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Six people were chosen for the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame yesterday, including former University of Northern Colorado football coach Bob Blasi, Cherry Creek High School baseball coach Marc Johnson, former University of Colorado wrestler Dean Lahr, and announcer Larry Zimmer (via The Associated Press).
Blasi, who coached the UNC Bears from 1966-1984, was raking leaves on his property near Conifer when he found out, writes The Greeley Tribune. During his time with the Bears, he racked up a 107-71-3 record, including a 10-0 record in 1969 that earned him and his squad a letter of commendation by the state legislature.
The two other hall-of-famers are better known. Recently retired Avalanche star Joe Sakic was chosen for the honor, along with former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, who spent 14 seasons with the team.
Shanahan won back-to-back Super Bowls with two dominant football teams and enjoyed great support from team owner Pat Bowlen, who once said Shanahan would be the Broncos coach for life. That was before last season’s historic meltdown, when the Broncos lost a three-game division lead with three games to go. Shanahan was summarily fired, and up-and-comer Josh McDaniels was hired in his wake.
Shanahan won’t be out of work long. Every team with potential for turmoil is floated as a possible landing site for Shanahan. He’ll have his pick of jobs come January.