The spirit of ThunderWolves pride filled the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom on Friday evening, October 16, as Colorado State University Pueblo officially kicked off its Homecoming and Family Weekend with the 17th Annual Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet, presented by Canvas Credit Union.
Bringing together a vibrant community of alumni, families, coaches, and loyal fans, the landmark event celebrated the extraordinary athletic careers, coaching milestones, and cultural legacies of nine new inductees who have shaped Southern Colorado athletics.
Master of Ceremonies Michael Salardino guided the evening’s festivities, joined by CSU Pueblo President Dr. Rhonda Epper, Alumni Association representative Daniel Minich, and Vice President for Athletics Dr. Paul Plinske. After an invocation and dinner, the spotlight turned to a diverse, accomplished Class of 2026 representing decades of excellence across track & field, football, wrestling, volleyball, men’s basketball, coaching, sports information, and team play.
A Class for the Ages: The Inductees (a speech article underlined)
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Lauren Fairchild (Track & Field, 2016–2021) became the 7th women’s track & field athlete inducted into the Hall, recognized for her stellar collegiate performances and championship-level standard.
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Scott Gallas (Football, 1977–1980) became the 15th football player to receive the prestigious honor, reflecting a golden era of gridiron grit for the program.
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Mike Guenther (Wrestling, 1983–1985) became the 9th wrestling standout in the Hall, celebrated for his unmatched toughness and competitive drive on the mat.
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Oni Lattin (Volleyball, 2014–2015) was inducted as the 8th volleyball standout, remembered for elevating the Pack with dominant net play and leadership.
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Brad Ranson (Men’s Basketball, 1980–1983) cemented his legacy as the 17th men’s basketball representative, having dazzled crowds with his court vision and scoring ability.
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John Trahan (Football, 1981–1984) was honored for his standout career as a powerhouse on the gridiron during the historic era of the then-Indians.
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Donnell Leomiti (Football Coach, 2007–2020) joined the ranks as the 14th coach honoree. Leomiti was celebrated for his foundational role in engineering the ThunderWolves’ lockdown defense, most notably anchoring the coaching staff during the historic 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship run.
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Tim Simmons (Sports Information & Historian / Contributor), a 1969 Southern Colorado State College mass communications graduate, was recognized in the contributor category for a lifetime of dedication to preserving, chronicling, and promoting intercollegiate athletics in the Centennial State.
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The 2017–18 Women’s Basketball Team earned its place in the team category. The unforgettable squad captured Pack fans’ hearts with a sensational championship run, culminating in a thrilling 84-69 victory over Black Hills State to claim the RMAC Tournament title at Massari Arena.
Celebrating a Shared Legacy
As the evening unfolded, each acceptance speech underscored the grit, resilience, and community that define CSU Pueblo athletics. From emotional reflections on locker room camaraderie to gratitude to families, mentors, and the city of Pueblo, the speeches painted a vivid picture of what it means to wear the Red and Blue.
Captured on video by James Muller of the CSU Pueblo Foundation, the speeches serve as a permanent archive for future generations of ThunderWolves—reminding every student-athlete who steps onto campus that greatness is earned through dedication, character, and teamwork.
As Homecoming weekend continued, the 17th Annual Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet proved once again that while records may eventually be broken, the legacy of a true Pack legend lasts forever.
