The Adams State University Monument of Champions formal unveiling begins at 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, in front of Rex Stadium. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served
The free-standing obelisk features the Adams State running program legacy of national champions.
The unveiling will include remarks by Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach Damon Martin and President David Tandberg, Ph.D. Running alumni Larry Zaragoza, Class of 1973 and 1974, the first Adams State national champion; and Norm Roberts, Class of 1975 and 1977, who was on the first team to win a national title, will assist with the unveiling. “As I enter my 38 year, I am overjoyed at the teamwork and camaraderie of our squads over the years,” Coach Martin said. “Coach Joe I. Vigil started this program when little was known about coaching distance runners and now look at us.”
The Monument has bronze plaques gracing three full sides, from the beginning of the dynasty through 2020. The wall facing west tells the story of the Adams State dynasty; the opposite side has every national championship team title, each team member, as well as every coaching staff member; the north panel includes every student athlete who earned All-American honors, a denotation of each individual national championship, and Olympic rings for those who competed in the games. The south face will include all national titles from 2021 into the future.
The 30th Annual Joe I. Vigil Invitational Meet begins at 8:45 the following day at Cattails Golf Course. Consider donating to the Adams State Joe I. Vigil Scholarship to support current and future student athletes by visiting the Adams State Foundation.
