As Colorado State University Pueblo prepares to induct its prestigious Athletics Hall of Fame class on October 16, the celebration brings back the pioneering figures who laid the foundation for Pack athletics. Among them is Mike Guenther, a standout wrestler from the 1983-1985 era whose grit, unorthodox technique, and relentless drive helped shape a fledgling program into a powerhouse.
Guenther joins Lauren Fairchild (track & field, 2016-2021); Scott Gallas (football, 1976-1980); Oni Lattin (volleyball, 2014-2015); Brad Ranson (basketball, 1980-1983); and John Trahan (football, 1981-1984) as student-athletes being inducted on October 16 at the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom. RESERVATIONS
Donnell Leomiti, a defensive backfield coach for the ThunderWolves and a contributor to the 2014 NCAA Division II football championship, and CSU Pueblo Athletics historian Tim Simmons will join six student-athletes at the induction ceremonies during Homecoming Weekend at CSU Pueblo.
In addition, the 2017-2018 Women’s Basketball team will also be inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in the Team Category after posting a 25-7 record and capturing both the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular and post-season titles to earn the school’s fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance
A Serendipitous Path to Pueblo
Guenther’s journey to then-Southern Colorado (USC) reads like a classic sports story, complete with a chance encounter at a local convenience store. Having already claimed a National Junior College Championship at Colby College, Guenther and his wife, Tracy – whom he met while she worked at her father’s grocery store in Monument – were expecting their first child and weighing their next steps.
While visiting family in Colorado, Guenther ran into legendary coach Doug Moses, who had just launched the USC wrestling program.
“Within 10 minutes he convinced me that I should attend USCA,” Guenther recalled. “He had such huge goals for the program with his charisma… I couldn’t say no.”
Redefining the Mat: Unorthodox Style and Relentless Drive
In an era dominated by traditional single- and double-leg attacks, Guenther brought something entirely unique to the mat. Influenced by a Japanese coach during his youth who blended wrestling with judo, Guenther mastered upper-body throws, foot sweeps, and inside trips.
This high-risk, high-reward style proved devastatingly effective. Guenther utilized back throws in roughly 90% of his matches, securing three pins at the national tournament using the technique. His philosophy was simple: push the pace immediately.
“As soon as they blew that whistle, I wanted to get in there and set the tone for the match… within the first 10 seconds I wanted to have made an offensive move and really push my opponent into a defensive mindset.”
Building a Dynasty and Making History
Guenther’s impact was instantaneous. During just the program’s second year, the team achieved the unthinkable by dethroning Adams State – the perennial RMAC powerhouse and 10-time defending conference champion.
Driven by grueling practices – including legendary sprint workouts where wrestlers carried partners on their backs – Guenther carved his name into the record books. He earned distinction as USC’s first wrestling All-American before capturing a national championship in his senior year alongside teammate Brian Hawkins (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025).
A Championship Pedigree
Guenther’s path to greatness was forged through grit and resilience. After establishing his dominance at the junior college level as a champion at Colby (Kan.), he brought his fierce competitive spirit to USC.
Despite missing the entire first half of the 1984 season, Guenther battled back to finish with an impressive 18-6 overall record and a stellar third-place finish at the NAIA Championships. He followed up that stellar campaign by capturing two consecutive All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) crowns at 177 pounds.
His defining collegiate moment came in 1985, when he pinned his way into the history books. By capturing the 177-pound national title at the NAIA Championships, Guenther helped power the Pack to new heights, finishing his standout 1985 season with an exceptional 35-9 overall record.
Coming Full Circle
Forty years after anchoring the Pack’s mats, Guenther admits the news of his induction came as a wonderful surprise. Now living in Monument, Colorado, where he built a 44-year marriage with Tracy and raised a proud family, Guenther is eager to step back onto campus.
“It’s an honor and a privilege for them to even consider me,” Guenther shared. “I can’t wait to go back into Massari Gym and get those old feelings, that excitement and that rush of wrestling… see my old friends and teammates, and be back on campus.”
Recently, Guenther sat down with sophomore women’s soccer player and athletic communications assistant Kenna Snyder to discuss his career and his induction into the CSU Pueblo Hall of Fame.
