GOV. RITTER PROCLAIMS FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 2008 AS "SONNY LUBICK DAY" IN COLORADO

 Gov. Bill Ritter today proclaimed Friday, February 8, 2008, "Sonny Lubick Day" in Colorado in honor of the retiring Colorado State University head football coach.

 

During a ceremony at the state Capitol, Gov. Ritter applauded Lubick for his service to the state, CSU, students, athletes and fans. CSU hired Lubick in 1993 and he became the most successful coach in CSU history. During his tenure, the Rams appeared in nine bowl games and won or shared six conference titles.

 

Below is the text of the proclamation:

 

SONNY LUBICK DAY

February 8, 2008

 

WHEREAS, Sonny Lubick served passionately as the face, heart, and soul of Colorado State football for a decade and a half, celebrating monumental wins and suffering heartbreaking losses with players and fans alike; and

 

WHEREAS, during Sonny's 15 years as head coach of CSU football, the program matured into one of the classiest and well-respected in the nation, and experienced its most glorious period – six conference titles, nine bowl game appearances, and the only four 10-win seasons in school history; and

 

WHEREAS, the individual achievements of Sonny have also been memorialized – including his recent addition to the list of famous college coaching icons such as Bobby Bowden, Joe Paterno, and Frank Beamer as the only Division IA coaches with 100 victories at their institutions; and

 

WHEREAS, Sonny was hailed as Sports Illustrated's Coach of the Year in 1994, and voted a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of Distinction Award due to his unparalleled work within the community; and

 

WHEREAS, Sonny's efforts while at CSU extended beyond the turf that bears his name within Hughes Stadium, to the players and students of the university to whom he taught valuable life lessons, helped reach career goals, and demanded excellence from as student-athletes; and

 

WHEREAS, the State of Colorado recognizes Sonny Lubick as one of the elite coaches of our time, an inspiration to his players, and beloved by students, alumni, and fans;

 

Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim February 8, 2008, SONNY LUBICK DAY, in the State of Colorado.