 points per game, the second highest average in the nation, while holding their opponents to an average of 12 points per contest. Leading the Bears was fourth-year head coach Bob Blasi (Hall of Fame, Class of '95), who went on to record a school-best 107 victories in his 19 seasons. While the Bears have gone on to post 20 winning seasons since Blasi's squad ran the table, the 1969 football squad is often credited with putting UNC football on the map. Inducted in 1999.

1974 Baseball Team
Team Photo
Tom Petroff (Head Coach)

Record of 32-13; coached by Tom Petroff; Great Plains Athletic Conference title; UNC won 17 of 18 games heading into the College World Series; Bears reached the College World Series by defeating both Gonzaga (2 games to 1) and Arizona (2 games to 0) in a three-game series; UNC swept Arizona (6-5 and 6-2) to make their 10th appearance in the College World Series; Rick Thoren tossed a five-hitter in the clinching game against the Wildcats; UNC defeated Harvard (4-2) in the loser's bracket after falling to Oklahoma (10-1) in the opening round; UNC suffered a 5-3 loss to Southern Illinois to be eliminated from the College World Series; finished sixth in final Division I poll; Bob DeMeo led the team in hitting with a .404 batting average; four other Bears hit over .300 for the season (Ron Holmes - .347, Jeff Cheek - .338; Joe Strain - .338; Dennis Leonida - .309); the pitching staff was led by Keith Bailey (10-2, 3.63 ERA) and Rick Thoren (8-1, 4.12 ERA).

1974 Baseball Team Roster:
Mark Aasen, Keith Bailey, Jeff Cheek, Greg Cook, Mike Coy, Bob DeMeo, John Gabbert, Steve Gjertsen, Paul Gradishar, Ron Holmes, Rick Kent, Dennis Leonida, Mike McNeill, Greg Meyer, Larry Nelson, Greg Pilkington, Rich Pinkowski, Tom Runnels, Davie Schiessler, Jeff Simpson, Joe Strain, Rick Thoren

1978 Softball Team
Team Photo
Jane Martindell(Head Coach)

Under the direction of head coach Jane Martindell, the 1978 softball squad recorded a second-place finish at the Women's College World Series. With a record of 24-6, the Bears won a conference championship. Leading the 1978 squad was All-American pitcher Lou Piel, who recorded an impressive 0.50 earned run average. In addition, the Bears had all-conference performers in catcher Jan Breckenridge and pitcher Phyllis Schachterle. Inducted in 1998.

1978-79 Men's Golf Team
Team Photo
Bob Montgomery (Head Coach)

The 1978-79 squad was the first UNC men's golf team to reach the NCAA Div. II Championships (Davis, Calif.) ... team finished 12th at the national championships and was led by a 17th overall finish by Rick Petri ... the team won three of the eight RMIGA events they competed in as well as two other invitationals ... they regularly defeated CU, CSU, DU, Wyoming and Air Force ... UNC had three of the top five individual finishers in the RMIGA competition ... Rick Petri (72.7 - tops in the RMIGA), Jeff Potts (75.5 - 3rd in the RMIGA), Bill Petri (77.2 - 5th in the RMIGA). Members of the team included: Rick Petri, Bill Petri, Jeff Potts, Bob McNamee, Deon Miller, Leon Smith, Scott Williamson. Inducted in 2005.

1981 Volleyball Team
Team Photo
Linda Delk (Head Coach)

The 1981 women's volleyball team tallied a record of 44-15 ... the 44 wins set a single-season record for victories ... the squad finished third in the nation after losing twice to eventual national champion Hawaii-Hilo in Colorado Springs, Colo. ... the Bears advanced to Elite Eight after going 3-0 at the regional in Butler-Hancock Hall ... the squad won the IAC title ... head coach Linda Delk was named AIAW Region VII Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year ... Carol Johnson Klein, Carla Stearns, and Jose Rupp were named All-IAC players ... Rupp was named AIAW Region VII MVP ... Johnson-Klein and Stearns were named All-Americans. Members of the team included: Lisa Dodson, Nan Fahrbach, Jennifer Gibbons, Vicky Jewett, Carol Johnson-Klein, Michelle Korinek, Amanda Orr, Suzzanne Orr, Cindy Rhodes, Josie Rupp, Lisa Rupp, Brenda Shoemak, Carla Stearns. Inducted in 2005.

1983 Women's Tennis Team
Team Photo
Rosemary Fri (Head Coach)

Under the direction of head coach Rosemary Fri, the 1983 women's tennis team finished fourth in the nation at the NCAA Division II National Championships in Pomona, California. The Bears placed fourth after defeating Stetson and then losing to Notre Dame. The UNC doubles team of Sandra Elliott and Mary Gillach capped an undefeated season (32-0) by capturing the doubles national championship. Elliott also finished second in the singles competition, losing to Georgetown's Suzanne Kuhlman in straight sets. Elliott posted a 27-5 singles record on the season. Other member of the 1983 squad were: Stephanie (Schall) Burke, Kellie (O'Rourke) Banisky, Donna Aratani, Kathy Monohan and Jamie Schrier.

1993 Volleyball Team
Team Photo (1993) | Team Photo (2003)
Linda Delk (Head Coach)

Led by head coach Linda Delk and the North Central Conference Player of the Year Dana Cash, the 1993 UNC women's volleyball team reached the Elite Eight and placed fourth overall in NCAA Div. II volleyball. The team compiled an overall record of 35-6 and finished the season ranked No. 5 in the nation in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. UNC captured the North Central Conference title with a league mark of 7-2. At the Elite Eight, the Bears rolled past Regis (3-0) before falling to Northern Michigan in the national semifinals (3-0). UNC then lost a 3-0 match to Portland State in the third and fourth-place match. The 1993 squad set the UNC school record for kills in a season (which still stands) at 2,196. The squad boasted of three All-Americans as Cash earned first-team honors while Deb Ponis and Tatjana Smith tallied second-team honors. Delk also garnered NCC Coach of the Year honors. Members of the team included: Deb Ponis, Stormie Wells, Vicki (Pruett) Sutherland, Dana (Cash) Ausec, Tatjana Smith, Dawn (Fujimoto) Asuncion), Jami Tolle (Asst. Coach), Kelly (Lynch) Bender, Dawn (Schaefer) Roberts, Erica Wymore, Tonya (Norris) Baird, Brittany Loui (Tonniges), Amber (Petty) Bretz and Ap Clark (Asst. Coach).

1996 Football Team
Team Photo
Joe Glenn (Head Coach)

The 1996 Northern Colorado football team claimed the first-ever team national championship in school history, topping Carson-Newman 23-14 in Florence, Ala. (Dec. 14, 1996). Coached by Joe Glenn, the team compiled an overall record of 12-3 and had seven players named All-American (RB Billy Holmes, DB/P Dirk Johnson, DL Pat Kemble, LB Brian Munroe, OL Tony Ramirez, DB Jesse Tann, DB Delano Washington). Captained by quarterback Tom Beck and linebacker Brian Munroe, the Bears had several highlights during the season, including a 21-6 victory over No. 11 South Dakota State on Nov. 2 to help them put themselves into playoff contention after a 5-3 start to the season; including that game, the team won its final seven contests of the season. The team opened the playoffs with a 24-21 victory at Pittsburg State and followed that up at home by defeating No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri 27-26 when Beck found Omar Zuniga in the end zone from two yards out for the winning score with 12 seconds remaining. Northern Colorado topped Clarion (Pa.) 19-18 on the road in the semifinals before beating Carson-Newman in the championship game. Inducted in 2006.

