The Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) is a group of people inerested in Athletics and Recreational Activities in Pueblo County. The main function of this group is promoting sports and Recreational Activities in Pueblo County by maintaining the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame.

By Jeff Letofsky
The Pueblo Chieftain
July 17, 2022

The Greater Pueblo Sports Association will celebrate 50 years of service during its annual banquet in November and the organization's committee is planning on making this year's induction extra special.

While the names of this year's hall of fame inductees have yet to be released, the organization has plenty of ideas in the works...Read More

James LuceroJames Lucero, who was a part of the Pueblo Central High School 1957 State Golf Championship Team as a senior, passed away on Jan.31, 2022. A 1994 inductee into the GPSA Hall of Fame, Lucero worked as a physical education teacher at South Park Elementary at School District 60. He brought gymnastics to Pueblo from 1968-1994, opening the Pueblo Gymnastics School as an owner and coach. He also owned and operated Trophy City from 1977 to 2013.

James is survived by his spouse of 57 years, Janice Ann Lucero; daughter, Lori Ann (Richard) Guerrero; grandchildren, Briley and Braxton Manzanares; sisters, Phyllis Parker and Juanita Castillo. He will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

The Obituary for James Lucero (Courtesy of Angelus Chapel Mortuaries)

About James Lucero

Ernie BallottiA charter member of the Pueblo Greater Sports Association (GPSA) Hall of Fame which was formed in 1972, has passed away. Ernie Ballotti, was a three-time GPSA President (1978, 1988, 1989), twice held the title of GPSA Treasurer (1984-85); and was named GPSA Vice-President in 1977, died on Jan. 20. 22, 2022. He was 95. 

Ernie taught music and English at several schools through Pueblo before becoming an Assistant Athletic Director for all four high schools in District 60.  A special highlight Ballotti's was being nominated to carry the Olympic Torch for the winter Olympics in Utah in 2002.

The Obituary for Ernie Ballotti (Courtesy of Montgomery & Steward Funeral Home)

About Ernie Ballotti

The Greater Pueblo Sports Assocation (GPSA) held its Annual Hall of Fame Banquet for the first time in two years due to the COVID Pandemic. The event was held on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at the Occhiato Ballroom on the campus of Colorado State University-Pueblo. Below is a video from the banquet.