Year Inducted: 2004
Nominated By: Karen Puga (spouse); Charles Puga, Jr. (father)
Sports Competed In: Football, Track, Wrestling
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Athlete, Coach
High School:
Attended Pueblo Central H.S., graduating in 1985.
Achievements:
High School:
● Earned eight varsity letters playing three sports for the Wildcats (Football: 1981-84; Wrestling and Track: 1982-85).
● Two-time First Team All-South Central League football selection in 1983-84, as a tackle on both offense and defense.
● Named to the Class 4A First Team All-State Football Team and was the team captain (1984).
● As a wrestler, Puga posted a 50-7 record as a heavyweight for the Wildcats.
● Two-time district wrestling champion and finished sixth at the state tournament twice (1984-85).
● Team captain in 1984 and finished runner-up at the 3A State wrestling tournament.
● Named to the Class 4A First Team All-State Football Team and was the team captain (1984).
● Three-time state qualifier in the shot put (1983-85) and the state champion in the event in 1985.
● Earned All-American Honorable Mention from Parade Magazine his senior year (1985).
● Team captain of the track team in 1985.
College:
Went to Colorado College (CC) and graduated in 1989...Played and lettered four years each on the Tigers football and track teams.
Achievements:
College:
● Twice selected to The Denver Post All-Colorado Small College (Second Team 1988, and First Team in 1989).
● Named the Tigers Most Valuable Player on defense in 1987, his sophomre year (1987) and was the team captain his junior season (1988).
● Concentrated on the Shot Put/Discus on the track team.
● During senior season in 1989, Puga was voted as team captain and was the first ever NCAA Division III All-American in track at CC.
● Selected three times as the school's "Most Valuable Track Athlete" (1986, 1988, & 1989) and was the squad's highest point Scorer for three seasons (1987-89).
Coaching:
Competed in basketball as a guard for the Armory and many other teams for four years (1954-57) and competed for 14 years in numerous city leagues and tournaments...Had a passion for recreational tennis and softball...Played doubles/mixed teams for 28 years and four seasons (1954-57) of softball during the summer at any position.
Honors:
● The Denver Post Colorado "Athlete-of-the-Year" (1985).
● John Rivas Award.
● Ed Lesar Scholarship Award.
● American Football Coaches Association.
● Colorado Coaches Association.
● National Federation of High School Football Coaches.
● National Football Foundation.
● Head Coach of the 2001 South All-State football team.
● Continental League Football "Coach-of-the-Year" (2000).
● Outstanding Teacher Designation in Douglas County School since 1994.
● Hosted Ed MaCaffrey Football Camp at Highlands Ranch H.S. from 1999-2001.
● Social Studies Department Chairperson, 2000-2002.
● Denver Broncos "Coach-of-the-Week" (2000).
Contributions:
● Continental League Representative to the All-State Game (football) since 1996.
● Speaker, Colorado High School Coaches Association All Sports Clinic (1999).
● Community Service Facilitator for Eagle Ridge Elementary Read-A-Thon Day (2004).
● Community Service Facilitation for Doull Elementary Thanksgiving Meal for Inner City School (1998).
● Guest Speaker at Youth Sports Camps (2000-2004).
● Host for Warrior Youth League Night at Highlands Ranch football game (2003).
● Plans various community service programs for football players since 1996.
Occupation:
Highlands Ranch Football Coach/Teacher/Assistant Principal.
Personal:
Puga lives in Littleton, CO, with his wife Karen Frances (Roome).