1996 Football Team Members: Ryan Abrahamson, Jason Adams, Chad Ansell, Bryan Applewhite, Ryan Ayres, Tom Beck, Ed Bendokas, Jeff Berven, Bill Branch, Bernard Brockman, Donavan Brown, Brad Bunting, Ryan Burkholder, Lennis Campbell, Cliff Casco, Rob Case, Mark Chicarelli, Joshua Ching-Pickett, Jake Clark, Steve Cotham, Pat Coy, John Curto, Wes Daniels, Jason Dreweck, Kunta Duncan, Nathan Eastin, Noland Eastin, Ethan Emery, Derek Frazier, T.J. Gadlin, Dean Grable, Keith Grable, Jeremy Guddat, Andy Haase, Wade Hancock, Matt Harting, Brian Heil, Jamie Heiner, Jason Heinrich, Don Hemerson, Dylan Hockett, Billy Holmes, Mark Holte, Richard Jacoby, Mark Jeffries, Dirk Johnson, Floyd Johnson, J.D. Johnson, Martin Jones, Max Keeler, Pat Kemble, Steve Kensinger, Andy Klatt, Kris Kovel, Heath Kucera, Justin Lanham, Brian Lonergan, Desi Lopez, Brian Lusk, Darick Maes, Matt Markley, Melvin Marshall, Drew Masten, John May, Brian Mayo, Corte McGuffey, Don McLean, Josh Mettle, Jeff Miller, Dominic Mirenda, Ryan Mitchler, Hank Moody, Shad Morelock, Sudan Muhammad, Brian Munroe, Rudy Nailor, Chad Niesent, Justin Noyes, Jeff Olech, Dominic Pallone, Casey Parsley, Don Plutt, Jim Porter, Tony Ramirez, Ron Regan, Nathan Rice, Ryan Richards, Scott Riesselman, Tony Roberson, Paul Robertson, Colin Runge, Mike Schauer, Brian Scott, Aaron Smith, Derrick Steinhagen, James Stovaw, Jesse Tann, Keith Terrio, Harry Tillman, Lenny Vaughn, Lejon Vivens, Brandon Vogt, Delano Washington, Dedrick Weddington, Todd Weibel, Chris Wild, Tashe Williams, Andrew Wimbs, Maika Woods, Scott Zimmerman, Omar Zuniga. Coaching Staff: Joe Glenn (Head Coach), Mike Breske (Defensive Coordinator), Kay Dalton (Offensive Coordinator), Marty English, Harvey Patton, Larry Adams, Rod Dobbs, Brett Harvey, Casey Morelock, Ivan Goepferd, Chris Knutson, Charles Rittenhouse, Ron Wisniewski, Paul Novak. Support Staff: Dan Libera (Athletic Trainer), Mick Schuch (Equipment Manager), Aaron Parkhurst (Team Doctor), Scott Leisinger (SID).

1997 Football Team
Joe Glenn (Head Coach)

The 1997 Northern Colorado football team won the second-straight team national championship in school history, shutting out New Haven 51-0 for the title (Dec. 13, 1997). Coached by Joe Glenn, the team won the North Central Conference Championship en route to a 13-2 overall record and had nine players earn All-American honors over the 1996 and 1997 seasons. The team played all four of its playoff games on the road, rising to the challge, defeating Pittsburg State 24-16, Northwest Missouri State 35-19 and Carson-Newman 30-29 before winning the whole kit-and-caboodle 51-0 over New Haven in Florence, Ala. The team won its final nine games of the season and in the final regular season game against North Dakota, senior running back Billy Holmes broke the school's single-season rushing record with 1,093 yards, becoming the first Bear to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Inducted in 2007.

1997 Football Team Members: Chad Ansell, Bryan Applewhite, Ed Bendokas, Donovan Brown, Brad Bunting, Ryan Burkholder, Lennis Campbell, Cliff Casco, Mark Chicarelli, Joshua Ching-Pickett, Steve Cotham, Wes Daniels, Kunta Duncan, Nathan Eastin, Noland Eastin, Faraj Elmagbari, Dean Grable, Keith Grable, Jeremy Guddat, Andy Haase, Brian Heil, Jamie Heiner, Jason Heinrich, Billy Holmes, Mark Holte, Mark Jeffries, Dirk Johnson, Martin Jones, Andy Klatt, Kris Kovel, Heath Kucera, Justin Lanham, Nicolas Lopez, Brian Lusk, Matt Markley, Drew Masten, John May, Corte McGuffey, Dillan Micus, Jeff Miller, Chad Niesent, Justin Noyes, Dominic Pallone, Don Plutt, Nathan Rice, Ryan Richards, Paul Robertson, Colin Runge, Mike Schauer, Brian Scott, Aaron Smith, George Smith, Carlos Tarin, Lenny Vaughn, Brandon Vogt, Todd Weibel, Tashe Williams, Andrew Wimbs, Scott Zimmerman, Omar Zuniga. Coaching Staff: Joe Glenn (Head Coach), Mike Breske (Defensive Coordinator), Kay Dalton (Offensive Coordinator), Larry Adams, Rod Dobbs, Marty English, Ivan Goepferd, Mike Griffith, Brett Harvey, Paul Novak, Harvey Patton, Jim Porter, Charles Rittenhouse, Peter Strusma, Ron Wiesnieski. Support Staff: Shannon Courtney (Athletic Trainer), Mick Schuch (Equipment Manager), Aaron Parkhurst (Team Doctor).

Sharon Akiyama, Gymnastics (1973-76)
Akiyama was the first female athlete at UNC to receive an athletic scholarship ... she won the all-around title in every Intermountain Conference meet in 1973 and usually took the uneven bars, floor exercise and balance beam titles as well ... inspired a group of freshman teammates to qualify for Division I national championships where the team placed 13th in the nation ... Akiyama placed 12th on bars and 12th on floor exercise in national meet ... helped the squad complete an undefeated season. Inducted in 2005. (Nominated by Marcia Anderson and Linda Witt)

Jim Alexander, Football (1965-67)
Alexander placed third at the 1968 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. He also placed third overall at the 1969 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. Alexander was limited to only three seasons of competition but still earned three straight RMAC and MIWA championships. He still holds the school record for most career pins. Inducted in 2002.

Ernie Andrade, Baseball (1960-62)
Helped lead the Bears to three straight appearances in the College World Series (1960, 1961, 1962) ... tallied a career record of 17-4 ... as a freshman in 1960, he went 6-1 with a 1.95 earned run average ... earned All-Rocky Mountain Conference as a pitcher in both 1960 and 1961 ... also guided the Bears to three straight Rocky Mountain Conference championships. Inducted in 2005. (Nominated by Pam Davis)

Dana (Cash) Ausec, Volleyball (1990-93)
Ausec was a three-year starter at outside hitter, who earned First Team AVCA All-America honors in 1993 and was selected to the Second Team in 1992. She helped the Bears to a fourth-place national finish and a North Central Conference championship in 1993. A two-time All-NCC performer, she was named the league's Player of the Year as a senior (1993). Ausec was also recognized in 1993-94 as the NCAA Colorado Sportswoman of the Year. An excellent student, she earned several academic awards, including NCC All-Academic, Academic All-North Central Region and GTE Academic All-District. Upon graduation, she received a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Inducted in 2000.

Tom Backus, Football/Wrestling (1934-39)
Tom Backus was a letterwinner on the Bears' 1934 football team that upset Colorado en route to the Rocky Mountain Conference title. A native of Wray, Backus was a varsity wrestler under coach John Hancock and filled-in for his mentor by serving as interim wrestling coach in 1939, when he led his squad to a conference championship. Backus, a longtime contributor to UNC, later endowed the John Hancock Scholarship to honor his former coach. Inducted in 1995.

Duane Banks, Baseball/Basketball (1958-59, 62-64)
Duane Banks was a three-time all-conference and all-district catcher for the Bears in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He helped UNC reach the College World Series following the 1959 season. A career .363 hitter, Banks also played one year of basketball at UNC. Upon graduating from UNC, he spent one year with the Atlanta Braves organization before embarking on a coaching career. Banks served as the head baseball coach at the University of Iowa from 1970 until his retirement in 1997. Iowa's all-time winningest coach, Banks posted a record of 901-575-4 and led his squad to three Big Ten titles. He is also a member of the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Inducted in 1999.

