Sports Economy TWELVE HONORED BY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

by TIFFANY UNDERWOOD

The Colorado Springs Sports Corp. hosted its 23rd annual Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, October 24. During the ceremony, four awards were presented and eight inductees were honored.

The Tom Osborne Rocky Mountain State Games Outstanding Commissioner Award honors a volunteer sports commissioner who best reflects the spirit of the State Games and encourages grassroot sports development across all ages and skill levels. This year’s award went to two people who have worked as co-commissioners of Colorado Springs Cricket Club, Raymond Mascarenhas and Kervyn Dimney.

The F. Don Miller award is presented to a person who reflects commitment in providing a lasting contribution to the Colorado Springs sports community. This year the award was presented to Bob Graf, who served as the Commissioner of Athletes for three years at the Colorado State Games, the Director for World Police and Fire Games, and the Coordinator of Officials for the World and Pan American Blind Championships. Graf also coached the Army World Class Athlete program, spent six years at University of ColoradoColorado Springs, 17 years with United States Air Force Academy, and 18 years at Wasson High School

The Thayer Tutt Sportsman Award is presented in recognition of exceptional philanthropic and community sports support. This year’s recipient, Pam ShockleyZalabak, spent 40 years at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (UCCS), where she increased enrollment by 75%, improved the school’s diversity, and played a key role in a $500 million facilities expansion. She was described as providing “a lasting legacy in the education, sports, cultural, and social needs of the community.”

The Pikes Peak Community Legacy Award went to the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, the second oldest event in the community, in recognition of the event’s substantial impact, notoriety, and a strong presence in the Pikes Peak Region.

2023 Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame Inductees are:

Craig Thompson: A 43-year veteran of athletic administration, Thompson spent all but eight of those years in a commissioner’s chair, and is the only Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) commissioner with over 30 years of experience heading a multi-sport conference.

Eddie Mio: Colorado College hockey goaltender (1972-76). Mio earned All-American and All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association honors.

Apolo Ohno: Olympic speed-skating gold medalist. Ohno earned the title of the youngest U.S. National Speed Skating champion at age 14 and was the first American to win a World Cup overall title in 2001, 2003, and 2005. He is an eight-time U.S. Olympic medalist who was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2019.

1980 Palmer High School’s girls swim & dive team: In 1980 after an undefeated season and winning the South Central League Championship, the team went on to win the Colorado State Championship.

Terry

Mitchell three-sport athlete. Miller won state titles in basketball and track & field, as well as leading the football team to the Colorado State Finals.

To be nominated, the nominee must have lived, trained, worked, or competed in the Greater Pikes Peak Region during their athletic careers or service.