Lloyd Burson, born and raised in Corona, New Mexico, enrolled at New Mexico Western College in 1961. When NMWC was independent and not yet a member of any conference, he lettered in track all four seasons and was both High Point Man and Most Valuable player in track for three years.
In distance running to this day, Burson holds the university’s records in the mile at 4:13.8, the two mile in 9:48.4, the three mile run, and the 1500 and 5000 meter runs. Through Burson graduated in 1965, 23 years later, his records still stand.
In 1964 and 1965, Burson was elected to be a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men’s Outdoor Track and Field All-American teams. In 1964, he took second place in the NCAA three mile run and also ran cross country for NMWC.
After graduating from NMWC with a major in business education and minors in mathematics and physical education, Burson taught school in California and El Paso, Texas, next sold insurance, and then ventured into a contracting business.
