CSU Athletics Introduces Ring of Honor

FORT COLLINS – Elevators, high-achievers, legacy makers, legends. These words describe people who leave their mark on a place. Those are the people who will make up the Colorado State Athletics Ring of Honor. A unique and distinguished group of individuals who have lifted Colorado State Athletics, at the university and beyond, both on and away from the fields of play.

The Ring of Honor will work alongside the Hall of Fame, the Walk of Champions and those individuals who have had their numbers retired to continuously celebrate those who have helped create the legacy of Colorado State Athletics.

"Many people have helped pave the path to create our traditions and lore at Colorado State Athletics, but a select few have elevated our programs, our department and our university in such a manner which make them legends," Director of Athletics John Weber said. "Our goal is to bring distinguished recognition to their names, their achievements, and have their stories echoed for generations to come."

The inaugural class of designees for 2025 includes Sonny Lubick, Joey Porter, Bradlee Van Pelt and Al "Bubba" Baker for football. They will be recognized during the game with Northern Colorado on Sept. 6.

The Ag Day game against Northern Colorado is part of Ram Legends Weekend (Sept. 5-7) which includes the Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Sept. 5 and the honoring of the newest Walk of Champions, Hall of Fame Class and Ring of Honor members at the football game. All Ram Legends will receive information about Ram Legends Weekend soon.

A trio of Moby/Olympic sport athletes will be recognized throughout the year – men's basketball player Jason Smith, swimmer Amy Van Dyken and volleyball player Angela Knopf. At dates to be determined later, they will be honored during contests at Moby Arena, with their banners displayed in the rafters at the facility.

The Ring of Honor will consist of those who are at least 10 years past their graduation year, have forged a decade-plus in American professional leagues, participated in the Olympics in their predominant sport, reached All-American status as a collegian or were named their conference player of the year. Others may be honored through special circumstances deemed worthy of the honor by the athletic director.

"These outstanding individuals have written the stories of our past," Weber said. "Those stories are what inspire our future, and by honoring them this way, we can assure those memories never fade."

Sonny Lubick | Football Coach
Arguably the most recognizable name in program history, Lubick set a standard in his 15-year tenure, elevating the football team to a respected brand on the national stage. His teams won six conference championships and qualified for 15 bowl games. Posting a 108-74 record with the Rams, eight of his seasons saw the Rams in the national polls, reaching a peak of No. 10 in 1994. Even more than his success on the field, it was the person he was which endeared Lubick to so many, still to this day. The playing surface at Canvas Stadium is named after him.

Joey Porter | Football
An unassuming H-back and wideout his first two years, Porter would become one of the most disruptive forces to ever suit up on defense. He earned all-conference honors in 1997 after posting 14 sacks, a team which won the Western Athletic Conference championship. It led to a 13-year NFL career, most of it spent with Pittsburgh, winning a Super Bowl in 2005.

Bradlee Van Pelt | Football
With a reckless playing style, Van Pelt quickly became a fan favorite and one of the most productive quarterbacks in program history. He could dazzle with his running style, preferring lowering the pads to sliding for safety, and became a strong passer, graduating as one of the few players in NCAA history at the time to have more than 5,000 yards passing and 2,000 rushing in a career. A two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, he spent four years in the NFL and remains one of the most popular players in CSU history.

Al "Bubba" Baker | Football
A standout, all-conference defensive lineman in he 1970s as part of the Big Green defense, Baker tore through opposing offensive lines. In 1978, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions where he began a 13-year journey in the NFL, a career which saw him make three Pro Bowl teams, being named All-Pro once.

Jason Smith | Men's Basketball
The small-town kid from down the road made it big at Colorado State, becoming one of the career leaders in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots in his time as a Ram. Hailing from Kersey, Colo., the big man provided an immediate spark as the 2005 Mountain West Freshman of the Year, earning two first-team all-conference honors. He was just the second Ram selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, spending 13 years in the league, then later moving into broadcasting.

Angela Knopf | Volleyball
One of the most decorated players from one of the most successful programs, Knopf was a two-time first-team All-American, leading her squads to a trio of conference titles, four trips to the NCAA Tournament and three advancements to the Sweet 16. She still stands as one of the most accomplished attackers and blockers, earning a pair of Mountain West Player of the Year awards.

Amy Van Dyken | Swimming
All that needs to be said is she was America's Original Golden Girl. A four-time gold medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, she went on to win six golds in her Olympic career which was jumpstarted at CSU. Her resurgence on the national scene came in 1994 when she won the 50-yard freestyle title at the NCAA Championships, setting an American record in the process. She was named the swimmer of the meet by additionally finishing second in the 100 butterfly and 100 free. She's also the only Ram to ever be featured on a Wheaties box.

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CSU Athletics Introduces Ring of Honor

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