This is the third of nine articles highlighting the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and today's third article features longtime CSU Pueblo Athletics historian and former Sports Information Director Tim Simmons (1965-69, 1971-74, 2021-present).
For nearly eight decades, the story of Colorado State University Pueblo athletics has been inextricably linked with the life of Tim Simmons.
Born in Pueblo in 1947 to a father who was a basketball coach at the university, Simmons' connection to the campus began at birth. On October 16, that lifelong dedication will be officially honored when Simmons is inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame.
The 17th annual Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet is one of three on-campus events held during CSU Pueblo's Homecoming weekend celebration set for October 16-17, 2026. The Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held in the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom on the CSU Pueblo campus on October 16. READ MORE
Former student-athletes being inductees in the Class of 2026 are Lauren Fairchild (track & field, 2016-2021); Scott Gallas (football, 1976-1980); Mike Guenther (wrestling, 1983-1985); Oni Lattin (volleyball, 2014-2015); Brad Ranson (basketball, 1980-1983); and John Trahan (football, 1981-1984).
Donnell Leomiti, a defensive backfield coach on the ThunderWolves to the 2014 NCAA Division II football championship, will join six student-athletes at the induction ceremonies to be held during Homecoming Weekend at CSU Pueblo.
In addition, the 2017-2018 Women's Basketball team will also be inducted into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in the Team Category after posting a 25-7 record and capturing both the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular and post-season titles to earn the school's fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
A Legacy of Service
Simmons' career in sports information and media relations began in the fall of 1965, just as he was starting his studies at what was then Southern Colorado State College. Encouraged by mentors like Kirk Herrick and Richard Pavlik, Simmons began his journey by keeping football statistics, a humble start that would evolve into a lifelong profession.
"I always tell people I started doing this job and I still do it some, eight decades later," Simmons reflected during an interview with CSU Pueblo student Kenna Snyder.
His path took him from the student newspaper, The Arrow, to a graduate assistantship at the University of Iowa, and eventually to prestigious roles in sports information and athletics administration. Throughout his career, Simmons has worked with notable organizations, including the International Volleyball Federation in Switzerland, and he currently chairs the U.S. Volleyball All-Time Beach Greats Hall of Fame and serves on the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.
Giving Back to the Next Generation
Despite his far-reaching career, Simmons has never truly left the CSU Pueblo community. Today, he continues to contribute by managing the Colorado Collegiate Chronicle and producing a weekly newsletter, "The Howler," to keep the community connected to the university's athletic programs.
When asked what he wants his legacy to be, Simmons emphasized the importance of service and education. "Just that I gave back," Simmons said, recalling his father's desire to help young people through education. "That's what I try to do with what I do—is to contribute back to help young people, help this program."
A Humbled Honoree
Simmons describes his upcoming induction as a "very special honor," particularly because it aligns him with his father, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008. He joins a distinguished group of athletes, coaches, and contributors who have shaped the history of the university's athletics, from its days as Southern Colorado State College to its current identity as CSU Pueblo.
"For these folks, coaches and players, they did it, and they brought fame to the school through athletic competition," Simmons said. "Hopefully, with what I've done, I've helped contribute to the success of the athletic program here."
