Year Inducted: 2022
Nominated By: Jim Blanc
Sports Competed In: N/A
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Contributor
Mike Salardino
College:
Attended Southern Colorado State College, graduating in 1973.
Achievements:
Media:
● Quickly became a well know member of the Pueblo's broadcasting world.
● Started his broadcasting career at local radio station KDZA AM/1230.
● Most popular disc jockey (DJ) in Pueblo and affectionately know as "The Fox".
● Worked as a DJ and then as sportscaster.
● Sports Director at KDZA radio for six years (1969-75).
● Moved to the television side of broadcasting as he was KOAA-TV Sports Director for four years (1973-77) and was a sportscaster from 1983-89.
Contributions:
● Hosted KDZA junior golf championship.
● Instituted road radio coverage of local high schools as well as initiating the first "coaches selected" all city football and basketball teams in Pueblo (this rivaled The Pueblo Chieftain staff selections).
● Member of the committee that founded the Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA).
Professional Affiliations:
Served on many boards including:
● Pueblo Advocacy Center
● Pueblo Rape Crisis Center
● The Dante Alighieri Society
● Parkview Foundation
● The United Way Campaign Cabinet
● Colorado State Fair
● Sons of Italy of Southern Colorado
● Grand Lodge of Colorado
● Currently serves as the President of Rotary 43, and the St. John Catholic School Board
● Member of the Sister City Commission, United Way of Pueblo County Campaign Cabinet and the Broadway Theatre League
Honors:
Honored by the Pueblo community in many ways:
● Named Colorado Italian "American-of-the-Year," and the United Way "Volunteer-of-the-Year".
● Named "Citizen-of-the-Year" by the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.
● Been inducted into many Hall of Fames throughout the City of Pueblo.
● Most sought out person to be the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for every type of activities.
● Worked as the MC for the GPSA since 2010 (11 years).
● Also been the MC for the CSU-Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame and the Pueblo Community College Hall of Fame.
Related Activities:
● General Manager of the Pueblo Olympia Brewers semi-pro baseball team (1973).
● Served on the Pueblo City Council from 1979 to 1990.
● Member of the Old Timers Baseball Association board of directors for 27 years (serving as President for five years).
● Charter member of the "Friends of Football" which restarted the CSU-Pueblo football program that developed into a national power in Division II classification.
Personal:
Born in Florence, CO...Has lived in Pueblo for 66 years.
