WALTER "BUS" BERGMAN - Bergman attended Denver North High School, where his athletic talent was first realized. He received honors as an All-City Basketball player, an All-State basketball player and an All-City Second Team Football Player. He entered Colorado A & M on an athletic scholarship in 1938. At Colorado A & M, Bergman earned ten varsity letters in three sports - football, basketball and baseball. Bergman received a bachelor of science degree in physical education from CSU in 1947. Bergman coached football and baseball at Mesa from 1950 through 1980. His football record was 102-63-9, with three conference junior college championships. His baseball teams were 378-201, with 20 conference championships, finishing second three times in the JUCO World Series. The athletic practice field is named in his honor. Bergman has also garnered several awards including membership in the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1984) and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (1993). Bergman enjoys golf, fishing, and watching baseball at all levels of play.

WAYNE NELSON - Nelson attended Grantsville High School in Grantsville, Utah, where in his senior year he was the captain of the basketball team, quarterback of the football team, and was the No. 1singles player in tennis. Nelson earned his baccalaureate and masters degrees from Utah State Agricultural College where he played on the basketball team and lettered in tennis. Nelson began his coaching career in Idaho at the high school level. He took over as the Mesa College basketball coach in 1955. During his tenure as basketball coach, Mesa's record was 260-193, with three conference championships, two regional championships and two appearances at the national tournament. In addition to coaching basketball, Nelson was also the assistant football coach and the tennis coach. Nelson served as Athletic Director at Mesa for 26 years. During that time, athletics prospered at Mesa. He was successful in convincing the college of the need for a new athletic and physical education complex. The women's program also came into existence under Nelson's leadership.

TERRY GUGAT - Gugat graduated from Cheyenne Mountian High School in Colorado Springs in 1973. He was recognized as a First Team Will Rogers League player in 1971-72, and 1972-73. He also earned All-City Honors in 1973. As a Maverick, Gugat played basketball and tennis and earned all-conference honors in the ICAC and was selected All-Region First Team 1973-74 and 1974-75. He was recognized as a Second Team Junior College All-American in 1975, and was honored as the Mesa College Athlete of the Year in 1975. His coach, Bruce Haroldson, called him the "consummate basketball warrior." Gugat returned to Mesa from Brigham Young University in 1977 to play basketball once again for the new four-year college. However, his basketball career was cut short in 1978 when injuries forced him out of basketball. Gugat went on to receive his baccalaureate degree from Mesa and is providing himself in yet another environment - teaching. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year in School District 51 in 1986, Parent Teacher of the Year at West Middle School in 1992, and as the 1995-96 Sylvan Outstanding Teacher. In addition to teaching, Gugat enjoys backpacking and fishing.

JAY TOLMAN - Tolman graduated from Delta High School in Utah in 1930, where he played football and ran track. Tolman attended Utah State Agricultural College where he played football and track, receiving all conference honors in both sports. Tolman coached both high school and junior college football teams in St. George, Utah - the same year, and both were champions. Tolman coached track, football and basketball at Mesa in the 1940's. He held the positions of Athletic Director, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs at Mesa. He was elected to the Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1982, and awarded the National Junior College Certificate of Service in 1969. The Jay W. Tolman Residence Hall is named in his honor. According to Sam Suplizio, "there would be no NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction," if not for the efforts of Jay Tolman. It is fitting that Tolman be one of the first inductees into the Mesa State College Hall of Honor for all his contributions to Mesa State College.