GOV. RITTER ISSUES PROCLAMATION MARKING RETURN OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL TO CSU-PUEBLO

GOV. RITTER ISSUES PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF

RETURN OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL TO CSU-PUEBLO

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today issued a proclamation heralding Saturday's return of college football to Colorado State University-Pueblo after a 24-year hiatus.

 

The Division II CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolves host Oklahoma Panhandle State University at the home opener in the new Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl at 7 p.m. Saturday.

 

"This is a proud day not just for CSU-Pueblo and southern Colorado – but for all of Colorado," Gov. Ritter said. "Through the hard work of countless individuals and organizations, this long-held dream is now a reality. It is my privilege to proclaim Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, in honor of this significant accomplishment."

 

The complete text of the Governor's proclamation:  

 

RETURN OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-PUEBLO

THUNDERWOLVES FOOTBALL

 

WHEREAS, Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) is celebrating its 75^th anniversary as an institution of higher education, an establishment that has served southern Colorado with distinction throughout its history; and

 

WHEREAS, CSU-Pueblo has a strong and celebrated athletics past, beginning as Pueblo Junior College, Southern Colorado State College, and the University of Southern Colorado, and after a 24-year hiatus, is bringing back collegiate football to Pueblo to continue that proud tradition; and

 

WHEREAS, in May 2007, the Colorado State University System Board of Governors unanimously approved the expansion of the CSU-Pueblo athletics program, bringing the number of men's and women's intercollegiate sports offered by the University to 15, and incorporating the new sports programs into the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC); and

 

WHEREAS, members of the Pueblo community, including the Friends of Football organization, have donated time, energy, and funds to the rebirth of football at CSU-Pueblo, including $12 million contributed to the construction of the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunder Bowl – the new home of the ThunderWolves and one of the finest Division II athletic facilities in the nation; and

 

WHEREAS, through the partnership of University officials and community representatives, the ThunderWolves program has recruited more than 100 players and an elite coaching staff; and

 

WHEREAS, the State of Colorado honors the return of football to the CSU-Pueblo campus, and thanks the University and community members for facilitating this dream for the players, coaches, and fans devoted to the program;

 

Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2008, in honor of the return of Colorado State University-Pueblo ThunderWolves football in the State of Colorado.

 

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this fifth day of September, 2008.

 

Bill Ritter, Jr.

Governor