CSU-Pueblo’s John Wristen Will Be Featured At The Sports Corp’s College Football Kickoff Luncheon On June 25

Pueblo-  John Wristen, a former all-conference quarterback at Colorado State University-Pueblo, returns to his alma mater as the ThunderWolves head football coach this year and makes his inaugural appearance at the Sports Corp’s annual Pigskin Party this summer. He is responsible for creating a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football program that has been dormant for 24 years after the team was cut following the 1984 season.

The Football Kickoff Luncheon is set for Wednesday, June 25 at Noon at the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs. The event will take place in the USOC Sports Center I.

The Thuderwolves’ season opener against Oklahoma Panhandle State is set for September 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the new 7,000-seat Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl on the school’s campus, with Wristen returning to Pueblo after coaching the past 17 years in the NCAA Division I ranks at the University of Colorado, Northwestern University, and, most recently, UCLA.

As the starting quarterback at then-University of Southern Colorado, Wristen was an honorable mention All-American quarterback, guiding USC to its only NAIA National Playoff appearance in 1983. He graduated as USC's all-time leader in passing yards (3,283) and touchdown passes (26). In 1982, Wristen led the NAIA in passing efficiency with a 182.5 rating as a junior.

The new and expanded guest list of coaches on hand to give a preview of what to see in 2008 features Troy Calhoun (Air Force), Dan Hawkins (CU), Wristen, Scott Downing (Northern Colorado), Bob Bodor (Colorado College) and Larry Lewis, from head coach Steve Fairchild’s brand-new staff at CSU (Steve is a good dad and is attending his youngest daughter’s graduation ceremonies, and he has made a commitment to be at future luncheons!)

Ticket prices: Tables (10 seats) $250.00 for Sports Corp members or booster club members from the six schools; $300.00 for others; Individual seats $30.00 and $25.00, respectively for both groups, Reserve now by calling Caroline Carroll at the Sports Corp (719) 634-7333, or e-mail her at caroline@thesportscorp.org




Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.