Greater Pueblo Sports Association

09/01/2026

Three GPSA Inductees Pass Away This Summer

The Greater Pueblo Sports Association lost some great inductees to our Hall of Fame during June and July. Karl Frederick Kottenstette (June 20), Jack Keith Frazier (July 9), and John LeGrand Klomp (July 19) join five others, including LeRoy Snook, Mike Spence, Jessie Banks, Frank Whalen, and Don Archuleta, who have passed away since our 53rd Induction Banquet on Nov. 19, 2025. All obituaries below are courtesy of the respective funeral homes in Pueblo, along with information from the GPSA website.

Karl Frederick Kottenstette
Karl Frederick Kottenstette, 78, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Pueblo, Colorado. Born on February 16, 1948, Karl dedicated his life to guiding and supporting others as a teacher and counselor.

Kottenstette was a 1967 graduate of Pueblo Central High School, where, as a junior (1966), he was a member of the Wildcats' state football championship team. He also went to state for wrestling, winning the qualifying district championship his senior season, and was awarded the "Marie C. Rivas Award" for best wrestler at Central.

While teaching at Keating Junior High, Kottenstette started after-school intramurals (softball, flag football, basketball, and wrestling) and ran an in-school wrestling championship.
Karl was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) Hall of Fame in 2019 for his achievements as an official for high school football and college (working in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference). He also refereed Colorado State High School Wrestling Championships (1999, 1992, and 2001).

Kottenstette served on the Pueblo Football Board and was recognized by the Pueblo Football Association (2011) and the National Football Association (2012). Karl was a retired educator and was a member of the National Education Association (NEA), Colorado Education Association (CEA), and the Parents Education Association (PEA).

Karl found joy in building projects, spending time with friends and family, golfing, fishing, watching flowers bloom, enjoying football games, and playing cards. His hobbies reflected his love for connection and the simple pleasures of life.

Keith Frazier
Jack Keith Frazier, known to everyone simply as Keith, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 7, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on April 1, 1948, Keith lived a life defined by unwavering faith, service to others, deep love for his family, and an adventurous spirit that embraced every opportunity life offered.

For decades, Keith devoted his life to education and coaching, inspiring young people at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. He believed sports were about far more than winning—they were opportunities to build character, discipline, perseverance, and confidence.

Countless athletes, students, and fellow coaches were blessed by his encouragement, wisdom, and belief in their potential. Karl coached many teams to city, league, and district championships in gymnastics during his seven seasons (1975-82) at Pueblo Central High School. He also coached numerous gymnasts to individual and All-Around championships, including one All-American gymnast and Junior Olympic Competitor.

In recognition of his lasting impact, Keith was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame (2019) and the Pueblo South High School Hall of Fame (2021-22).
More than anything, Keith loved Jesus. His faith guided every aspect of his life and inspired his servant's heart. Whether helping a friend fix something, mentoring a young person, supporting a neighbor in need, or simply offering a listening ear, Keith lived to serve others.

An avid outdoorsman, Keith found peace in the mountains and loved riding motorcycles, traveling with Ruth, and spending time wherever adventure called. Music was the soundtrack of his life. Whether he was singing along to a favorite song, dancing with Ruth, or filling a room with laughter and music, he found joy in sharing it with the people he loved. He cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren. He was deeply patriotic and honored to support those who served our country as a member of the American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard Riders, participating in more than 130 military memorial services to pay tribute to America's heroes.

Keith lived life to the fullest. He worked hard, played hard, laughed often, and loved deeply. He was a stand-out athlete and fierce competitor with a heart of gold—a genuine, loyal, giving man who never met a stranger. He was always the first to lend a hand, could fix just about anything, and earned the affectionate title of his family's own "MacGyver." He loved animals, embraced every challenge with determination, and was just ornery enough to keep everyone smiling. To those who knew him best, he was simply the best—a devoted husband, incredible father and grandfather, faithful friend, teacher, coach, mentor, and a true example of what it means to live a life of purpose.

