Ray Pusedu
Before High School: Played three years (1947-49) of Old Timers Baseball...While attending Keating Junior High, Pusedu played on the basketball team for two years (1948-49) and helped his team to an undefeated 18-0 record.
Ray PuseduHigh School: Attended Pueblo Central H.S., graduating in 1954...Ray was a member of both the Wildcats football and wrestling teams (1949-53)...In football, he was a three-time selection to the All-Conference team, twice selected to the All-State squad and was a member of the Wildcats two South Central League championships... During his senior year on he gridiron, Ray was an All-American Honorable Mention and named the "Demolay Outstanding Player" in Centennial/Central game... The team finished the season runner-up in the South Central League...As a wrestler, Pusedu posted a career record of 40-6 and went to the state wrestling tournament three of four years... His year by year individual records were:
10-4 as a sophomore wrestling at 165 lbs; At 175 lbs as both a junior and senior, Ray won 15 of 16 matches, placing fifth at state his junior year and third during his senior season.
College: Went to Pueblo Junior College for two years (1956-57) where he was a two-time All-Conference selection on the football as a guard/linebacker... Ray transferred to Denver University for his final two years (1957-58) and played guard on the Pioneers football team and wrestled as a heavyweight at 175 lbs., before graduating.
Coaching Background: Pusedu was an assistant football coach for two years (1964-65) in the Father Powers Football League.
Contributions:
- 1978-91: Appointed to Runyon Field Directors
- 1978: 1. Start Local Semi-pro baseball team - Collegians
- 1979: 2. State Baseball Tournament at Runyon Field
- 1979: 3. Start Joe Andenucio Baseball Tournament
- 1980: 4. Start the Hank Pachek Tournament
- 1980: 5. Built the Field #2 Baseball Diamond
- 1981: 6. Instrumental in starting the Italian Open Golf Tournament at City Park - became known as "The Italian Invitational Golf Tournament" in 1987
- 1982: 7. Built the Bambino Baseball Field.
- 1987: Elected President of Runyon Field Directors.
- 1987: 8. Removed old Grandstand
- 1988: 9. Built new Grand Stand
- 1988: 10. Built new Restrooms and offices
- 1988: 11. Remodeled Concession Area
- 1988: 12. Brought the Denver Zephyrs to Pueblo
- 1988: 13. Brought the 2A State Baseball Tournament to Pueblo
- 1988: 14. Revised the parking lot area.
- 1988: 15. Held the 2A State Baseball Tournament to Pueblo
- 1990: 16. Built new cover over the Grand Stand.
- 1990: 17. Built new Press Box
- 1990: 18. Held the 2A State Baseball Tournament to Pueblo
- 1991: 19. Brought back State Baseball to Pueblo (3A, 4A, 5A, 6A).
Achievements: During the 13 years tenure on Runyon field Board of Directors, approximately 7,500 youngsters have benefited from the time and work devoted to Runyon Field...During the 10 years of the Italian Invitational Golf Tournament, over approximately 3,000 golfers have participated...With Ray’s work, time, money and efforts, all of the above have been made possible.
Occupation: Self-Employed
Personal: Lives in Pueblo with his wife, Shirley...Passed away, Feb. 22, 2020
<< Back to GPSA Honorees << Back to Honorees - "P"
<< Chieftain story on Ray Pusedu (Feb. 26, 2020)
<< Ray Pusedu Obituary/Picture - courtesy of Montgomery Steward