Tom Beck, Football (1993-96)
Starting quarterback that led Bears to the NCAA Division II playoffs two consecutive years (1995 & 1996); Won national championship in 1996 with an injury depleted team with a 23-14 win over Carson-Newman; Ranks among UNC all-time leaders in passings yards (7th, 4,251), touchdown passes (5th, 35) and total offense (6th, 4,589); Has served as an active member in the Blue & Gold campaign to help raise dollars for UNC athletic scholarships. Inducted in 2004.

Tom Benich, Track & Field Coach (1963-86)
Benich served as the head track and field coach at UNC from 1963-86. Benich-led squads won conference championships in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Great Plains Athletic Conference and most recently in the North Central Conference. During his tenure, the Bears produced 13 All-America performers. Benich was selected NCC coach of the Year following the 1982 and 1986 seasons and was also a recipient of the NCAA Division II Track Coaches Distinguished Service Award. Inducted in 1998.

Mike Bennett, Track and Field (1989-92)
Mike Bennett is one of the top male track and field athletes in UNC history. He won the NCAA II national decathlon title on three occasions (1989, 1991,1992), as well as earning seven individual North Central Conference titles. Bennett posted conference championships in the decathlon (1989, 1991, 1992), 110-meter high hurdles (1989,1991,1992) and the long jump (1991). He is currently the UNC record holder in the decathlon, long jump, pentathlon, 55-meter high hurdles and 60-meter hurdles. Inducted in 1999.

Stanley Benson, Swimming (1971-75)
Benson was a four-year letterwinner and four-time All-American for the Bears in the mid-70s. He was also a two-time RMAC champion. Benson, a native of Eaton, Colo., was also the UNC record holder in the 100 backstroke. He was a two-time academic All-America selection and served as a two-year captain for the UNC squad. After his days at UNC, he went on to coach the swimming team at Greeley Central High School where he helped coach 37 state champions. Inducted in 2003.

Lark Birdsong, Multi-sports (1968-72)
Lark Birdsong was a four-year letterwinner in volleyball, basketball, and tennis and participated in track and field and in field hockey. After UNC, she coached at the University of Iowa, where she implemented the women's basketball program and later coached a player who was selected to the women's junior program. Inducted in 1997.

Bob Blasi, Football Coach (1966-84)
Bob Blasi compiled a record of 107-71-3 as UNC football coach from 1966-86. He coached the 1969 Bears to a 10-0 record, a Rocky Mountain Conference title and a number-three ranking in the final UPI national college division poll. His teams won six league titles, including one North Central Conference championship, and he led UNC to its first-ever NCAA playoff appearance in 1980. Inducted in 1995.

Jan Breckenridge, Softball (1976-79)
Breckenridge was a four-year starter at catcher for the Bears. She helped lead UNC to four straight Women's Collegiate World Series Appearances including a second-place national finish in 1978. An all-conference selection following her senior year, Breckenridge posted a .312 career batting average with 12 career doubles. Defensively, she played two seasons without committing an error and finished her career with an outstanding .997 fielding percentage. Breckenridge was also a recipient of UNC's Outstanding Senior Award, which recognized academic and athletic excellence. Inducted in 2000.

Irv Brown, Baseball/Basketball (1954-57)/Contributor
Brown earned all-district honors in both basketball and baseball as a multi-sport athlete at Northern Colorado. Following his playing days he had a successful 25-year coaching career at the high school and collegiate level. He also spent 25 years as collegiate basketball referee and worked six NCAA Final Fours. He has been a broadcaster for ESPN, CBS and Altitude Sports and Prime Sports among others and has spent over 24 years hosting his own sports talk show in Denver. Brown was a supervisor of officials for both the WAC and Big Sky Conferences and was a former Commissioner of the Colorado Athletic Conference. He was named to Sports Illustrated's "50 Great Sports Figures From Colorado From 1900-2000" (ranked No. 39 overall). He has also served as a Denver Nuggets Youth Consultant. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Colorado High School Hall of Fame in 2001. Brown was also selected by Referee Magazine as one of "20 Who Made a Difference." Inducted in 2006.

L.C. "Pete" Butler, Coach/Administrator (1940-73)
Played football, basketball and baseball. Served as head baseball coach from1941-67 and recorded more than 400 victories. His teams won 25 straight Rocky Mountain Conference titles, 11 regional titles and advanced to the College World Series nine times. Member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Three time NCAA District Coach of the Year. Served as head Basketball Coach from 1940-56 and had a 151-133 record with seven conference titles. Inducted in 1994.

Frank Carbajal, Baseball/Basketball (1958-61)
Frank Carbajal was an all-conference UNC baseball and basketball player in the early 1960s. A Division I all-region pitcher in 1960, he helped the Bears to a pair of College World Series appearances. A native of Greeley, he notched more than 500 basketball coaching victories at high schools and community colleges, and two of his community college teams advanced to the final four. Inducted in 1996.

Derek Chaney, Basketball (1990-94)
Chaney is the only player in UNC history to rank in the career top-10 in 10 of the 12 individual record categories kept for men's basketball ... he is ranked second in assists (384); Chaney is the third all-time leading scorer (1,491) ... he holds the single-game record for three-pointers made in a game (8) ... a three-time (1992, 1993, 1994) academic all-NCC first-team ... CoSIDA Third-Team Academic All-American in 1994 ... Chaney graduated in 1993 with a degree in Mathematics and earned his master's in Sports Administration in 1995. Inducted in 2005.

Carolyn Cody, Gymnastics Coach (1967-81)
Cody enjoyed an outstanding career as head gymnastics coach at UNC. Her squads made several regional and district appearances and five of Cody's athletes qualified and participated in the AIAW Division I National Championships. Her 1974 team placed first regionally and 13th nationally. From 1974-81, Cody posted an impressive dual record of 114-40-1. She was also active in the gymnastics community, serving as a judge at both the state and national levels. Following her coaching career, Cody went on to serve as a member of the UNC faculty and administration from 1978-99. Inducted in 2000.

Dennis Colson, Basketball/Track & Field/Baseball (1963-68)
Three-year letter winner in basketball, one in track & field, one in baseball; Helped basketball team to a 21-6 record in 1965-66 and a midwest regional tournament appearance; Led the team to three straight Rocky Mountain Conference basketball championships; Three-time All-Conference in basketball; Academic All-American selection three times; Student body president as a senior; Recipient of NCAA Postgraduate scholarship; Currently, a professor of law at the University of Idaho. Inducted in 2004.

Elmo Cromer, Multi-sports (1930s)
Elmo Cromer earned 13 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track. He began his college career in the mid-1930s and, after a five-year stint in the military, served as an assistant coach to John Hancock before an injury to the starting fullback forced Cromer back into the lineup. A Fort Collins native, Cromer coached high school basketball at Brady (Neb.), Wiggins and Eaton, where he built a 340-95 career record and led the Bears to the 1964 state title. Inducted in 1995.

Don Cumley, Football/Track & Field/Billiards (1939-41 & 1946-48)
Cumley was a three-year letterwinner in both football and track; ... earned Little All-American status in 1946 ... he was the Rocky Mountain Conference champion in discus (two years), javelin (two years) and shot put (three years) ... Cumley served as the freshman football coach in 1947 ... he was also a member of the 1948 CSCE billiard team and placed fifth in the nation in the All-College Billiard Team competition ... Cumley played professional football for New York Yankees in 1946-47 ... he passed away November 30, 2001. Inducted in 2005.

Gerry Dattilio, Football (1972-75)
Led the Bears in rushing as a quarterback in 1972 & 1973; Led the team in passing yards in both 1973 (1,367 yds., 18 TDs) and 1974 (1,367 yds., 14 TDs); Bears' total offense leader from 1972-74; Ranks 10th on the Bears' all-time passing yards list with 2,953 passing yards; Ranks 9th on the Bears' all-time total offense list with 4,210 yards; All-Great Plains Conference player in both 1973 and 1974; played in the CFL for over 10 years and was the QB of the Grey Cup championship team in 1980. Inducted in 2004.

