Colorado University Athletics
CU Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Its 20th Class
November 21, 2025 | Cross Country, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Skiing, Alumni C Club
Eleven New Members Plus One Addition To Hall of Honor
(Video On-line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7jnJsdGr9Y)
BOULDER – The 20th class for the University of Colorado's Athletic Hall of Fame was inducted here Thursday night, with 350 attendees present for the ceremonies held in the Byron White Club Room inside Folsom Field.
Eleven new members were enshrined – including two in the four-year old Legacy Wing, along with the newest inductee into CU's Athletic Hall of Honor, also in its fourth-year of revival after a 33-year dormancy.
Now approaching 200 members in number, the CUAHOF had a record five were selected for induction their first year on the ballot – along with a record five women in the class with six All-Americans and seven All-Conference performers.
Emceed by Mark Johnson, the current "Voice of the Buffaloes" he started with opening comments and then handed off to Luke Dry, a senior on the track and field team and president of CU's SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and Kimbirly Orr, executive director of the Alumni C Club, then briefly spoke about their organizations.
Mark then introduced athletic director Rick George, who announced last week he would be retiring from the full-time role on June 30 but would remain as a special advisor to the chancellor, set the stage for the evening's main festivities (Mark referred to him as the "Big Toe," one can only presume was an ode to Bill Murray's line about Sgt. Hulka in Stripes).
"I've been doing this for 13 years now, and the stars that we have in this room are a lot. For us to be really great at Colorado, we need to have an alignment at the top, and I can tell you today that we have that," George said in recognizing the support of the president, chancellor and regents.
"I've seen some guys that I haven't seen in 30 years," he added. "The Hall of Fame represents who we are and what we aspire to be. They will have their legacies live in on forever at the University of Colorado. One of the best days I have every year is when I get to notify everyone – and I will tell you something that's a little bit inside information – when I called Jeff Campbell and told him, he cried like a baby."
Take it away, MJ, who introduced all inductees with a few bullet highlights as each approached the stage. Select comments from all's speeches included below:
HALL OF FAME (MAIN WING)
First up was Jeff Campbell, Football (1986-89). A walk-on from Vail's Battle Mountain High School, he was often told he was too small for major college football. A week into practice – with just two in pads – Coach Bill McCartney called him into his office and awarded him a scholarship. Little did anyone know at the time he'd be a one-man wrecking crew in CU's wins over Nebraska in 1986 and 1989. "Soupy" had two long punt returns that set up touchdowns in the '89 battle (No. 2 vs No. 3), the second of which turned out to be the game-winning points in the 27-21 victory. He caught 28 passes in his CU career – when the Buffs were primarily an option team (wishbone then I-Bone), for 802 yards, an astounding 28.6 yards per catch.
"I showed up here more like a lawn dart than a Division I football player, but everything worked out. What an incredible honor it is to stand before you today. I was a walk-on, I was not given a scholarship, but I got something even better: a chance. I got a chance to lay everything on the line and chase a dream of something that kept me up at night for years. I am proud to be a member of a community that championed excellence, commitment and perseverance. I wasn't big, I knew it and I knew I had to overcome some things to make myself competitive. I knew I what I lacked in size I had to make up in passion and grit. I'd rather be in this Hall of Fame than the NFL Hall of Fame, because this Hall of Fame is about family."
He told the crowd that his mom dropped him off at CU and said, 'Try not to die.' I came here as an individual with a dream and left here with a family I wouldn't trade for anything."
Mason Crosby, Football (2003-06). CU's all-time scoring leader (307 points) and in field goals made (66), he went on to set the same marks for the Green Bay Packers in his 16-year career with the club – just the sixth player to hold scoring marks for his alma mater and an NFL team. He played more games with Green Bay – 258 – than any other player in its history. At CU, he set the record for the longest field goal (60 yards), and his 58-yard boot at Miami in 2005 was the longest at sea level without a tee in NCAA history until broken last year by a Florida State kicker – in Ireland.
"Usually whenever I went out on to the field, I only had 25 seconds unless the coach decided if he was going to go for it on fourth down," Crosby opened, alluding to the 5-minute time limit each speaker was supposed to be held to. I wasn't emotional (about being inducted) honestly until I saw coach (Gary) Barnett here tonight. This is one of the greatest honors of my life. When I look back at that path that brought me here, I'm overwhelmed by gratitude. Not for the accomplishments themselves, but for the people, the moments and the relationships that shaped me along the way.
"I want to acknowledge you coach Barnett, you changed the entire trajectory of my life. When I came here, trying out, working out, you brought me and my mom up to your office and offered me a scholarship. Coming from Texas, this thin air is pretty awesome, let's get this thing done. Your trust, your leadership and your vision were instrumental in my journey and I carried that with me hrough my NFL career."
Shalaya Kipp, Cross Country & Track (2009-14). She lettered four times as a standout middle-distance runner in both cross country and track under coaches Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs, earning nine All-America honors across three disciplines, including four times in cross country—just the second female in CU history to do so. In 2012, Kipp made CU history as the first athlete – male or female – to win an individual Pac-12 title, capturing the steeplechase crown at the Pac-12 Outdoor meet. In the fall, her fourth place finish led the Buffs to victory in the inaugural Pac-12 Cross Country Championships. The 2012 NCAA steeplechase champion, that kick-started a tremendous summer where she shattered her personal best by more than seven seconds to claim the final spot on Team USA for the London Olympic Games. A
After college, Kipp competed professionally, earning several medals around the world and narrowly missed a second Olympic team in 2016. Kipp graduated from CU with three degrees bachelor's in Integrative Physiology and Psychology, and her master's, also in Integrative Physiology. She wasn't don yet, as she earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia in 2023. She is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Kipp remains active in the running community and has recently shifted her focus to the marathon.
