Harry Hughes, namesake for Colorado State University’s Hughes Stadium, will be inducted into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame this Friday, June 11. Star Athletic Director and Coach Hughes is known for his 31-year football coaching career for the Rams, formerly the Colorado Aggies. After accepting the athletic director position in 1911, Hughes turned a winless football team into conference champions with an undefeated record by 1915. He also helped build Colorado Field, the home of the Rams from 1912 to 1967. Hughes led the football team to 126 wins and eight RMAC Conference Championships from 1911 to 1941. He served as the longest-running coach in CSU history, giving him the nickname “Dean of American Football Coaches.” Famous for being tough but fair, Hughes developed the Million Dollar play in 1914 that led his team to national fame. Hughes was also the first to break the color barrier in Colorado football by playing John Mosley in 1939. Hughes put his all into Aggie athletics. Along with leading football, he coached basketball, baseball and track throughout his time at Colorado A&M. Hughes served Colorado A&M until the very end, retiring July 1, 1953, 25 days before dying from a heart attack. The RMAC Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will begin at 5 p.m at the Marriott Hotel in Colorado Springs. CSU historian John Hirn, who authored “From Aggies to Rams,” will accept the honor on behalf of Hughes. Tickets are $60. For more information, contact edanner@rmacsports.org. Collegian News and Sports Editor Hannah Hemperly can be reached at sports@collegian.com.