Linda Delk, Volleyball (1976-2002)
Delk tallied a career record of 702-290 in 26 years as UNC's head women's volleyball coach. She guided squads to eight conference titles and advanced to postseason competition 17 times. Twice her teams finished among the top eight teams in the nation in the AIAW Championships. Delk's squads qualified for four straight NCAA Elite Eight Championships in the early 90s, including in 1994 when the Bears finished a school-record third. She ranks among the top 15 winningest Division II coaches in the nation. She was named the Colorado Sportswoman of the Year in 1995. Delk coached five academic All-Americans, and earned her master's degree from UNC in 1978. Delk was recently inducted in Colorado Sportswomen Hall of Fame. Inducted in 2002.

Bob DeMeo, Baseball (1970-74)
In 1972, Bob DeMeo became the first player in UNC baseball history to earn first team All-American honors and he followed up that honor with a pair of third team All-American citations in 1973 and 1974. He had three hits in the Bears' doubleheader sweep of top-ranked Arizona that propelled UNC into the 1974 College World Series. A Hamilton Square, N.J. native, he played minor league baseball and became a minor league manager before his death in a 1981 automobile accident. Inducted in 1995.

Karl Dodge, Track & Field (1988-93)
Karl Dodge ranks as the most accomplished thrower in school history. During his years with UNC, he was a two-time All-American (`92, `93) and three-time NCC discus champion. He still holds the school record in the discus. While competing for Northern Colorado, Karl was called to serve in Operation Desert Storm in the US Army as an infantry soldier. After returning from military service in Operation Desert Storm, he went on to earn his two All-American honors. Following his years with the Bears, he continued to compete internationally in Track & Field and the Strongman Highland Games. During his Highland Games years, he earned honors as a 7-time World Record holder and World Champion. To this day, he is still recognized as one of the greatest American athletes in the history of the Strongman Highland Games. Inducted in 2007.

Ben Dreith, Baseball/Basketball/Football (1946-50)
Dreith was awarded 11 varsity letters (baseball-4, basketball-4, football-3) in his time at UNC. He was a four-year All-Conference pick in baseball and a two-time All-Conference selection in basketball. Dreith played under Pete Butler and John Hancock. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a football/basketball official. He refereed two Super Bowls; 8 NFL Championship games, 8 NCAA regional basketball tournaments, numerous other high school and college championship games. Inducted in 2002.

Joe Drew, Football (1966-69)
Captained the Bears' 1969 football team that finished the season ranked third nationally at 10-0. On the only undefeated team in school history, he earned All-America honorable mention as a defensive tackle and was a two-time all-conference selection. A native Arvada, he helped establish the Blue and Gold Club's annual golf fundraiser. Inducted in 1996.

Ed Dyer, Baseball (1961-64)
Ed Dyer posted a 32-8 record for the baseball team. He still ranks second in school history in career ERA and 10th in strikeouts, as well as second in single season strikeouts and sixth in innings pitched. Dyer was nominated by Coach Butler to play on the 1964 US Olympic Team. He won eight games in each of his four seasons for Colorado State College. Inducted in 2007.

R.W. Eaks, Golf/Basketball (1971-75)
Eaks was a two-sport star for the Bears in the mid-70s. Eaks led the basketball team in scoring and was the fifth-leading scorer in the Rocky Mountain Conference when his career was complete. He led the team to its best record in the decade of the 70s under head coach Thurm Wright in 1973-74, when the squad compiled a mark of 15-9. Eaks also led golf team to league championships. Eaks is the all-time leading money winner on the Nike/Hogan golf tour and won three tournaments during his professional career. He began play on the Champions Tour in the spring of 2002 and was the first-round leader at the 2002 U.S. Senior Open. Inducted in 2003.

Barb Eaton, Tennis (1980-82)
Barb Eaton was UNC's first-ever women's national champion, winning an AIAW singles title in 1981. A native of Aurora, she combined with teammate Darla Steenburgen to place second in the doubles competition at the 1981 national tennis tournament and she also won singles and doubles titles at the North Central Conference championships. Inducted in 1995.

Sandra Elliott, Tennis (1983-86)
Was a three-time NCAA Division II doubles tennis champion and a two-time singles runner-up in the mid-1980s. The four- time singles and doubles conference champion helped the 1983 Bears to a fourth-place team finish at the NCAA championships. A native of Grand Junction, she was a two-time Academic All-American. Inducted in 1996.

Betty Everett, Women's Athletics (1951-81)
Everett was hired by the Colorado State College of Education (UNC) in 1951 with visions of excellence and opportunity for women in sport. She transformed "Play-Days" for women into opportunities for women to compete within a four-state region. Everett was instrumental in forming and developing the Intermountain Conference, the first of its kind in the United States. She served as president for the first few years of the organization, which became the template for other collegiate women's athletic conferences in the 1960s and 1970s. Through the 1960s, Everett coached all sports being played at the that time including: basketball, volleyball, field hockey, tennis and golf. She also served as UNC's first female Athletic Director and she hired a group of professional women (Rosemary Fri, Mary Behling, Carol Mosser, Jean Hedberg, Caroline Cody, Kathie Hildreth, Cindy Carlisle and Linda Delk) who shared her vision for excellence in the classroom and the athletic arena. Inducted in 2003.

Jack Flasche, Wrestling (1961-64)
A Fruita native, Jack Flasche won the 1962 NCAA Division I championship at 157 pounds. A three-year conference champion, he helped the Bears win three Rocky Mountain Conference titles and helped lead the 1962 team to a 14th-place finish in the Division I national playoffs. Inducted in 1996.

Rosemary Fri, Coach/Administrator (1963-2005)
Created the women's tennis program in 1963 and has served as its only head coach until the end of the 2004-05 season. Her teams produced two national singles champions, three pairs of doubles champions and 10 All-American players. Led her teams to two NCAA Division II fourth-place finishes, 13 top 20 national rankings and numerous conference titles. Twice named the Wilson Division II Coach of the Year. Served as the first Coordinator of Women's Athletics in 1965. Served as Associate Athletic Director until 1991. Retired in 2005. Inducted in 1994.

Alexis Gardner, Softball (1976-79)
Four-year letterwinner for the Bears in softball; competed in four Women's College World Series (finished 2nd, 4th, 2nd, 5th); three-time Intermountain Conference champions (1976, 1977, 1978); two-time all-conference pick; selected for a tryout for the 1979 Pan Am Games; holds UNC single-season record in triples (8), stolen bases (20) and batting average (.473); holds UNC career records in at-bats (393), runs scored (83), hits (133), RBI (48), triples (14), stolen bases (45) and walks (30). Inducted in 2004.

Joe Glenn, Football Coach (1987-99)
Glenn led the Bears football team to 11-straight winning seasons and a combined record of 98-35 from 1987-99. He is best known for helping the Bears to back-to-back Division II National Championships in 1996 and 1997, marking the first team national titles in school history. His Northern Colorado teams appeared in the NCAA Playoffs seven times and won three North Central Conference championships (1997-99). He was named AFCA National Coach of the Year twice (1996, 1997) and won 11 or more games in each of his final four seasons with the program. Glenn later went on to coach at Montana (2000-02), where he compiled a 39-6 overall record, won the 2001 NCAA Division I-AA National championship and was named National Coach of the Year. In 2003 he took over the Wyoming football program and helped the Cowboys to the 2004 Las Vegas Bowl Championship, the squad's first bowl appearance in 11 years. Inducted in 2006.

Terry (Wenzinger) Goldwater, Women's Swimming (1990-94)
Ranks third on UNC's all-time career points list; Set the school records in 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle (since broken by Saree Hoopii) and is a member of three school-record holding relay teams (200 free, 400 free, 800 free); Broke 14 school records during her career; 9-time NCAA II All-American in individual events and five-times in relays; 13-time North Central Conference Champion (8 individual, 5 relay); NCC record holder in 5 events (3 individual, 2 relay); Earned "Bear Down" Award all four years; Named to CSCAA All-Academic Team in 1994; One of only four swimming and diving athletes in UNC's history to have scored in the top-8 in every individual event at the conference championships for all four years of her collegiate career; NCC Athlete of the Year (1993-94). Inducted in 2004.