"I come from a sport where if you're faster, it's better, so will see if that spills over into my speech tonight," she joked in her opening. When I think back to my time in Boulder as a young athlete, I think about walking through Balch Fieldhouse a lot. All the plaques on the wall, all the All-Americans, the NCAA champions, Olympians and I remember how badly I wanted to make it. I think about how meaningful that is tonight because I actually did it. CU cross country and track gave me more than track results and times it gave me people, it gave me a community. My coaches, Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs believed in my long-term development. A young Shalaya still remembers pounding up the Boulder Creek bike path in tears when they told me that I would redshirt. But good coaches see what an athlete can't see. They taught me that progression isn't linear and that consistency matters in the work you put in and when no one is watching, it all depends who you are.
"I'm often asked how I got into the steeplechase – that's that weird event where you jump over hurdles and land in a puddle of water. And it really happened by accident. Coach Wetmore came over to me one day and asked me if I had any interest. I said, sure, I'll try it. So he told me to stay or hurdle practice, I did and then asked if I should come back the next day, and he quickly said, 'No.' A few months later, he said we should resurrect the idea of trying the steeplechase. He told me to go try the water jump. I did it, he had me do it again, and he said I think we've found your event. So I changed my event, and it really changed the trajectory of my career."
Kris Livingston, Administration (1997-2025). The first female administrator to be inducted, was recognized for her 28 years of service between being the first-ever director of operations for women's basketball and then as the director of the Herbst Academic Center. She had family and friends fly in from Ohio and North Carolina to attend the weekend. After out of athletics for a few years, she wanted back into women's college basketball – which she played in college, and took a $20,000 pay cut to get back into what she first called, "A job, then a career and then a lifestyle."
"I know many former Buffs who produced Hall of Fame careers and I'm flattered that I was deemed worthy," she said. "I had a blast working with Ceal Barry and the women's basketball program. Twice we earned trips to the Sweet 16 and once to the Elite Eight. Something happened to me. A few years into this role I got sucked in. The black and gold, the silver and gold, the Twins, shoulder-to-shoulder, Ralphie, Chip, Horns up."
Livingston may have had the line of the night; working with all 17 CU sports, she said, "The student-athletes are so many rock stars. Speaking of rock stars, at one point in time, we had Brittany Spears and Whitney Houston on the women's basketball team, we had Rod(ney) Stewart on the football team and (Aric) Van Halen on the cross country and track teams. You can't make that up! They all had successful careers at CU and they all graduated."
Pam Owen McCartney, Track & Field (1989-93). An all-around athlete excelling in the pentathlon and heptathlon, she set numerous school records; she won the Big Eight indoor pentathlon title as a senior with a personal best that stood in the CU record book for 20 years. Her best event is – and continues to be – the high jump. More than 30 years later, she continues to compete in Masters Track and Field competition (50–54 age group), where she won gold in the high jump and silver in the pentathlon at the 2025 Indoor World Championships. She finished the 2025 indoor season ranked No. 1 globally in the high jump and No. 2 in the pentathlon.
"It's a special honor to be in Hall alongside my father-in-law Bill (McCartney). He was the epitome of a Colorado Buffalo. He would have been exited for everyone inducted tonight, especially his former players, Jeff and Barry. Family means the world to me (she then thanked all in attendance). It's a gift going through life with all of you as family. You are my roots, my foundation, my friends. Thank you for your constant love.
"And thank you CU. I met my husband Tom here. When you marry a McCartney, you get a superfan in your life. Through all my years, track has continually blessed me. I have so many great memories of CU, and will always be proud to be a Colorado Buffalo."
Joanne Reid, Nordic Skiing (2010-13). A four-year letterwinner on Richard Rokos' ski teams and a key member of two CU national championship teams her sophomore and senior seasons. As a senior, she captured the NCAA individual title in the Nordic freestyle competition, capping one of the most decorated careers in program history. A seven-time All-American (including five first-team honors) and four-time All-Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association performer. In 39 collegiate race starts, Reid's achievements still rank among the best in CU history. Her 11 career wins remain tied for third among all CU women's skiers and tied for second among women's Nordic athletes.
After graduating, Reid turned professional in biathlon in 2015 and joined Team USA the following year. A six-time U.S. national champion, she has represented the United States at the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games and five World Championships.
"When I first got the call from Rick George about the induction, like any millennial, I didn't pick up my phone. Instead, I sent a text, that's what we do, to Curtis Snyder (associate AD/communications who covered the ski team during her time), and I told him I was getting some kind of spoofed call, maybe pretending to be the university and maybe someone should look into it. So you could see how much disbelief I have standing in front of you at the age of33.
"In many ways, I feel like this honor is something reserved for legends and not someone I ever imagined for myself. I skied for CU at the age of 17 and graduated when I was 20, which was a pretty early start for a college skier. But I became a Buffalo fan much earlier than that. At the age of 13 years old, I was on the side of the course watching (future) head coach Jana Weinberger win a race. She won by so much that I thought she was the best Nordic skier on Earth, and I thought, 'I want to go to place that makes champions like that. And today, unbelievably, I've being given the same honor and am in the same Hall of Fame as Jana. I got to be part of something bigger than me – I got to be part of a powerhouse team with incredible athletes and learned from them for four years, an experience that was invaluable."
