Western New Mexico University Athletics

1970 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Mountain Division Championship Mustang Football Team

Recipients of the Pioneer Sport Award

The 1970 Western New Mexico University Mustang football team made history as the only team in school history to win the Mountain Division of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The team finished with a 4-1 record in divisional play and 5-4 overall.

Under the leadership of second-year head coach Bill Shanahan, the Mustangs developed a strong team ethos of brotherhood. Shanahan encouraged players to operate together, work hard, and play for each other. His strategy of eliminating two-way players helped build stamina and understanding of each player’s role, creating a mature, unified team. Shanahan was named Regional Coach of the Year for his successful approach. After winning their division, the team was honored by Silver City, with November 18, 1970, officially designated as Mustang Day.

Players:

• Jack Caco
• Dick Micell
• Paul Fresquez
• Bill Bynum
• Nick Heistell
• Al Brolsma 
• Sam Montoya
• Ray Maxey
• Dave Kline (1972)
• Bob Stinson
• Dave Jaquez (1974)
• John Sanders
• John McSmith (1973)
• Gary Martin
• Harry Herr
• Dan Boyce (1971)
• Ed Urquito
• Steve Sokolosid
• Al Marmolejo 
• Doug Ragsdale
• Ken Burt
• Bill Abplanalp (1972)
• Leon Woodward (1971)
• Gary Dilworth
• Bill Moreland
• Steve Adams
• Dave Debusk (1973)
• Rob Barham
• Terry Strahm
• Dave Verdugo
• Bill Kammart
• Tom Holman
• Don Graf
• Glem Pierzon
• Don Binford
• Bob Mendoza
• Neil Nuttall (1972)
• Tony Anderson
• Quincy Armstead
• Jerry Becking (1973)
• Bill Lee
• Dale Konow
• Doug Kelsey

• Bill Shanahan – Head Coach
• Joe Palmer
• Pete Blake
• Ken Williams
• Gary Meter

This team remains a proud and historic part of the Western New Mexico University football legacy.