Keith is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife, Ruth Taravella-Frazier; his children, Tia Herrick and her husband, Kris; Chandra Frazier; and Casey Frazier and his wife, Rikki. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Zach Herrick, Nick Herrick, Jaida Johnson, Tatum Johnson, Mia Frazier, Nora Frazier, and Miles Frazier, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He also leaves behind Corey Cobaugh, who held a very special place in his heart, as well as countless extended family members, dear friends, former students, athletes, and colleagues whose lives were forever impacted by his kindness.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Fay Frazier; his brother, Don (Florence) Frazier; his sister, Mary Jane Sloan; and his sister, Barb (Jess) Wantland.
A Celebration of Keith's Life was held at 11:00 a.m. on July 23, 2026, at Praise Assembly of God, 2000 Troy Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81001. A reception was held immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pueblo South High School Alumni Foundation, where he was a Board Member, honoring Keith's lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and the students whose lives he so passionately invested in.

John LeGrand Klomp
John LeGrand Klomp was born November 10, 1938, to John and Mable Klomp in Erie, Pennsylvania. On July 19, 2026, he was welcomed into Heaven by Pat, the love of his life and wife of 64 years. His parents also joined him, along with many family members and close friends.

John worked his way through college by playing football and driving a gas truck for Sonoco Gas Company during the summer. He graduated from Edinboro University in 1960 and earned his master’s degree from Western State College in 1972. His first job was teaching and coaching football at Chatsworth High School in California. After returning to Colorado in 1966, he began his career with Pueblo School District #70 as a science teacher and football coach at Pueblo County High School.

Klomp became Assistant Principal in 1972 and Principal in 1973. He gave his heart and soul to PCHS and was a Hornet his entire life. He finished his career with District 70 in 1994 as associate superintendent. In 1995, he announced his candidacy and was elected Pueblo County Commissioner for District 1 in 1996. He proudly served his community in this role for 8 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the HARP Authority Board and helping dedicate the Riverwalk in 2000.

Karl is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Marie; his children, Kraig (Amanda) and Jacqueline Reardon (Brian); and his cherished grandchildren, Clare and Emil Reardon and Kayla and Katie. He is also remembered fondly by his siblings Donna Verderaime (Tony), Dennis (Donna), Richard (Debbie), Joe (Eileen), Kevin (Janelle), and Mary Davenport (Troy). He was predeceased by Fred and Kurt Kottenstette and Caroline Clementi.

A rosary and eulogy were held on Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m., followed by a funeral mass on Saturday, August 1 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Meadows in Pueblo. Donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice or the Pueblo Humane Society in Karl’s memory.

09/01/2026

GPSA Attends John Neuman Banquet June 12

The Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) had several inductees present at the “Spirit of a Champion” Benefit for John Neuman Catholic School. It featured an evening with legendary broadcaster and former Denver Bronco Dave Logan. The event was held on June 12, 2026, at the Occhiato Ballroom on the campus of CSU Pueblo, with approximately 200 in attendance.
GPSA committee member John Barker, Jr., went to the event, along with a handful of GPSA inductees who showed up for the evening to hear Logan talk about his career as both a player and broadcaster.

09/01/2026

PCHS Baseball Captures 4A State Title, Earns GPSA President’s Award

The Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) would like to congratulate the Pueblo County High School (PCHS) Baseball team for capturing the 4A State Championship on Sat., May 30. The Hornets defeated Falcon, 9-4, at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. The team was coached by Matt Eades and finished their winning season with a record of 24-6! For their winning effort, the Hornets received the GPSA President's Award, which is given to teams that win a state championship in the Pueblo County area. Congratulations!

09/01/2026

GPSA Start Time Changed for 2026 Banquet

The Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) discussed and approved at their monthly meeting on February 16, a change in the starting time for the 54th Annual Hall of Fame Banquet. The event, held inside the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom on the campus of CSU Pueblo, will begin at 6 p.m. instead of its normally scheduled 7 p.m. start time.

04/14/2026

GPSA Newsletter for February, 2026.
Click the link below to view the newsletter I created in the library at Heyzine.com.
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/11a97c3508.html

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

04/14/2026

GPSA to Receive Copy of “Finest in the Field” for Hall of Fame

With the professional baseball season right around the corner, Mike Thompson, who has spent his entire career at Rawlings, has donated a one-of-a-kind book on Major League Baseball called “Finest in the Field.”

It's an extraordinary book about the history of the baseball glove and features the best players in MLB history. Thompson, a member of the GPSA Class of 2024, has written an introduction about his career and experiences at Rawlings.

For those of you who don't remember, Mike started his journey at Herb's Sport Shop, an important part of Pueblo history.

Thanks to Mike for making this generous gift to the GPSA!