Barry Remington, Football (1982-86). A member of Chuck Fairbanks' final recruiting class in the spring of 1982, Remington was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American as a senior in 1986, when he also was a unanimous first-team All–Big Eight selection that season after twice earning second-team honors. In starting 36 of 42 career games, he remains to this day CU's all-time leading tackler with 493 total stops (including 245 solo tackles), a record that has stood now for nearly four decades. One of three players with three 100-tackle seasons in CU history, he had to do so overcoming several injuries – ones that he always persevered through which is one reason he was a two-time team captain (he was the first CU player since 1894 to serve as captain prior to his senior year, and just the third at the time to be selected twice).
Known for his playmaking instincts, Remington intercepted four passes in his career, including a memorable pick in the closing moments of CU's 20–10 upset of No. 3 Nebraska in 1986 — sealing the victory and ending the Buffs' 18-game losing streak against the Cornhuskers.
"It's an incredible honor to be inducted along side so many great athletes, and I'm especially glad to see my teammate Jeff Campbell up here with me today. Back in the day, being a Colorado kid and standing here with so many of my family, teammates, coaches and friends in the room – this is a special night. I also want to thank my teammate Conley Smith for nominating me without not telling me.
"When I look back in Boulder, it still feels a little surreal playing in both high school and college at the base of the Flatirons, winning a state championship in both football and basketball, beating the damn Nebraska team after 20 years of losing at home our senior year, being part of the biggest turnaround in CU football history, and now standing here, being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I'm a lucky person.
"None of this would have happened without so many people lifting me up along the way." He thanked a host of people who supported him, "But first and foremost, my faith in Jesus Christ has held me together since I was a young man. He's guided me and my family through some deep alleys and surrounded me with some incredible people."
"I took a lot of recruiting trips, but every time I came back over the hill into Boulder on U.S. 36 and I saw the Flatirons, I said, 'You're not going anywhere. I love this place.' In looking back at my time at CU, knowing my tackle record might never be broken in my lifetime, which is cool (laughter), the thing I'm most proud about isn't that record, it was being a two-time captain, which is rare."
Richard Roby, Basketball (2004-08). He exited as CU's all-time leading scorer (2,001 points, tied by Cory Higgins four years later), and still is listed among CU's all-time top 10 in several categories. Playing under coaches Ricardo Patton and Jeff Bzdelik, he emerged as one of the most dynamic players in CU history. He joined Donnie Boyce as the only Buffalo to lead the team in all four seasons (and one of only five to have accomplish it three times). After an 11-year professional career overseas (on three continents), he returned to CU last year to finish up his degree.
His honors were numerous, including a two-time NABC First-Team All-District (2006, 2008), one of the hardest to make, the Big 12 All-Freshman Team, and claimed two CUSPY's (the 2005 Male Freshman Athlete of the Year and the 2008 Male Career Athletic Achievement awards).
"What an esteemed honor it is to be inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame, to stand here among these great athletes who accomplished amazing things – it's truly humbling. Getting to this moment has been a journey, and on that journey, God had placed certain people, certain blessings in my life to guide me and for surrounding me with the right people at the right time, as none of this happens without him. I have to start by thanking my mother – as a father of five daughters myself now, I now understand the time, the energy, the resources it takes to raise children to give them a great life. And she did it all by herself, she never complained, never made excuses. Mom, I can never repay you for what you did, the sacrifices that you made, but I hope moments like this make you proud.
"I've been blessed to play for some incredible coaches throughout my youth all the way through my college and professional career. Each one of them taught me something unique that helped me, that shaped me and always demanded the best out of me. You can't do it without proper coaching and guidance.
"And to the University of Colorado, thank you for the opportunity and for welcoming me into this family that I've carried with me ever since. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. You know I never got the chance to play in the NBA – there was always a void in me because I never got that opportunity. It was something I thought that should have happened but it didn't and I always had a chip on my shoulder, but I think that goes away with being inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame."
The late Jim Willcoxon (basketball, 1937-39) was the veteran's selection (pre-World War II candidate) and was represented by his daughter, Debbie Weigel. One of CU's first All-Americans in any sport (and the second in basketball), he was a pivotal player for Coach Frosty Cox when the Buffaloes emerged as one of the premier teams west of the Mississippi. Known specifically for his tenacious defense and leadership, he gained praise for his unselfish passing and ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
When World War II began, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with distinction as the commanding officer of a Landing Craft Tank in the Mediterranean theater, leading his crew through five major invasions. After the war and his Navy obligations, he returned to CU to complete his master's degree and served as an assistant basketball coach under Cox. He also coached at the high school and junior college levels in Kansas and spent several years as a football and basketball referee, officiating primarily in the Big Seven Conference. He passed away following a two-year battle with cancer on March 30, 1999 at age 80.
Debbie took the stage to the CU fight song. "It's good to hear that song – he taught that to me. He always sang it with love and enthusiasm, especially the during final phrase, 'Glory, glory Colorado, hurrah for the silver and gold. All of his family members are so grateful and thankful to the Athletic Hall of Fame committee who facilitated this great honor for him. It's a little late but we are so thankful for it.