Don Govoni, Wrestling (1950-52)
Don Govoni was often referred to by Coach John Hancock as "the finest all-around wrestler ever to compete for UNC." During the years when colleges and universities of all sizes competed for one NCAA title per weight class, Govoni, at 157 pounds, placed third in both the 1951 and 1952 NCAA national championships. He also won three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships, the national AAU title and the All Armed Forces title. He posted an overall collegiate record of 42-4. Govoni was Hancock's assistant in 1953 and went on to coach at the high school and college levels for many years. He was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1991. Inducted in 1997.

Leonard Groom, Wrestling (1967-69)
Won the NCAA College Division 130-pound championship in 1969. Placed second at the 1969 NCAA University Division Nationals. Led his team to a national runner-up finish (the highest team finish ever by a UNC men's team) in 1969. Two-time Rocky Mountain Conference champion. Had a 52-6 career record and a school-record 30-1 mark as a senior. Had a successful coaching career at Northglenn High School. Inducted in 1994.

John Hancock, Coach/Administrator (1925-66)
Established the wrestling program in 1926 and served as its head coach until 1965. Won 29 straight Rocky Mountain Conference titles and coached two national champions and 12 All-America wrestlers. His teams had 10 top-25 national finishes. Created the Colorado State High School Wrestling Tournament in 1936 in Gunter Hall. Served as head football coach from 1932-53. His 1934 team upset Colorado, 13-7, and won a share of the RMC championship. Served as Athletic Director from 1953-66. Inducted in 1994.

Roy Hardin, Football (1933-35)
Roy Hardin played football for John Hancock in the mid-1930s, and is best remembered for helping lead the Bears to the RMAC title in 1934, a season also highlighted by a 13-7 win over the Colorado Buffaloes at Jackson Field. Hardin was a triple threat -a runner, a passer and a drop kicker of field goals and points-after-touchdown. He was named to the Little All-American team and various all-conference teams that season. Inducted in 1997.

Mike Higgins, Basketball (1985-89)
Was a second-team All-America basketball player who led the Bears to the 1989 North Conference championship. A four-time all-conference performer, Higgins is the Bears' career leader in scoring (2,112) and rebounding (959) and he holds 21 other school records. A native of Greeley, Higgins later played with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets before enjoying a solid professional career overseas. Inducted in 1996.

Theo Holland, Basketball/Track & Field (1957-61)
Played in 49 total games in a little over two seasons with the team posting a 28-21 overall record (24-12 in the RMAC) ... as a sophomore on the basketball squad in 1958-59, Holland was named to the All-Rocky Mountain Conference team after averaging 15.8 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per contest ... as a junior in 1959-60, he was named the best basketball player in the State of Colorado by the Denver Post & Rocky Mountain News after averaging a team-best 17.0 points per game ... shot 80.6 percent from the free throw line to lead the team as a junior ... as a senior in 1960-61, he was one of the first black players to play in the University of Kentucky's Memorial Coliseum and stay in the white-only hotel ... he was the conference champion in the long jump (1959) ... he set the conference record in 1960 in the long jump as he won both the long jump and high jump conference crowns. Inducted in 2005.

Billy Holmes, Football (1994-97)
Billy Holmes was a member of the back-to-back national championship football squads and was the leading rusher for each team with 1,074 in 1996 and 1,093 in 1997. He finished his career as the No. 1 all-time rusher in school history with 3,519 yards (including all postseason games) and ranks No. 2 on the Bears' all-time all-purpose yardage list with 4,703 yards. Holmes rushed for 3 touchdowns and a title game record 195 yards on 30 carries in the 51-0 win over New Haven in 1997 en route to 19 touchdowns for the year to set the single-season record (record has since been broken by both Adam Matthews and Vincent Jackson with 21 each). During the 1996 championship game, he scored on a 1-yard touchdown run as the Bears scored a 23-14 victory over Carson-Newman, rushing for 136 yards on 33 carries in the contest. Inducted in 2007.

Kevin Jelden, Football (1979-83)
Jelden enjoyed a standout career as a placekicker on the UNC football team. In 1982, he was tabbed First Team All-American by the Associated Press. A member of the Bears' 1980 North Central Conference championship team, Jelden earned First Team All-NCC honors on two occasions (1981, 1982) and Second Team honors once (1983). He ranks second on UNC's all-time field goal list (40) and fourth on the all-time points scored list (178). In a 1981 game versus South Dakota State, Jelden set a school and conference record with five field goals. Inducted in 2000.

Venus Jennings, Basketball/Softball (1975-78)
Jennings started on both softball and basketball teams. She was an outstanding outfielder and hitter in softball and led the Bears to four straight appearances in the Women's College World Series. Jennings earned All-Conference softball honors as a senior. She was among the first UNC women to receive an intercollegiate athletic scholarship. On the basketball court she averaged 12 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds per game in leading the Bears' to two winning seasons. Inducted in 2002.

Shelley (Lindstrom) Johnson, Basketball (1988-92)
Lindstrom was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain for the Bears and currently ranks in the top 10 in six different program career top 10's. That includes ranking second in free throws made (304), fourth in points (1,409) and blocked shots (85), fifth in field goals made (548), sixth in rebounds (717) and seventh in steals (143). She tallied 541 points in the 1991-92 season, which was the school record until 2002-03. She also graduated as the program's all-time leader in career free throws made, minutes played in a season (994) and career (3,256), consecutive games played (112) and consecutive games started (84). She still ranks in the top 10 in a single-season in points, field goals made (196 - 5th) and free throws made (144 - 2nd). Lindstrom was a first-team All-North Central Conference selection in 1991-92 and a two-time Academic All-NCC pick. She later went on to play on the Andrews Air Force Base varsity basketball team, was selected as team captain and led the team in four different categories. She has also volunteered in her community by coaching youth basketball and soccer. Inducted in 2006.

Kristy Jordan, Volleyball (1977-80)
Jordan was a setter and outside hitter on the volleyball squad for four seasons. In 1979, she earned first team All-American honors and helped the Bears win an AIAW regional championship and place fourth at the AIAW national tournament. A two-time All-Intermountain Conference selection, Jordan also led the 1980 squad to a regional title and seventh-place showing at the national tournament. For her efforts, she was tabbed the AIAW Region VII Most Valuable Player as a senior. Head coach Linda Delk credits Jordan as one of the players who helped put UNC volleyball on the map. Inducted in 2001.

David Keller, Baseball/Basketball (1979-82)
Keller was a multi-sport star on the hardwood and diamond for the Bears. He still ranks as the program's career leader in RBI (173), home runs (47) and slugging percentage (.756). He also ranks in the top 10 in career runs (146 -5th), total bases (332 - 4th) and walks (86 - 6th). Keller also holds the program's single-season records for home runs (20) and ranks in the top 10 in a single-season in RBI (71 - 3rd) and slugging percentage (.802 - 7th). He led the team in batting average (.413) in 1981 and in RBI in with 71 in 1982 (which was a school record until the 2003 season). He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 28th round (No. 714 overall) in 1982 and played five seasons in the minor leagues. He spent 13 years as a minor league coach with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. On the basketball court he was an All-North Central Conference selection as a senior in 1982, when he led the team with a 15.1 points per game average. He also led the team in scoring as a junior with a 13.1 points per game average. Inducted in 2006.

Joe Klune, Wrestling/Football (1942-43, 45-47)
Joe Klune was a two-sport athlete for the Bears in the mid-1940s. As a wrestler, he earned three Rocky Mountain Conference championships (1942, 1946, 1947) and earned All-American honors by finishing fourth (University Division) at 167 pounds in 1946. As a football player, Klune was a two-time all-conference selection. After graduating from UNC, Klune enjoyed a successful career as a teacher/coach in the Denver Public Schools for over 30 years. Still a supporter of his alma mater, Klune continues to be a member of the UNC Blue & Gold Club, as well as a contributor to the Wrestling Scholarship Endowment Fund. Inducted in 1999.

