Year Inducted: 2005
Nominated By: James Potestion (colleague)
Sports Competed In: Wrestling
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Athlete
High School:
Attended Pueblo East H.S., graduating in 1980... Four year member of the Eagles wrestling team (1976-80)...Willits was the state champion his senior season (1980) at 132 lbs.
College:
Went to Adams State College in Alamosa, CO and graduated in 1985... Rick was a wrestler (142 and 150 lbs.) for the Grizzlies, winning the National NAIA Champion 1985.
Coaching:
Willits spent his career as a wrestling coach in the Pueblo, CO area.
● Asst. Coach (Varsity): Pueblo East H.S. (1985-95).
● Head Coach: Risley Middle School (1988-93).
● Selected to help coach the Colorado Cadet National Wrestling Team for two years (1993-95).
Contributor:
Still involved in athletics and Community Service by sculpting bronze athletic figures similar to those that he completed at the Pueblo Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project (HARP)...Since 1995, Willits still does some volunteer coaching at Pueblo East H.S. and helps with the kids' wrestling program at Pueblo County H.S.
Professional Affiliations:
● Board member of the East High Alumni Foundation.
● Chairman of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for Pueblo East H.S.
● Member of the Pueblo Art Guild.
Honors:
● Inducted into the Adams State College Hall of Fame (2011).
● Inducted into the Pueblo East H.S. Hall of Fame (2008).
Occupation:
Teacher at Pueblo East H.S.
Personal:
Lives in Pueblo, CO with his wife, Bonnie.
