When Reco Burt steps on the stage to be inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame on October 10, 2025, he will become part of a legendary list of men's basketball players who have performed at the school for the past 80 years following World War II.

"It is truly an honor and a privilege to be recognized in this way," said Burt from his home in Texas, where he resides. "I chose to attend CSU Pueblo because Coach (Joe) Folda made a significant impact on my life. He and the coaching staff were persistent in recruiting me, and that dedication meant a great deal."

Burt will be one of six former ThunderWolves being inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame on October 10, along with Rachel Espinoza (women's basketball, 2007-1201), Bryan Hawkins (wrestling, 1983-1985), Marcelo Laguera (men's cross country/track & field, 2015-20), Molly Rohrer (women's basketball, 2015-18) and Andrea Tuck (women's track & field, 2012-16). 

Also being inducted that evening at the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom on the CSU Pueblo campus will be contributor Jim Brooks (radio broadcaster, 1987-1991, 2010-present), who also played golf at the school in the 1980s, where he was on the school's 1981 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championship team.

After growing up in South Carolina and competing for two seasons at Howard County Community College in Texas (1991-1993), Burt played two seasons at the University of Southern Colorado (1993-1995), where he averaged 16.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocked shots per game in 50 games.

"Some of my most memorable moments in Pueblo were taking graphic art classes, playing basketball, and forming lifelong relationships," said Burt. "Coaches and Coach Ralph Schuetzle became like family to me, and Donald Perritt became a great friend."

While playing in Pueblo, Burt was a two-time All-Colorado Athletic Conference selection and the league's most outstanding player as a senior in 1995. He also earned All-American recognition during his final campaign, averaging 20.0 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while shooting 60.0 percent (204 of 340) from the field, leading the school to a 19-9 record.

"Ralph Schuetzle, our assistant at the time, found him at Howard JC," said Folda, "and he talked to him all season. I was able to come in at the end and get him signed."

Folda added that Burt, "was a force inside on both ends of the floor. He was the best player in the Colorado Athletic Conference during his time at Southern! As good a player as Reco was for us, he was a much better father, husband, and person!"

Burt studied kinesiology and graphic arts at CSU Pueblo and went on to work with at-risk youth in Denver for over 10 years. He has been operating an appliance repair business in Dallas, Texas, for over 10 years.

"I have been married for over 33 years to his college sweetheart, Michelle," Burt added, "and they have three young adult children and four grandchildren."

As for October inductions, Burt said being "inducted into the CSU Pueblo Hall of Fame is not only a personal honor but also a blessing to share with my family. I am especially looking forward to bringing my grandson to witness this special event and showing him firsthand the importance of giving your very best in everything you do."

Burt will now be added in October to the list of "elite" CSU Pueblo men's basketball hall of famers, which includes Sam Batey, Pat Bekeza, Maurice Blanding, Bobby Graham, Curtis Jimerson, Eugene Poston, Tommie Robinson, Don Schmidli, Cal Tatum, Guy Taylor, Jim von Loh, Bob Warlick, and Damon Williams.

Other CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Famers from other sports with a men's basketball connection include Jerry Hummitszch (baseball), Mick McCall (football), and Mike Zaremba (golf).

"CSU Pueblo was my family during my time there," Burt concluded.  "I will always cherish the memories and values I gained."