The Colorado Mesa Hall of Honor will be including four new members, Larry Brunson, Michael Brunson, Patti Arnold and Cheryl Bates-Olson, from the athletic community. The four new members will be recognized at the Victory Dinner and Bonfire Friday night and at halftime of the football game on Saturday. 

Anyone can nominate an individual or team for consideration for the Hall of Honor. A committee comprised of several individuals from the athletic department, university and alumni select the new members. 

Larry Brunson

Former Denver Bronco still a Maverick

Brunson remembers his time at Mesa Junior College as the best days in his life and credits the coaches with preparing him for university and professional football. "The coaches made sure there were no kinks in my armor and that I was mentally and physically well-prepared," said Brunson who was recruited by Mesa one year after his older brother, Michael. Several major universities tried to recruit Larry. He chose to attend the University of Colorado - Boulder to play football and study business.

Brunson played wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders after he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1972 NFL draft. After playing professional football for several years, he retired from the NFL in 1980 to pursue a career in real estate in Denver.

He holds his wife, Susie, their three children and one granddaughter close to his heart. He serves on the Bronco Alumni Association, the board of the non-profit organization STRIDE and Capitol Hill Community Services, where he works to raise money to break the poverty cycle. Brunson believes that life is about giving back to people and the community. 

Michael Brunson

The coach with a big heart

M ichael Brunson was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 11th round in 1970 and played on the team for two years. Brunson also played for the Houston Oilers and St. Louis Cardinals during his professional football career.

Former Maverick head football coach Jack Perrin remembers Brunson as quiet but physically, mentally and socially balanced – both on and off the field – when he played for Mesa Junior College in 1967 and 1968. Whether playing football or running track, Brunson's natural athleticism shone through as brightly as his smile.

Brunson started the 1969 season as a wingback for the Arizona State University Sun Devils where he earned a letter for his performance. After Brunson graduated from ASU, he taught math and coached elementary children in the Balsz School District in Phoenix.

Brunson exemplified what it meant to be a good citizen. He mentored countless young people in his 26 years of teaching and coaching. Phoenix's Brunson Field was dedicated in his honor at his retirement in 2002 and Brunson-Lee Elementary School was named for him in 2003. He passed away in 2002, but his memory lives on in the hearts of those he touched.

Brunson was married to Essie Brunson for 31 years and had two sons, both of whom inherited their dad's strong athleticism and giving heart. Brunson's younger brother, Larry, played football at Mesa Junior College with him. "Mike was my hero. He never thought of himself and he wanted to give everybody a chance," Larry said. 

Patti Arnold

Sports journalist and number-one fan

P atti Arnold's love for sports began early. She lettered in swimming and softball at her Overland Park, Kansas, high school before she continued her education at the University of Kansas to become a sports journalist. Arnold worked for the college newspaper and the Olathe Daily News before she began writing for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in 1985, covering Colorado Mesa University athletic events.

"Patti doesn't do this for a job," said Jamie Hamilton, former interim athletic director at CMU (2006 -2009) and current chairman of the Junior College World Series (JUCO). "She writes about CMU athletics because she loves it. Patti feels people's emotions and her stories always have a human touch."

Arnold has won numerous awards for her accomplishments in the community and her service on committees such as JUCO and the RMAC. She's also recognized for her impressive integrity and honesty as a writer. The athletic department considers Arnold to be a member of their teams – she attends practices, has traveled to out-of-town games and connects with the athletes.

"It has always been with great grace that Arnold has walked the fine line between reporting and being a fan," said former head basketball coach, Steve Kirkham. She exemplifies quality sports journalism and the players trust her to tell the truth. Because of Arnold's understanding of the coaches, the players and love of the Division II concept, she tells passionate stories whether the teams win or lose. 

Cheryl Bates-Olson

Soccer sensation

F our-time All-American and two-time RMAC player of the year, Cheryl Bates-Olson started every game and served as team captain throughout  her soccer career at Colorado Mesa University. Bates-Olson came to CMU in 1997 from Thornton, Colo., where she played soccer for Horizon High School and the Broomfield Blast Soccer Club.

Jim Buchan, the first head coach of CMU women's soccer program, said, "Cheryl Bates is the best soccer player to ever wear a Mesa shirt." While Bates-Olson was on the team, the Maverick women's soccer team ranked in the top 10 in the nation. A defender, she never missed a game while earning her degree in mathematics. She was a member of the Math Club, mentored students at local schools and helped with soccer clinics for young children in the community – all while wholeheartedly supporting her team.

Bates-Olson was a leader on and off the field who understood the importance of being part of a team. Her teammates followed her because she was a natural leader. After Mesa, she went on to earn her master's degree in mathematics and then returned to her hometown to teach and coach women's soccer at Horizon High School.

Bates-Olson is now married and has two children of her own. She still plays on a co-ed soccer team and coaches her daughters' soccer squads. She returned to CMU in 2007 for an alumni game and to reconnect with her soccer family. She says the sport will always be a fundamental element in her life.