Class of 2026 Officially Welcomed into CHSAA Hall of Fame
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AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association celebrated its 36th Hall of Fame ceremony by officially inducting its Class of 2026 into the CHSAA Hall of Fame on Wednesay night at the DCSD Legacy Campus.
This seven-member class includes Bert Borgmann, Gail Crawford, Harry Hollines, Mary Kvamme, Kelly Meek, Athena “Tena” Preuss and Paul Quere.
In addition to the inductees, CHSAA also recognized four special award winners: Michelle Ewer (Bert Borgmann Distinguished Service Award), Delia Febres Butler (Rhonda Blanford-Green Impact Award ), KC Logan (Tom “The Bomb” Robinson Award) and Special Olympics Colorado (Colorado Tradition Award).
Meet the Hall of Fame Inductees
Bert Borgmann (CHSAA) – Administrator
Bert Borgmann spent more than 40 years with the Colorado High School Activities Association, reflecting a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and growth in education-based activities. He championed Speech & Debate and Music programs, elevating their visibility and ensuring they received the same respect as traditional athletics. Borgmann also guided the development of CHSAA’s corporate partnerships, which provided vital resources to sustain and grow opportunities for students statewide. Known nationally for his leadership, he represented Colorado on numerous NFHS committees, helping to shape policy and best practices across the country. With all of those accolades, his most lasting achievement will be the creation of the CHSAA Hall of Fame.
“He was very special to the sports world in Colorado,” said his daughter, Callie Kryder. “He was special to a lot of people and we’re really grateful that he’s getting the recognition that he deserves.”
Said his son Logan: “This is one of the most well-deserved appointments to this Hall of Fame. He lived and breathed this. This was his baby. And if he were here today, he would say there are so many people more deserving than me. I’m happy to be here to celebrate him today.”
Gail Crawford (Eads) – Coach
Gail Crawford left a legacy at Eads High School, where his teams earned five state championships – one in girls’ track, one in football, and three in girls’ basketball – and five state runner-up finishes across multiple sports. Beyond titles, Crawford was committed to building character and leadership in his athletes. His service extended statewide through his work on the CHSAA Board of Control and basketball advisory committee, shaping opportunities for future student-athletes.
“When I started my career as a coach, it was trying to win,” Crawford said. But when it was all said and done, it wasn’t about the winning, it was about the associations along the way, working with kids to try to develop good young adults. Now, to come back and be appreciated like this, it means more than I can say.”
Harry Hollines (Manual) – Boys Basketball
Harry Hollines electrified crowds at Manual High School, graduating as one of the most decorated basketball players in Denver Prep League history. His scoring records led him to the University of Denver, where he remains the program’s all-time leader in points per game (25.1). Twice named a Helms Foundation All-American, Hollines was part of DU’s inaugural Hall of Fame class and went on to play professionally for the Phoenix Suns. Known for his scoring consistency, Hollines remains one of Colorado’s greatest basketball talents.
“It’s been so long,” Hollines said, smiling. “My life has been about trying, through sports, to help kids further their lives. These kids have gotten scholarships all over the U.S., and then they come and give back to the community. Success isn’t the wins and losses, it’s seeing what these kids become.”
Mary Kvamme (Arvada West) – Coach
Mary Kvamme blazed a trail for girls’ athletics in Colorado. As a teacher and coach at Arvada West High School, she launched multiple programs – including volleyball, tennis, basketball, gymnastics, and track & field. Kvamme’s legacy is defined not only by her 363-164 career volleyball record and 1977 state championship but also by her tireless advocacy for equity and opportunity for girls and women in athletics. She helped establish structures for girls’ sports across Jefferson County and Colorado, laying the groundwork for feeder programs and pushing for statistics to validate and celebrate female athletes’ achievements.
“Mostly, it’s just a great honor,” Kvamme said. “It means someone who nominated me looked back many moons ago, to the 1970s, and decided that some of the work I did along with 50 other women made a difference. I feel very honored to have been selected out of a large group of people without whom I would not be here tonight.”?
Kelly Meek (Alamosa, Steamboat Springs) – Athlete, Coach
Kelly Meek is synonymous with excellence in Colorado high school athletics. A standout multi-sport athlete at Alamosa High School, Meek excelled in basketball, football, and track before embarking on a 34-year career as head basketball coach at Steamboat Springs High School. He built Steamboat into a perennial contender while also coaching track, assisting in football, and serving as a leader on CHSCA and CHSAA boards. Known for his teaching ability, leadership, and influence on the Western Slope, Meek inspired thousands of athletes and coaches throughout his career.
“I’m just grateful,” Meek said. “When I got the call from (Assistant Commissioner) Rashaan (Davis), a swarm of emotions swept across me. I’ve got kids that I coached here (at the induction) from six decades. I’m grateful for family, for the assistant coaches I had, and for the kind of kids I had. I just happened to be the name attached to it. It’s a result of so many people … it’s very humbling.”
Athena “Tena” Preuss — Significant Contributor
Athena “Tena” Preuss has been a cornerstone of dance and spirit in Colorado for more than four decades. Since 1991, she has served as CHSAA’s Head Technical Judge and State Rules Interpreter for Dance, playing an instrumental role in shaping the State Spirit Championships. As a nationally certified judge, coach, Spirit Director for School District 51, and owner of Express All Star Cheer & Dance Academy, Preuss has elevated dance as a discipline that builds artistry, discipline, and character. Her fairness, expertise, and mentorship have made her one of the most influential leaders within the spirit community.
“As a CHSAA official, it validates your hard work,” Preuss said. “Having that is really important, because I don’t like the limelight. I like to work for the kids and their coaches. I’m very thankful.”