"Our family is always eternally grateful to coach Forrest Cox, Dad's coach, mentor and ultimately his friend. Dad was a native Kansan, growing up in Coffeeville. After playing basketball at the community college there, he contacted coach Phog Allen to express his interest in playing for KU. Coach Allen turned him down. He then contacted coach Cox at Colorado, who ironically had been named first-team All-American playing for Coach Allen. Coach Cox was the one who gave Dad the opportunity to reach the highest achievement in college basketball – being named an All-American in 1939 and was introduced by coach Allen at the ceremony – I think that's pretty funny."
In her closing, she mentioned that when as an assistant at CU, he coached Sox Walseth, who has the CU basketball court named for him. They became good friends until both passed. "Dad didn't seek out recognition, but he'd be so pleased about tonight because he loved Colorado U. so much."
HALL OF HONOR
Keith Miller, "The Kid from Ovid" who was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame last summer, was selected for CU's prestigious Athletic Hall of Honor, the distinction presented to those who CU letterwinners who have attained distinguished achievement in his or her chosen professional field.
The fullback and special teams performer (1993-96) turned his attention to music after playing five years in Europe. His discipline? Opera. Studying and practicing diligently, in about five years' time he found himself on stage at the New York Metropolitan Opera performing Madame Butterfly. He was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame last summer in its "Opera In The High Country" class.
"Never in a million years would I have imagined myself here. Thank you for including me in this group of amazing. talented, exceptional athletes and ambassadors of the University of Colorado who are being honored here tonight. I am truly humbled. To God, thank you for blessing me with my health – see, walk, hear, the basic things so many people take for granted."
Among those he thanked was his high school custodian, John Lohse – "For staying up until midnight every summer for giving me the key to the gym so I could work out every night."
Miller also made a point to recognize those teammates that CU has lost through the years. "Coach Mac, I don't know if there could ever be enough said for how much he changed lives. I will forever be indebted to him for giving me a chance to be a Buff. He was more than a coach, he challenged you to be a better man than an athlete, and that preparation was not a punishment."
HALL OF FAME [LEGACY WING]
Steve Bosley, co-founder of the BolderBOULDER 10k, recalled discussed with the late Eddie Crowder ahead of the third annual race to reconfigure the course and have the finish line inside Folsom Field. It has since become a tradition, with over 1.6 million racers (and walkers) crossing the finish line inside the stadium, which in 1987 began hosting the nation's largest Memorial Day Celebration. "I am in rarified air with members of the Legacy Wing."
But his main focus was on a story surrounding Ralphie I and the '77 Orange Bowl. Bosley led a fundraising campaign to sponsor her trip to the game, which soon gained national attention. But complications emerged right before the game.
"Minutes into half time a handler urgently signaled for me to come down to the field where I joined the handlers and a Florida State trooper captain with several deputies who was declaring the buffalo "ain't coming onto Orange Bowl field" (for a second run). Things unfolded quickly. The troopers moved on slowly spreading down the direction Ralphie would typically run. We quickly moved to Ralphie's trailer. We were reacting on the fly. One of the guys threw his hat down and began angrily stomping around. Others joining the frustration demonstration.
"We observed the troopers' smirks and back slapping as they dissipated downfield and the sidelines, but our collective mood without any discussion, was simply quiet unspoken determination, Ralphie was going to run! The handlers slowly and unobtrusively meandered into their positions, preparing everything to be ready to go. The troopers continued fading even further back –and when all was clear, a super charged Ralphie with super charged handlers charged onto the Orange Bowl field – with a roaring crowd. After a flawless run, she was loaded her into the trailer, then followed the getaway plan to immediately pull out Ralphie and her handlers were gone – heading for Colorado."
Carol Callan is currently in her 45th season handling color commentary for the women's basketball team, the second broadcaster to be inducted joining the late Larry Zimmer. This is the fourth Hall of Fame honor for the long-time administrator for USA Basketball, previously inducted into the Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame (2008), the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2020), and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (2022). She has been behind the mikes for an estimated 1,200-plus CU games.
"As I prepared to speak, my mind jumped to the phrase, 'The ties that bind.' In other words, all the relationships that keep you invested in and bound to the University of Colorado.
And when you enter the Legacy Wing, the list is long. Throughout my career I learned the importance of relationships. The key to success and happiness is the ability to forge many full relationships.
"I have parallel career paths, one is my work as a broadcaster for the women's basketball team. The other was as teacher-coach as athletic director at Fairview High School. Followed by women's national team director, I was lucky to be a part of seven straight Olympic gold medals, and most recently of FIBA, the international basketball association. I came to CU in the fall of 1976 for graduate school and offered my help with the women's basketball team. e thHHe hHe threw mexinto adrilland II quickly learned the effects of high altitude. During Rene (Portland's) tenure (as CU coach), I was asked to be the analyst for the women's basketball games. Because I was from St. Louis and admired the tandem of Harry Caray and Jack Buck on St. Louis Cardinal baseball broadcasts. Though I was never to be confused with their talents, I quickly answered yes. That first year, we broadcast four games on the campus radio station, but you had to be sitting in the hallways of the dorms to hear it."
After several shout-outs to people she worked with on the broadcasts, Callan listed all her numerous if not amazing list of her personal connections to CU. She then closed noting, "The growth of CU women's basketball parallels the growth of women's basketball around the world."
Mark Johnson said after she was done, "You've heard about the six degrees of separation for Kevin Bacon? How about the six degrees of separation for Carol Callan?"
