George Jones (2002) - Colorado State Athletics Hall of Fame

George Jones

Induction:
2002
Class:
1950

Football (1946 to 1949)
Track and Field (1947 to 1950)
Wrestling (1948 to 1950)
Basketball (1947 to 1948)

George Jones exemplified what pioneering in athletics for African Americans meant during the post-war era. A graduate of Garden City High School in Kansas, Jones moved to Denver shortly before his enrollment at Colorado A&M in the fall of 1946. An outstanding athlete in high school, Jones immediately made an impact on the football team as a freshman earning a varsity letter. He also joined the track team his freshman year, becoming the first African American in school history to compete in track and field. In 1947 he joined the basketball team, becoming the first African American in school history to play basketball, and in 1948, he earned the first letter in basketball for a black athlete. Jones was a member of the wrestling team, as well. He was a member of the Raisin Bowl team and also earned all-conference honors in 1948 and 1949 at end.

After graduation, Jones worked at Martin-Marietta for 20 years, then worked for 10 years at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

Other Accomplishments:

First CSU African American Athlete in Basketball & Track
First black CSU football player to earn first-team all-conference honors in football
12-time letter winner