04/14/2026

Getting to know GPSA Committee Member— Marla Lanham

Marla is a retired Physical Education teacher and coach. A 1977 graduate of Pueblo Centennial High School, she has always been passionate about teaching and coaching student-athletes to their full potential.

Lanham was one of four women inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) class of 2014 (Shelly Borton, Kendra Nogare-Drury, and Shiloh Justice were the others). During her 32 years of service with School District 60, she was named Outstanding Health Educator " and "Teacher of the Year" for Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) in 2003.

Marla coached both gymnastics and swimming at Pueblo Central High School. She led the Wildcats to the gymnastics team title in 2006 and finished state runner-up three other times (2007-09). Since retiring, Lanham has served as a swimming official and as the District 6 representative for Pueblo swim officials.

Lanham was a single parent raising two daughters when they were little. They both have a college degree and are doing well for themselves.

Marla has always been involved with sports as a student, teacher, and coach. She is so grateful to have been inducted into the GPSA class of 2014, and she wanted to be a part of this great organization. This is Marla’s first year with our association.

04/14/2026

Pueblo Great Frank Whalen Passes Away March 2

Frank Whalen, born January 20, 1944, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was an incredible athlete and was honored as a 2025 inductee into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, he was a truly honorable man who treated every person he met with the utmost respect. A fighter in every sense of the word, Frank was a cancer survivor whose strength, integrity, and character inspired all who knew him.

Above all, Frank loved his wife deeply and cherished his family wholeheartedly. His legacy is one of faith, perseverance, humility, and unwavering love.

He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 63 years, Mary Beth. He also leaves behind his children: Erin (Chris) Herrera, Patricia (Kim) Voss, and Frank (Holly) Whalen. Frank treasured his grandchildren — Taylor Voss, Cory (fiancée Harli Butler) Voss, Ian Herrera, Perrie Whalen, and Jace Whalen — who were the pride and joy of his life.

Obituary written by Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, Inc., Pueblo, CO.

04/14/2026

Pueblo Pioneer and GPSA Inductee Jessie Banks Passes Away
Jessie Banks

Jessie Banks, recognized as the most influential figure in the development of women’s athletics at Colorado State University Pueblo (initially known as Southern Colorado State College and the University of Southern Colorado), passed away on Friday, February 20. She was 90 years old.

Born August 20, 1935, in Lindsay, Oklahoma, Banks earned an undergraduate degree from Central Oklahoma in Edmond and her master’s degree from Adams State in 1966. She coached at USC through the 1985 season and retired as a physical education professor in 1996.

CSU Pueblo’s annual women’s athlete of the year award is named after Banks, and the school presents an endowed scholarship in her name annually.

Banks was a professional basketball player for the All-American Redheads between 1954 and 1959, and she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., as an enshrined member of the team in 2012. She and her Redheads have been enshrined in HOFs in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In addition to her induction into the CSU Pueblo HOF, Banks has been enshrined in the Lindsay (Okla.) High School, the University of Central Oklahoma, Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports, the RMAC, and the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall of Fame.

A Pueblo resident for over 60 years, Banks was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Greater Pueblo Sports Association (GPSA) in 1996. She was the only woman in that induction class of five, which included Joe Andenucio, Dave Dudley, Dick Vinci, and Joel Herzog (posthumously).

Since 2006, the GPSA has honored the top female scholar-athlete at CSU Pueblo with the Jessie Banks Award at its induction banquet. To date, 37 recipients have been honored.

Most of the content of this article was published by Tim Simmons, with additions from John Barker, Jr., GPSA Media Relations Director.

03/03/2026

Carleo Sponsors GPSA Newsletter for Second Consecutive Year

The Pueblo Greater Sports Association (GPSA) would like to thank Louie Carleo, the owner of LDC properties, for sponsoring the Newsletter again in 2026. He first sponsored the newsletter in 2025. His partnership with the GPSA is greatly appreciated.

Carleo is an inductee of the GPSA class of 2003.

This is the third year of our association's newsletter. Members will receive 10 newsletters distributed throughout 2026.

He has also provided a lasting partnership with our association, providing a home for 266 GPSA inductee pictures currently on display in the first-floor hallway of the Thatcher Building (503 N. Main Street).

Louie, THANK YOU for your continued support of the GPSA.

Louie Carleo GPSA bio

Past GPSA Newsletter Sponsors
2025: Louie Carleo (LDC Properties
2024: Craig Law (State Farm Insurance)