And with that, the evening came to a close. There are now 176 members and one team – CU's first national champion team (1959 Skiing) in Colorado's Athletic Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1998. There are now 75 members of the Hall of Honor.
BOULDER – The 20th class for the University of Colorado's Athletic Hall of Fame was inducted here Thursday night, with 350 attendees present for the ceremonies held in the Byron White Club Room inside Folsom Field.
Eleven new members were enshrined – including two in the four-year old Legacy Wing, along with the newest inductee into CU's Athletic Hall of Honor, also in its fourth-year of revival after a 33-year dormancy.
Now approaching 200 members in number, the CUAHOF had a record five were selected for induction their first year on the ballot – along with a record five women in the class with six All-Americans and seven All-Conference performers.
Emceed by Mark Johnson, the current "Voice of the Buffaloes" he started with opening comments and then handed off to Luke Dry, a senior on the track and field team and president of CU's SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and Kimbirly Orr, executive director of the Alumni C Club, then briefly spoke about their organizations.
Mark then introduced athletic director Rick George, who announced last week he would be retiring from the full-time role on June 30 but would remain as a special advisor to the chancellor, set the stage for the evening's main festivities (Mark referred to him as the "Big Toe," one can only presume was an ode to Bill Murray's line about Sgt. Hulka in Stripes).
"I've been doing this for 13 years now, and the stars that we have in this room are a lot. For us to be really great at Colorado, we need to have an alignment at the top, and I can tell you today that we have that," George said in recognizing the support of the president, chancellor and regents.
"I've seen some guys that I haven't seen in 30 years," he added. "The Hall of Fame represents who we are and what we aspire to be. They will have their legacies live in on forever at the University of Colorado. One of the best days I have every year is when I get to notify everyone – and I will tell you something that's a little bit inside information – when I called Jeff Campbell and told him, he cried like a baby."
Take it away, MJ, who introduced all inductees with a few bullet highlights as each approached the stage. Select comments from all's speeches included below:
HALL OF FAME (MAIN WING)
First up was Jeff Campbell, Football (1986-89). A walk-on from Vail's Battle Mountain High School, he was often told he was too small for major college football. A week into practice – with just two in pads – Coach Bill McCartney called him into his office and awarded him a scholarship. Little did anyone know at the time he'd be a one-man wrecking crew in CU's wins over Nebraska in 1986 and 1989. "Soupy" had two long punt returns that set up touchdowns in the '89 battle (No. 2 vs No. 3), the second of which turned out to be the game-winning points in the 27-21 victory. He caught 28 passes in his CU career – when the Buffs were primarily an option team (wishbone then I-Bone), for 802 yards, an astounding 28.6 yards per catch.
"I showed up here more like a lawn dart than a Division I football player, but everything worked out. What an incredible honor it is to stand before you today. I was a walk-on, I was not given a scholarship, but I got something even better: a chance. I got a chance to lay everything on the line and chase a dream of something that kept me up at night for years. I am proud to be a member of a community that championed excellence, commitment and perseverance. I wasn't big, I knew it and I knew I had to overcome some things to make myself competitive. I knew I what I lacked in size I had to make up in passion and grit. I'd rather be in this Hall of Fame than the NFL Hall of Fame, because this Hall of Fame is about family."
He told the crowd that his mom dropped him off at CU and said, 'Try not to die.' I came here as an individual with a dream and left here with a family I wouldn't trade for anything."
Mason Crosby, Football (2003-06). CU's all-time scoring leader (307 points) and in field goals made (66), he went on to set the same marks for the Green Bay Packers in his 16-year career with the club – just the sixth player to hold scoring marks for his alma mater and an NFL team. He played more games with Green Bay – 258 – than any other player in its history. At CU, he set the record for the longest field goal (60 yards), and his 58-yard boot at Miami in 2005 was the longest at sea level without a tee in NCAA history until broken last year by a Florida State kicker – in Ireland.
"Usually whenever I went out on to the field, I only had 25 seconds unless the coach decided if he was going to go for it on fourth down," Crosby opened, alluding to the 5-minute time limit each speaker was supposed to be held to. I wasn't emotional (about being inducted) honestly until I saw coach (Gary) Barnett here tonight. This is one of the greatest honors of my life. When I look back at that path that brought me here, I'm overwhelmed by gratitude. Not for the accomplishments themselves, but for the people, the moments and the relationships that shaped me along the way.
"I want to acknowledge you coach Barnett, you changed the entire trajectory of my life. When I came here, trying out, working out, you brought me and my mom up to your office and offered me a scholarship. Coming from Texas, this thin air is pretty awesome, let's get this thing done. Your trust, your leadership and your vision were instrumental in my journey and I carried that with me hrough my NFL career."
Shalaya Kipp, Cross Country & Track (2009-14). She lettered four times as a standout middle-distance runner in both cross country and track under coaches Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs, earning nine All-America honors across three disciplines, including four times in cross country—just the second female in CU history to do so. In 2012, Kipp made CU history as the first athlete – male or female – to win an individual Pac-12 title, capturing the steeplechase crown at the Pac-12 Outdoor meet. In the fall, her fourth place finish led the Buffs to victory in the inaugural Pac-12 Cross Country Championships. The 2012 NCAA steeplechase champion, that kick-started a tremendous summer where she shattered her personal best by more than seven seconds to claim the final spot on Team USA for the London Olympic Games. A
After college, Kipp competed professionally, earning several medals around the world and narrowly missed a second Olympic team in 2016. Kipp graduated from CU with three degrees bachelor's in Integrative Physiology and Psychology, and her master's, also in Integrative Physiology. She wasn't don yet, as she earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia in 2023. She is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Kipp remains active in the running community and has recently shifted her focus to the marathon.