John Koehler, Baseball (1959-61)
John Koehler was a three-year letterman whoplayed shortstop, third base and center field under Pete Butler, earning NCAA Division I All-American honors in 1961. He helped the Bears win three College World Series berths. A three-time all-district selection, he holds the school record for most runs scored in one season with 60 in 1961. He signed with Chicago White Sox, then went on to coach varsity baseball with teams that won 10 league championships. He also coached girls' basketball and his teams won 13 league championships, compiling a conference record of 153-7 in 16 years and becoming the "winningest" girls' coach in Orange County, California history with a record of 325-80. Inducted in 1997.

Jack LaBonde, Wrestling Coach (1966-80)
Jack LaBonde was the Bears' wrestling coach from 1966-80, during which time he compiled a 154-68-2 dual record. He coached two national champions and 19 All-American wrestlers. In 1969, he led the Bears to a second-place finish at the NCAA College Division Championships. A former UNC wrestler, LaBonde won a conference title in 1951, and after graduation, built a 71-4 coaching record at Montrose High School before returning to coach his alma mater. Inducted in 1995.

Dan Libera, Athletic Trainer (1971-97)
Dan Libera served as the Bears' athletic trainer from 1971 until his death in 1997. He was previously inducted into the Rocky Mountain Trainers Association Hall of Fame. He was also honored by the National Athletic Trainers Association with a scholarship award established in his name. Libera directed UNC's award-winning student trainer program and produced several notable graduates, including Steve Antonopulos, head trainer of the Denver Broncos. Inducted in 1995.

Jim Lochner, Baseball (1959-62)
Lochner was a three-year letterman during his playing career and started every NCAA Playoff game from 1960-62, as the Bears advanced to the College World Series in each of those seasons. He set the program's single-game record for RBI (7) in a game against Western State and later the single-game record for pickoffs by a catcher (5), in a District 7 Playoff game against Air Force. He started his career as a shortstop but took over the roll of catcher after the team's two catchers went down with injury and went on to earn All-Rocky Mountain Conference honors behind the plate. He later served as an assistant coach for the program. Lochner went on to serve as a professor of health and physical education at Weber State from 1970-99. There he directed the Health Education program and chaired many committees among other accomplishments. One teammate described him by saying, "This is a man who, against all odds, accomplished so much, both as an athlete, and more importantly, with his life after his departure from college. Everything he has done has been a feather in the cap of our great university." Inducted in 2006.

Lisa (Jacobsen) Loptien, Soccer (1985-88)
Jacobsen (Loptien) was selected the Colorado Sportswomen of the Year in 1988 and was a four-time all-conference selection. In 1988, she was one of 12 finalists (2 from Division II) for the National Player of the Year Award in women's soccer. She was named to the NSCAA West Region First-Team in 1988 and was also an ISAA All-American selection as a senior. She was one of three Division II players named to the 15-player South squad in a national all-star game. She completed her career at UNC with 41 goals, 17 assists and 99 points. Inducted in 2003.

Jim Lord, Contributor
Jim Lord has served as the announcer for football, volleyball, men's and women's basketball for 31 years, as well as a member of the Blue & Gold Club Board of Directors for 25 years. He is currently the President of the Blue and Gold Club. Lord has also served as a statistician for the media relations department and has several times been the Master of Ceremonies for the Reverse Raffle, the athletic department's largest fund-raiser. He has won several awards for his volunteer work and there have been three scholarships at Northern Colorado created in his name. Inducted in 2007.

Len Lordino, Wrestling (1958-62)
Len Lordino was UNC's first-ever national champion, winning an NCAA Division I wrestling title at 191 pounds in 1961. Lordino was born and raised in Arvada, Colo., and graduated from Arvada High School where his stellar wrestling career was born. Lordino was a conference champion in 1955, 1956 and 1957 as a prep. He was crowned a state champion in both 1956 and 1957. Lordino was also an AAU runner-up in 1957 and AAU champion in 1958 before starting his collegiate career at Colorado State. He was a four-time Rocky Mountain Conference champion and he led the Bears to three top-15 national team finishes. Inducted in 1995.

Judy McCreery-Chamberlin, Track and Field (1978-80)
Judy McCreery-Chamberlin still ranks as one of the greatest female distance runners in school history. She posted a fourth-place finish at the 1979 AIAW Cross Country Championships, earning All-American honors in the process. McCreery-Chamberlin continues to hold UNC records in the 3,000 meters (10:09.49), 5,000 meters (17:12.0) and the 10,000 meters (34:49.1). She also competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials, posting a 10th place finish in the 10,000 meters. Inducted in 1999.

Corte McGuffey, Football (1996-99)
McGuffey won the Harlon Hill Trophy in 1999 as the nation's top Division II football player in the country ... he was a First-Team All-American in 1999 (Daktronics/CoSIDA, Burger King/AFCA, Associated Press, Don Hansen's Football Gazette) ... honorable mention All-American as a junior in 1998 ... was named the NCC's Most Valuable Offensive Back in 1999 ... tabbed first-team All-NCC pick in both 1998 & 1999 ... helped lead the Bears to back-to-back national championships in 1996 & 1997 ... became the starting quarterback midway through the 1997 season ... holds UNC records in passing yards in a career (8,781) and a season (3,388), touchdown passes in a career (93), season (39) and a game (6), total offensive yards in a career (9,362) and a season (3,558) ... tallied a record of 33-5 as a starting quarterback. Inducted in 2005. (Nominated by Joe Drew)

Don Meyer, Baseball/Basketball (1964-67)
Earned all-conference honors in baseball and basketball in the mid-1960s. As a pitcher, the star from Wayne, Nebraska, posted an 11-2 mark with a 1.84 ERA as a senior. He also led the 1956-66 basketball team in scoring with a 15.3 average and helped the Bears advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs. A head basketball coach at David Lipscomb (Tennessee) for 20 years, Meyer at 39 in 1994 was the youngest coach in the history of college basketball to surpass the 500-victory mark. His 1990 team won 41 games, most ever by a college team, and his 1986 squad won a NAIA championship. Inducted in 1996.

Dick Monfort, Contributor
A long-time supporter of UNC athletics, Dick Monfort and his wife, Chris, made the lead gift in the fundraising campaign to build the $3.5 million Nottingham Field. Formerly an executive with ConAgra Refrigerated Food Companies, Monfort is a majority owner of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club. In addition, he is the current chairman of the UNC Board of Trustees. While a student at UNC, Monfort was a member of the varsity swimming team. Inducted in 1995.

Mandy Nilsen, Soccer (1998-01)
Mandy Nilsen earned All-American in both 1999 and 2001. She was also a three-time All-Region selection, a four-time All-North Central Conference selection, a 2001 NSCAA/Adidas Scholar Athlete All-American and a four-time Conference Player of the Week selection. She continues to hold the school single season records in goals, assists and points and holds the career records for goals, assists, points and games played. Inducted in 2007.

Vic Nottingham, Tennis (1948-52)/Contributor
A longtime contributor and supporter of UNC Athletics, Nottingham's impact can be felt throughout the Department. He spearheaded a $3.5 million fundraising campaign to build the football stadium, which bears his name. In addition, the 1952 UNC grad established an endowment which provides scholarships to UNC student-athletes. Nottingham was an accomplished tennis player at UNC, earning a Rocky Mountain Conference doubles' championship as a senior. He also served as student body president from 1951-52. Inducted in 2000.

Merle Ogle, Tennis/Basketball (1927-30)
A two-time Rocky Mountain Conference singles' champion in tennis, he earned four varsity letters in both tennis and basketball. Served as tennis team captain during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, losing only one match during those years. He led the basketball team in scoring as a senior, earning second team all-conference honors. Was named the school's outstanding male athlete of the year as a senior. Inducted in 1998.

Dr. Aaron Parkhurst, Team Physician (1971-99)
Served as a team physician for over 20 years. Long time UNC supporter and member of the UNC Blue & Gold Club. Was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the building of Nottingham Field. A regular at many booster activities, he has been very generous with his time, money and expertise to the UNC athletic department. Inducted in 1998.

