Year Inducted: 2001
Nominated By: Dick Vinci (colleague)
Sports Competed In: N/A
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Contributor
High School:
Attended Pueblo Centennial H.S., graduating in 1952.
College:
Went to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO, where she graduated in 1956.
Quotes:
"Ms. Potestio has long served as one of Pueblo’s most stellar community champions. Throughout her impressive record of service, she has played a key role in the positive development of the community. From her professional career as a school teacher in Pueblo to her involvement with numerous nonprofit and civic organizations. Ms. Potestio has given a tremendous amount of time, energy and financial support to the community her family has lived in for so many years.
While Ms. Potestio has made an extraordinary impact on the Pueblo community, no other organization has been so profoundly affected by her efforts than the University of Southern Colorado. She has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Pueblo Symphony Board at USC, and she currently sits on the foundation Board of Directors. In addition to her work as a community advisor, Ms. Potestio lends her talents to a countless number of special events that have raised significant dollars for USC and its students.
Most notably, Ms. Potestio was instrumental in designating and securing a major gift for the University in the memory of her beloved father, Mr. Samuel T. Jones. During his lifetime, Mr. Jones was known as Pueblo’s biggest cheerleader. An avid sports fan, he was credited for helping to bring the Babe Ruth World Series for 13 to 15 year-olds to Pueblo in the early 70s. He also brought the Pueblo Dodgers, A Class A farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers to town, where he served as team president for more than a decade. His commitment to athletics at USC was legendary, including his longtime presidency of the USC Boosters Club. In 1974, he was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame. Today, the Sam Jones Memorial Sports Complex on the campus of USC stands as a true testament of not only Mr. Jones’ love of the game, but of his family’s love of sports, USC and the community. Like father, like daughter. Ethelyn, her husband Jim, and daughters Mary and Mindy can regularly be seen cheering on the sidelines at USC sporting events. Like her father, she has carried on the legacy of being one of Pueblo’s greatest cheerleaders, in more ways than one.
Simply put, Ethelyn Jones Potestio is a true champion, a true supporter and a true friend of this community. Her vision, as well as her love for her father and the art of the game has given thousands of students and citizens the opportunity to have access to a sports facility unlike any other in Pueblo via the Sam Jones Sports Complex. Without such an extraordinary fan as Ms. Potestio, USC, its students and athletes would not have the sports complex it has today. It is my honor to support the nomination of such a tireless and loyal fan. In turn, the University of Southern Colorado is tremendously proud to make up just a small percentage of Ms. Potestio's many, many fans." -- Tito Guerrero former President of the University of Southern Colorado
"Ethelyn is a fan and quiet supporter of various different organizations and activities that make up the athletic community of Pueblo. Ethelyn is always the first to volunteer. There is never a major event in Pueblo that has not been improved or made more enjoyable due to the presence and involvement of Ethelyn. Never one to seek public praise, but always the one that can be counted on to help.
Ethelyn’s father, Sam Jones, was the primary individual to fund the current home of your Hall of Fame. Most people do not realize that Ethelyn has made every induction to date possible. As I said, not one to toot her own horn, but one that gets things done.
Ethelyn was not a standout on the athletic fields of competition, but she is an All-American in her commitment to the existence and betterment of Pueblo’s rich athletic past, present and future. When I think of special people that belong in your Hall, Ethelyn Potestio always comes to mind. My grandfather, Bruno, is an inaugural member of your Hall and I am certain that he will celebrate the induction of Ethelyn as special thanks for all of her tremendous support over the years."
-- Dan DeRose - In his letter of Nomination
Occupation:
Teacher with School District #60 in Pueblo.
Personal:
Lives in Pueblo with her husband, James V. "Jim" Potestio.