"I come from a sport where if you're faster, it's better, so will see if that spills over into my speech tonight," she joked in her opening. When I think back to my time in Boulder as a young athlete, I think about walking through Balch Fieldhouse a lot. All the plaques on the wall, all the All-Americans, the NCAA champions, Olympians and I remember how badly I wanted to make it. I think about how meaningful that is tonight because I actually did it. CU cross country and track gave me more than track results and times it gave me people, it gave me a community. My coaches, Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs believed in my long-term development. A young Shalaya still remembers pounding up the Boulder Creek bike path in tears when they told me that I would redshirt. But good coaches see what an athlete can't see. They taught me that progression isn't linear and that consistency matters in the work you put in and when no one is watching, it all depends who you are.
"I'm often asked how I got into the steeplechase – that's that weird event where you jump over hurdles and land in a puddle of water. And it really happened by accident. Coach Wetmore came over to me one day and asked me if I had any interest. I said, sure, I'll try it. So he told me to stay or hurdle practice, I did and then asked if I should come back the next day, and he quickly said, 'No.' A few months later, he said we should resurrect the idea of trying the steeplechase. He told me to go try the water jump. I did it, he had me do it again, and he said I think we've found your event. So I changed my event, and it really changed the trajectory of my career."
Kris Livingston, Administration (1997-2025). The first female administrator to be inducted, was recognized for her 28 years of service between being the first-ever director of operations for women's basketball and then as the director of the Herbst Academic Center. She had family and friends fly in from Ohio and North Carolina to attend the weekend. After out of athletics for a few years, she wanted back into women's college basketball – which she played in college, and took a $20,000 pay cut to get back into what she first called, "A job, then a career and then a lifestyle."
"I know many former Buffs who produced Hall of Fame careers and I'm flattered that I was deemed worthy," she said. "I had a blast working with Ceal Barry and the women's basketball program. Twice we earned trips to the Sweet 16 and once to the Elite Eight. Something happened to me. A few years into this role I got sucked in. The black and gold, the silver and gold, the Twins, shoulder-to-shoulder, Ralphie, Chip, Horns up."
Livingston may have had the line of the night; working with all 17 CU sports, she said, "The student-athletes are so many rock stars. Speaking of rock stars, at one point in time, we had Brittany Spears and Whitney Houston on the women's basketball team, we had Rod(ney) Stewart on the football team and (Aric) Van Halen on the cross country and track teams. You can't make that up! They all had successful careers at CU and they all graduated."
Pam Owen McCartney, Track & Field (1989-93). An all-around athlete excelling in the pentathlon and heptathlon, she set numerous school records; she won the Big Eight indoor pentathlon title as a senior with a personal best that stood in the CU record book for 20 years. Her best event is – and continues to be – the high jump. More than 30 years later, she continues to compete in Masters Track and Field competition (50–54 age group), where she won gold in the high jump and silver in the pentathlon at the 2025 Indoor World Championships. She finished the 2025 indoor season ranked No. 1 globally in the high jump and No. 2 in the pentathlon.
"It's a special honor to be in Hall alongside my father-in-law Bill (McCartney). He was the epitome of a Colorado Buffalo. He would have been exited for everyone inducted tonight, especially his former players, Jeff and Barry. Family means the world to me (she then thanked all in attendance). It's a gift going through life with all of you as family. You are my roots, my foundation, my friends. Thank you for your constant love.
"And thank you CU. I met my husband Tom here. When you marry a McCartney, you get a superfan in your life. Through all my years, track has continually blessed me. I have so many great memories of CU, and will always be proud to be a Colorado Buffalo."
Joanne Reid, Nordic Skiing (2010-13). A four-year letterwinner on Richard Rokos' ski teams and a key member of two CU national championship teams her sophomore and senior seasons. As a senior, she captured the NCAA individual title in the Nordic freestyle competition, capping one of the most decorated careers in program history. A seven-time All-American (including five first-team honors) and four-time All-Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association performer. In 39 collegiate race starts, Reid's achievements still rank among the best in CU history. Her 11 career wins remain tied for third among all CU women's skiers and tied for second among women's Nordic athletes.
After graduating, Reid turned professional in biathlon in 2015 and joined Team USA the following year. A six-time U.S. national champion, she has represented the United States at the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games and five World Championships.
"When I first got the call from Rick George about the induction, like any millennial, I didn't pick up my phone. Instead, I sent a text, that's what we do, to Curtis Snyder (associate AD/communications who covered the ski team during her time), and I told him I was getting some kind of spoofed call, maybe pretending to be the university and maybe someone should look into it. So you could see how much disbelief I have standing in front of you at the age of33.
"In many ways, I feel like this honor is something reserved for legends and not someone I ever imagined for myself. I skied for CU at the age of 17 and graduated when I was 20, which was a pretty early start for a college skier. But I became a Buffalo fan much earlier than that. At the age of 13 years old, I was on the side of the course watching (future) head coach Jana Weinberger win a race. She won by so much that I thought she was the best Nordic skier on Earth, and I thought, 'I want to go to place that makes champions like that. And today, unbelievably, I've being given the same honor and am in the same Hall of Fame as Jana. I got to be part of something bigger than me – I got to be part of a powerhouse team with incredible athletes and learned from them for four years, an experience that was invaluable."