Tom Petroff, Baseball Coach (1971-85)
Complied a 367-198-1 with six conference titles, three NCAA Division II regional playoff appearances and three NCAA Division I regional appearances. His 1974 club upset number-one ranked Arizona at Jackson Field to advance to the College World Series, where it finished fifth. Named the 1971 College Division Coach of the Year. Received the Lefty Gomez Award in 1974. Member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Inducted in 1994.

Lou Piel, Softball/Basketball (1976-80)
AIAW All-American pitcher in 1979. Led her 1978 club to the AIAW Championships, where it finished second. Complied a 19-4 record with a 0.53 earned run average in 1979. Named Woman Athlete of the Year by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1980. Three time all region pitcher. 1980 All-North Central Conference basketball player. Ranked among schools' all-time basketball leaders in points (1,260) and rebounds (741). Inducted in 1994.

Deb Ponis, Volleyball/Tennis (1993-97)
Ponis was a three-time All-American, a three-time all-region selection and a three-time all-conference performer in volleyball. She was selected two times as a member of the Elite Eight All-Tournament team. Ponis is the all-time kill leader at UNC (1,811), ranks third on UNC's career dig list (1,613) and is the single-season kills leader (635 in 1993). On the tennis court, she compiled a singles record of 47-7 in her first three year's of singles competition and posted a mark of 46-10 in doubles play. Ponis was a four-time all-conference tennis player and one-time All-American. She gained the NCAA Postgraduate scholarship and was a member of Student Athlete Advisory Council. Inducted in 2002.

Robert Reed - Football/Basketball/Baseball (1936-40)
A three-sport athlete, Reed participated in football, basketball and baseball while at UNC. In football, he was a two-year starter at quarterback and safety. On the hardwood, Reed led the UNC cagers in scoring for three consecutive seasons under head coach Jules Doubenmier. A four-year letterwinner in baseball, he played under head coach Pete Brown. Reed also served as student body president as a senior. Inducted in 2001.

Greg Riddoch, Baseball (1965-67)
Third-team All American shortstop in 1967. Led the nation in home runs with 17 in 26 games and in slugging percentage (.861) as a senior. Three-time All Rocky Mountain Conference player. Had a .330 career batting average. Led his team to three conference titles and two NCAA Division I playoff appearances. Number one draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 1967. Played and coached in professional baseball. Served as manager of the San Diego Padres. Inducted in 1994.

Gloria Rodriguez, Softball/Women's Basketball Coach (1969-77)
Took seven UNC softball teams to the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) College World Series, including a runner-up finish in1976. Led the Bears to the first of back-to-back regional championships, defeating Arizona State 3-2 in 1977. For her efforts that season, Rodriguez was named regional coach of the year. Inducted in 1998.

Mike Rogers, Wrestling (1967-69)
NCAA College Division (Div. II) Runner-up (1969); Rocky Mountain Conference champion (1968 & 1969) Mountain Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Champion (1969); University Division (Div. I) national qualifier (1968 & 1969); Tallied an overall record of 43-14-2; Went 20-4-1 in his senior season which included an undefeated 13-0 record in dual meets; Team captain of the 1969 team that was NCAA Runners-up and members of the UNC Athletic Hall of Fame; All-American. Inducted in 2004.

Buck Rollins, Football Coach (1967-85)
Was an assistant coach for the Bears' 1969 undefeated team, serving at that post from 1967-85, mostly under head coach Bob Blasi, a former teammate at Colorado State. Rollins was the defensive coordinator for the Bears' 1980 squad that won the North Central Conference title. After moving to offensive coordinator in 1982, he helped produce the league's top rusher and passer in Jim Bright and Nick Henkowski, respectively. A Lamar native, Rollins is now a UNC faculty member. Inducted in 1996.

Tony Rossi, Gymnastics Coach/Athletic Trainer (1949-83)
Tony Rossi enjoyed fine career as a member of the UNC faculty from 1949-83. During that time, he served as men's gymnastics coach and athletic trainer. A prisoner-of-war during World War II, he created a gymnastics program to keep his fellow prisoners physically strong and mentally alert. He was named the U.S. Olympic Committee's Trainer of the Year in 1954 and he served on the Olympic Committee from 1956-60. Inducted in 1995.

George Sage, Baseball/Basketball (1952-55) & Basketball Coach (1963-69)
An all-region pitcher, he threw a six-hitter in the Bears' 2-1 victory over Southern California in the 1955 College World Series. As UNC head basketball coach from 1963-69, he complied the most wins in UNC basketball history with a 106-49 record that produced four league titles and three NCAA playoff berths. A native of Denver, Sage served on the UNC faculty until retiring in 1993. Inducted in 1996.

Tatjana (Smith) Sanders, Volleyball (1993-95)
Known as "T.J.", Smith was a two-time All-America selection (1993 and 1994) as a setter for the Bears. She was a two-time all-region selection and co-MVP of the North Central Conference in 1994 as well. Her teams, coached by Linda Delk, combined for a 96-15 record in her three years, including advancing to the NCAA Elite 8 in 1993 (where they finished fourth) and 1994 (where they finished third); Smith earned All-Tournament honors at the 1994 Elite 8. She holds the school record for assists in a season (1,730 - 12.27/game) and her 76 assists in a match was a school record until 2001. Her 4,747 career assists (in only three seasons) ranks fourth in school history and she is one of only 17 members in the school's 1,000-Dig Club (1,054 - 15th). Inducted in 2006.

Kim Schiemenz, Volleyball/Track & Field (1995-00)
Schiemenz was a two-time national champion in the heptathlon at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships (1998, 2000) ... she was named the National Female Track and Field Athlete of the Year by the United States Track Coaches Association (USTCA) in 2000 ... an eight-time All-American at the outdoor track & field championships ... earned an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship following her graduation in 1999 ... three-time NCC champion in track & field in the heptathlon (1998, 2000) and 1,600 meter relay (1996) ... represented the United States in the 2001 World University Games in Beijing, China in the heptathlon ... holds the UNC record in the heptathlon with 5,602 points ... also set the UNC women's javelin record in 2000 (record has since been broken by Kelley Cobb) and the 100-meter high hurdles mark (:14.0) ... Schiemenz also played volleyball for the Bears as a two-sport athlete from 1995-1998 ... she ended her volleyball career with 943 kills (8th all-time at the end of her career), 2,814 attacks (7th all-time at the end of her career) ... Schiemenz earned all-conference honors in volleyball in both 1997 and 1998 ... Schiemenz also earned academic all-NCC honors in 1998 in volleyball ... she was named the UNC Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year in 1998-99. Inducted in 2005. (Nominated by Jim Lord)

Dean Schott, Gymnastics (1980-83)
One of the best-ever gymnasts at UNC, Dean Schott will best be remembered for his 1983 NCAA II All-Around National Championship. Schott earned the title by placing second in the floor exercise, third on the rings, fifth on the vault and sixth on the parallel bars. A seven-time All-American, he was named UNC's Outstanding Gymnast all four years. In 1983, Schott was presented with the ESPN Award for Sports Excellence. Since graduating from UNC, he served as Colorado State Chairman of USA Gymnastics (national governing body) from 1987-94. Inducted in 1999.

Frank Slack, Multi-sports (1936-39)
Slack was an outstanding athlete for the Bears in the late-1930s. He excelled in baseball where he played under legendary coach Pete Butler. Perhaps best known for pitching both ends of a doubleheader sweep against Regis (May 13, 1939), Slack earned the nickname "Iron Man" for this incredible performance. He also participated in football and wrestling. Prior to his death in 1990, Slack was inducted into the Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame (1974) and honored with the UNC Distinguished Alumni Award (1976). Inducted in 2000.

Dave Stalls, Football (1974-76)
Dave Stalls earned third-team All-American honors as a defensive tackle for the Bears in 1975 and went on to a successful professional football career with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers and with two Super Bowl champion teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Raiders. In 1993, he founded Inner Places, Inc., a Denver non-profit organization dedicated to serving urban youth. Inducted in 1997.