Paul Quere – Coach
Paul Quere‘s legacy in Colorado high school athletics is one of extraordinary impact, leadership, and dedication. Over a 33-year career as an educator and coach, he shaped the lives of countless student-athletes through his ability to inspire belief, foster inclusion, and build championship-level programs. Quere coached seven state championship track and field teams, earned more than 20 conference titles, and was named State Coach of the Year multiple times, while also leading in basketball, cross country, volleyball, and baseball. Quere was known for finding, developing, and directing talent into teams capable of competing for league championships, every year. He built a culture where every student-athlete felt valued and seen.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Quere said. “Looking around at the other names and the other folks involved. It honors the people I was fortunate enough to be around as much as it does me. They’re the reason I’m here.”
Meet the Special Award Winners
Bert Borgmann Distinguished Service Award — Michelle Ewer: Michelle Ewer’s 47-year career in education is a story of access, impact, and unwavering dedication to students. Beginning in Westminster Public Schools and continuing through her long tenure in Jefferson County, Michelle didn’t just build strong music programs, she built pathways. As a traveling strings teacher, she made sure students in multiple communities had the chance to experience music, often bringing opportunities directly to those who might not otherwise have had them.
Her influence extends well beyond her own classrooms. Michelle has been a driving force in music education across Colorado and the nation – serving as president of both the Colorado Music Educators Association and the Colorado String Teachers Association, presenting at conferences, and helping shape student leadership through her work with the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Through that work alone, she impacted hundreds of students each year, helping them grow not just as musicians, but as leaders.
Recognition has followed her career, including her induction into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2014. But Michelle’s work has never been about recognition. Even in retirement, she continues to mentor future educators at the University of Colorado Boulder, support student teachers, and lend her expertise at festivals and programs across the state.
Her legacy is found in the confidence she built, the doors she opened, and the belief she instilled in generations of students.
Tom “The Bomb” Robinson Award – KC Logan: This award is named in honor of former CHSAA Associate Commissioner Tom Robinson, whose passion for officiating and commitment to true sportsmanship left a lasting legacy. This award celebrates those who embody that same kind, generous spirit while elevating the role of officials in education-based athletics.
KC Logan is the very definition of that legacy in action.
A former cross country and track athlete, KC began his career as a coach in Loveland before dedicating more than four decades to officiating and leadership within the sport. He has served as the state track and field referee since 2000 and the head referee for cross country since 2003, positions that require not only expertise, but fairness, consistency, and trust.
KC’s impact extends far beyond the finish line. He played a key role in developing the three-day state championship format that unites all classifications, creating a more inclusive and meaningful experience for student-athletes across Colorado. As CHSAA’s Track and Field Rules Interpreter for the past 24 years, he has educated and mentored officials statewide, ensuring the game is played with integrity and respect.
At every level, from high school to collegiate championships, KC has demonstrated CHSAA’s core values: leadership, service, accountability, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
Rhonda Blanford-Green Impact Award – Delia Febres Butler: This award recognizes individuals who lead with purpose, elevate others, and leave things better than they found them. For more than 35 years, Delia Febres Butler has been a constant presence in education-based activities in Colorado Springs – as a teacher, coach, mentor, and official. Her work has touched classrooms, competition venues, and countless lives, always centered on one goal: creating meaningful experiences for students.
Delia has a unique way of connecting with people. She builds trust quickly, listens intentionally, and creates environments where others feel valued. Whether she’s working with athletes, coaches, or fellow officials, she brings a level of care and authenticity that stays with people long after the moment has passed.
Her work as a track and field and Cross Country official spans 35 years and includes recognition from CHSAA, the Colorado Coaches Association, and the Colorado Track and Field Officials Association. But her true impact is felt in how she carries herself – steady, composed, and confident, even in the most demanding situations. Always with a calming presence and smile.
Delia leads by example. Her consistency, her passion, and her commitment to doing things the right way set the standard for those around her. She approaches every event with intention, ensuring that students and coaches have the best experience possible.
The result is a career defined not just by longevity, but by influence – an influence that has positively shaped the experiences of so many in Colorado activities and athletics.
Colorado Tradition Award — Special Olympics Colorado: The Colorado High School Activities Association Tradition Award is presented to an organization that reflects the very same core values we strive to live out every day … leadership, inclusion, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
For more than 25 years, Special Olympics Colorado has been more than a partner to CHSAA, they have been a trusted advisor, a collaborator, and a driving force behind expanding opportunities for students of all abilities.
Together, this partnership has helped redefine what it means to be part of a team. From the early development of unified bowling to the growth of unified sports across Colorado, Special Olympics Colorado has helped open doors for students who, for too long, were left on the sidelines.
Today, through the Unified Champion Schools program, more than 400 schools are building cultures of inclusion…where students with and without intellectual disabilities compete side by side in soccer, basketball, bowling, flag football, esports, and more. But the impact doesn’t stop at competition.
On campuses across Colorado, these opportunities are changing school culture. They are creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and connected. They are building friendships that break down barriers and fostering leadership in ways that extend far beyond the game.
Just as powerful are the relationships formed among the adults…coaches, educators, and administrators…who come together with a shared purpose: to serve students, to mentor, and to create environments where every student belongs. That collective commitment is what makes this work sustainable, meaningful, and life-changing.
Special Olympics Colorado has also ensured that access is not a barrier…providing resources like uniforms, equipment, and transportation so that every student has the opportunity to participate. And through initiatives like Youth Activation Committees and Youth Summits, they are developing student leaders who will carry this mission forward.
Their work challenges all of us to think bigger about inclusion…not just in activities, but in every aspect of the school experience.
Because of this partnership, lives have been changed. Schools have been strengthened. And countless students have discovered confidence, connection, and purpose.