Barry Remington, Football (1982-86). A member of Chuck Fairbanks' final recruiting class in the spring of 1982, Remington was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American as a senior in 1986, when he also was a unanimous first-team All–Big Eight selection that season after twice earning second-team honors. In starting 36 of 42 career games, he remains to this day CU's all-time leading tackler with 493 total stops (including 245 solo tackles), a record that has stood now for nearly four decades. One of three players with three 100-tackle seasons in CU history, he had to do so overcoming several injuries – ones that he always persevered through which is one reason he was a two-time team captain (he was the first CU player since 1894 to serve as captain prior to his senior year, and just the third at the time to be selected twice).
Known for his playmaking instincts, Remington intercepted four passes in his career, including a memorable pick in the closing moments of CU's 20–10 upset of No. 3 Nebraska in 1986 — sealing the victory and ending the Buffs' 18-game losing streak against the Cornhuskers.
"It's an incredible honor to be inducted along side so many great athletes, and I'm especially glad to see my teammate Jeff Campbell up here with me today. Back in the day, being a Colorado kid and standing here with so many of my family, teammates, coaches and friends in the room – this is a special night. I also want to thank my teammate Conley Smith for nominating me without not telling me.
"When I look back in Boulder, it still feels a little surreal playing in both high school and college at the base of the Flatirons, winning a state championship in both football and basketball, beating the damn Nebraska team after 20 years of losing at home our senior year, being part of the biggest turnaround in CU football history, and now standing here, being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I'm a lucky person.
"None of this would have happened without so many people lifting me up along the way." He thanked a host of people who supported him, "But first and foremost, my faith in Jesus Christ has held me together since I was a young man. He's guided me and my family through some deep alleys and surrounded me with some incredible people."
"I took a lot of recruiting trips, but every time I came back over the hill into Boulder on U.S. 36 and I saw the Flatirons, I said, 'You're not going anywhere. I love this place.' In looking back at my time at CU, knowing my tackle record might never be broken in my lifetime, which is cool (laughter), the thing I'm most proud about isn't that record, it was being a two-time captain, which is rare."
Richard Roby, Basketball (2004-08). He exited as CU's all-time leading scorer (2,001 points, tied by Cory Higgins four years later), and still is listed among CU's all-time top 10 in several categories. Playing under coaches Ricardo Patton and Jeff Bzdelik, he emerged as one of the most dynamic players in CU history. He joined Donnie Boyce as the only Buffalo to lead the team in all four seasons (and one of only five to have accomplish it three times). After an 11-year professional career overseas (on three continents), he returned to CU last year to finish up his degree.
His honors were numerous, including a two-time NABC First-Team All-District (2006, 2008), one of the hardest to make, the Big 12 All-Freshman Team, and claimed two CUSPY's (the 2005 Male Freshman Athlete of the Year and the 2008 Male Career Athletic Achievement awards).
"What an esteemed honor it is to be inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame, to stand here among these great athletes who accomplished amazing things – it's truly humbling. Getting to this moment has been a journey, and on that journey, God had placed certain people, certain blessings in my life to guide me and for surrounding me with the right people at the right time, as none of this happens without him. I have to start by thanking my mother – as a father of five daughters myself now, I now understand the time, the energy, the resources it takes to raise children to give them a great life. And she did it all by herself, she never complained, never made excuses. Mom, I can never repay you for what you did, the sacrifices that you made, but I hope moments like this make you proud.
"I've been blessed to play for some incredible coaches throughout my youth all the way through my college and professional career. Each one of them taught me something unique that helped me, that shaped me and always demanded the best out of me. You can't do it without proper coaching and guidance.
"And to the University of Colorado, thank you for the opportunity and for welcoming me into this family that I've carried with me ever since. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. You know I never got the chance to play in the NBA – there was always a void in me because I never got that opportunity. It was something I thought that should have happened but it didn't and I always had a chip on my shoulder, but I think that goes away with being inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame."
The late Jim Willcoxon (basketball, 1937-39) was the veteran's selection (pre-World War II candidate) and was represented by his daughter, Debbie Weigel. One of CU's first All-Americans in any sport (and the second in basketball), he was a pivotal player for Coach Frosty Cox when the Buffaloes emerged as one of the premier teams west of the Mississippi. Known specifically for his tenacious defense and leadership, he gained praise for his unselfish passing and ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
When World War II began, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with distinction as the commanding officer of a Landing Craft Tank in the Mediterranean theater, leading his crew through five major invasions. After the war and his Navy obligations, he returned to CU to complete his master's degree and served as an assistant basketball coach under Cox. He also coached at the high school and junior college levels in Kansas and spent several years as a football and basketball referee, officiating primarily in the Big Seven Conference. He passed away following a two-year battle with cancer on March 30, 1999 at age 80.
Debbie took the stage to the CU fight song. "It's good to hear that song – he taught that to me. He always sang it with love and enthusiasm, especially the during final phrase, 'Glory, glory Colorado, hurrah for the silver and gold. All of his family members are so grateful and thankful to the Athletic Hall of Fame committee who facilitated this great honor for him. It's a little late but we are so thankful for it.