Carla Stearns, Multi-sports (1978-83)
Carla Stearns competed in volleyball and softball for four years at UNC and during her senior year took up basketball as well. She earned AIAW All-American honors in volleyball and participated in three Olympic Sports festivals. In softball, she earned Honorable Mention All-American honors as well as being named to the all-conference team. In 1982, she was recognized by the Sportswomen of Colorado. Inducted in 1997.

Teresa Stratman, Swimming (1989-93)
Stratman enjoyed a standout swimming career at UNC from 1989-93. She became UNC's first swimming national champion as she took first place in the 1650 freestyle at the 1992 NCAA Championships. In 1993, she repeated as the 1650 freestyle champion and also placed first in the 500-freestyle. A holder of eight UNC records, Stratman was a North Central Conference champion on 17 occasions and was twice named NCC Swimmer of the Year. In addition, she earned academic all-NCC honors following the 1991 and 1993 seasons. Inducted in 1998.

Joe Strain, Baseball (1973-76)
A four-year starter at shortstop for the UNC baseball team, Strain hit over .300 each season. He earned all-conference honors and was tabbed CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-American in 1976. Strain was a member of the 1974 squad that swept heavily favored Arizona to advance to the College World Series where it went 1-2. He still ranks among UNC's leaders in runs (8th) and hits (7th). Following his UNC career, Strain was a member of USA's 1975 Pan American Games squad, which earned a silver medal. He then played Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants (1979-81) and Chicago Cubs (1981) before retiring due to injury. Inducted in 2001.

Nancy (Weber) Sylvester, Track & Field (1994-97)
Weber was a four-year competitor in both track & field and cross country for the Bears and coach Scott Hall. She was a five-time All-American in the heptathlon and 400 intermediate hurdles and a six-time North Central Conference champion in the 1,600-meter relay, heptathlon and 400 intermediate hurdles. She is the school record-holder in the 400 meters (56.10), 400 intermediate hurdles (59.19) and 1,600-meter relay (3:47.61 set along with Connie Sue Crabbs, Kim Schiemenz and Andrea Tate) and has top 10 school times/scores in the 100 meters (12.16), 200 meters (24.88), 400 meters, 800 meters (2:12.89), high hurdles (14.85), intermediate hurdles, high jump (5'7), pole vault (7'0), long jump (18-5.5) and three different relays. Weber earned a Bronze medal at the 1996 Drake Relays. Inducted in 2006.

Joe Tennessen - Contributor
Not only has Tennessen been a major contributor to the city of Greeley and surrounding area, he has been instrumental in his help toward UNC athletics since his arrival in Greeley in 1966 as president/general manager of KFKA Radio. Tennessen, besides being a UNC supporter and season ticket holder, graciously selected UNC Athletics for a $250,000 scholarship endowment. He has also produced and directed the UNC Athletic Hall of Fame slide presentation since its inception in 1994. Tennessen served as the Bears' play-by-play announcer from 1966-1980. Joe's professional credits include serving as President of the Colorado Broadcaster's Association twice and being named Broadcaster of the Year in 1972 and 1977. He has served on various boards and community organizations, including terms as President of the UNC Foundation, the 4-H Foundation, His Parish Council, Greeley Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Joe still serves KFKA as a sales manager, air personality and community liaison. Inducted in 2001.

Bill Thomas, Track & Field (1979-83)
Bill Thomas was UNC's first individual national track champion, winning the Division II high jump in 1981 and 1983 with jumps of 7-feet and over. In 1983 he was undefeated during the indoor season, winning the NCC Indoor Championship. He still holds the UNC high jump record at 7-3.5. After UNC, he continued his track career in the Air Force and was their champion from 1983-1988. At the age of 27 in 1988, he won the Cornhusker games. Inducted in 1997.

J. Michael (Mike) Thompson, Track & Field (1986-90)
Thompson was the NCAA II indoor and outdoor pole vault national champion in 1989. He also earned NCAA II outdoor pole vault All-American honors in 1988. He holds UNC and North Central Conference records in the pole vault. He was a four-time NCC pole vault champion and a three-time NCC placewinner in decathlon. After completing his education at UNC, he has enjoyed a successful coaching career at Binghamton University. Inducted in 2003.

Greeley Timothy, Multi-sports (1922-25)
Earned 14 varsity letters in football(3), basketball(3), tennis (3), baseball (3), and track and field(2). Led the basketball team in scoring three straight years. First-team All-Rocky Mountain Conference selection in 1925. Helped his basketball teams to a 32-14 record. Number one singles player in tennis. Earned second-team all-conference honors in baseball. Inducted in 1994.

Mike Tomasini, Football/Wrestling/Track and Field (1964-67)
An all-around athlete, Mike Tomasini, earned 11 varsity letters in three different sports during his four-year career at UNC. In football, Tomasini was named Second Team All-American by the Associated Press in 1967. A noseguard, he also earned all-conference honors and was selected as UNC's lineman of the Year. He was 1968 draft pick of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. In track and field, Tomasini earned 15 gold medals from the Rocky Mountain Conference and was named All-American in the shot put and discus in 1967. He still holds the UNC indoor shot put record of 52'2.25. Tomasini's wrestling career included a third-place finish at the MIWA regional tournament. Inducted in 1999.

Larry Wagner - Wrestling (1968-71)
Wagner enjoyed an outstanding wrestling career for the Bears from 1968-71. He won the 1970 NCAA College Division (Division II) national championship at 126 pounds and went on to place fourth and earn All-American honors at the University Division (Division I) tournament. He posted a career record of 56-12-4 and is currently tied for third on the UNC single season victory list with 34 in 1969-70. As a senior, Wagner won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championship at 126 pounds. He helped lead the 1968-69 squad to an RMAC title and a second-place finish at the national meet. That squad was honored at the 2000 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Inducted in 2001.

Frank Wainright, Football (1987-90)
Wainright caught 165 passes for 1,148 yards in four years as a tight end for the Bears' football squad. He earned All-NCC honors in 1989 and 1990. He was tabbed a first-team All-American by the Associated Press and Kodak in 1990. Wainright played 10 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and most recently with the 2001 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. Inducted in 2002.

Stormie Wells, Volleyball (1992-95)
Stormie Wells was a four-year letterwinner for the Bears. As a senior, she handled the setting duties and led the nation in assists during the 1995 season. She helped lead the Bears to a 31-3 overall record and 17-1 mark in the NCC as a senior. Wells earned GTE/CoSIDA Academic 2nd Team All-American, All-NCC, Academic All-NCC, the Sportswoman of Colorado's Swede Johnson Spirit Award and the NCC's Ruth Marske Award in 1996. A major in business with an emphasis in Marketing and Computer Information Systems, she graduated with a 3.97 GPA. Wells also served as the first-ever chairman of the national SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Council). Inducted in 2007.

James Wheeler, Team Physician (1958-93)
Dr. James Wheeler served at the Bears' team physician for 35 years. One of the greatest UNC sport fans, he contributed to the building of Nottingham Field and continues to be a loyal supporter of the Blue and Gold Club and all of the activities. Inducted in 1997.

Linda Witt, Multi-sports (1975-78)
Earned varsity letters in swimming, track, basketball, softball and field hockey in the late 1970s. She played second base on three regional championship softball teams and helped her 1978 squad to a runner-up finish at the College World Series. A native of Salida, she was an all-conference field hockey player and led the Bears to a pair of regional championships and a seventh-place finish at the 1976 national tournament. The 1984 Colorado Sportswomen of the Year guided University High School to 10 state gymnastics titles. She coached the Northern Colorado softball team from 2001-06. Inducted in 1996.

John Zurbrigen, Football (1969-71)/Contributor
Was a three-year starter at halfback and tight end for the Bears. A member of the undefeated team of 1969, he later was named the Bear of the Week after making seven catches for 153 yards against Nebraska-Omaha in 1971. A native of Fort Morgan, Zurbrigen was co-chair of the committee that successfully raised $3.5 million in private funds for construction of the new UNC football stadium. Inducted in 1996.