"Our family is always eternally grateful to coach Forrest Cox, Dad's coach, mentor and ultimately his friend. Dad was a native Kansan, growing up in Coffeeville. After playing basketball at the community college there, he contacted coach Phog Allen to express his interest in playing for KU. Coach Allen turned him down. He then contacted coach Cox at Colorado, who ironically had been named first-team All-American playing for Coach Allen. Coach Cox was the one who gave Dad the opportunity to reach the highest achievement in college basketball – being named an All-American in 1939 and was introduced by coach Allen at the ceremony – I think that's pretty funny."
In her closing, she mentioned that when as an assistant at CU, he coached Sox Walseth, who has the CU basketball court named for him. They became good friends until both passed. "Dad didn't seek out recognition, but he'd be so pleased about tonight because he loved Colorado U. so much."
HALL OF HONOR
Keith Miller, "The Kid from Ovid" who was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame last summer, was selected for CU's prestigious Athletic Hall of Honor, the distinction presented to those who CU letterwinners who have attained distinguished achievement in his or her chosen professional field.
The fullback and special teams performer (1993-96) turned his attention to music after playing five years in Europe. His discipline? Opera. Studying and practicing diligently, in about five years' time he found himself on stage at the New York Metropolitan Opera performing Madame Butterfly. He was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame last summer in its "Opera In The High Country" class.
"Never in a million years would I have imagined myself here. Thank you for including me in this group of amazing. talented, exceptional athletes and ambassadors of the University of Colorado who are being honored here tonight. I am truly humbled. To God, thank you for blessing me with my health – see, walk, hear, the basic things so many people take for granted."
Among those he thanked was his high school custodian, John Lohse – "For staying up until midnight every summer for giving me the key to the gym so I could work out every night."
Miller also made a point to recognize those teammates that CU has lost through the years. "Coach Mac, I don't know if there could ever be enough said for how much he changed lives. I will forever be indebted to him for giving me a chance to be a Buff. He was more than a coach, he challenged you to be a better man than an athlete, and that preparation was not a punishment."
HALL OF FAME [LEGACY WING]
Steve Bosley, co-founder of the BolderBOULDER 10k, recalled discussed with the late Eddie Crowder ahead of the third annual race to reconfigure the course and have the finish line inside Folsom Field. It has since become a tradition, with over 1.6 million racers (and walkers) crossing the finish line inside the stadium, which in 1987 began hosting the nation's largest Memorial Day Celebration. "I am in rarified air with members of the Legacy Wing."
But his main focus was on a story surrounding Ralphie I and the '77 Orange Bowl. Bosley led a fundraising campaign to sponsor her trip to the game, which soon gained national attention. But complications emerged right before the game.
"Minutes into half time a handler urgently signaled for me to come down to the field where I joined the handlers and a Florida State trooper captain with several deputies who was declaring the buffalo "ain't coming onto Orange Bowl field" (for a second run). Things unfolded quickly. The troopers moved on slowly spreading down the direction Ralphie would typically run. We quickly moved to Ralphie's trailer. We were reacting on the fly. One of the guys threw his hat down and began angrily stomping around. Others joining the frustration demonstration.
"We observed the troopers' smirks and back slapping as they dissipated downfield and the sidelines, but our collective mood without any discussion, was simply quiet unspoken determination, Ralphie was going to run! The handlers slowly and unobtrusively meandered into their positions, preparing everything to be ready to go. The troopers continued fading even further back –and when all was clear, a super charged Ralphie with super charged handlers charged onto the Orange Bowl field – with a roaring crowd. After a flawless run, she was loaded her into the trailer, then followed the getaway plan to immediately pull out Ralphie and her handlers were gone – heading for Colorado."
Carol Callan is currently in her 45th season handling color commentary for the women's basketball team, the second broadcaster to be inducted joining the late Larry Zimmer. This is the fourth Hall of Fame honor for the long-time administrator for USA Basketball, previously inducted into the Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame (2008), the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2020), and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (2022). She has been behind the mikes for an estimated 1,200-plus CU games.
"As I prepared to speak, my mind jumped to the phrase, 'The ties that bind.' In other words, all the relationships that keep you invested in and bound to the University of Colorado.
And when you enter the Legacy Wing, the list is long. Throughout my career I learned the importance of relationships. The key to success and happiness is the ability to forge many full relationships.
"I have parallel career paths, one is my work as a broadcaster for the women's basketball team. The other was as teacher-coach as athletic director at Fairview High School. Followed by women's national team director, I was lucky to be a part of seven straight Olympic gold medals, and most recently of FIBA, the international basketball association. I came to CU in the fall of 1976 for graduate school and offered my help with the women's basketball team. e thHHe hHe threw mexinto adrilland II quickly learned the effects of high altitude. During Rene (Portland's) tenure (as CU coach), I was asked to be the analyst for the women's basketball games. Because I was from St. Louis and admired the tandem of Harry Caray and Jack Buck on St. Louis Cardinal baseball broadcasts. Though I was never to be confused with their talents, I quickly answered yes. That first year, we broadcast four games on the campus radio station, but you had to be sitting in the hallways of the dorms to hear it."
After several shout-outs to people she worked with on the broadcasts, Callan listed all her numerous if not amazing list of her personal connections to CU. She then closed noting, "The growth of CU women's basketball parallels the growth of women's basketball around the world."
Mark Johnson said after she was done, "You've heard about the six degrees of separation for Kevin Bacon? How about the six degrees of separation for Carol Callan?"
And with that, the evening came to a close. There are now 176 members and one team – CU's first national champion team (1959 Skiing) in Colorado's Athletic Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1998. There are now 75 members of the Hall of Honor.
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