A 1947 graduate of New Mexico State Teachers College (NMSTC), Paul Hunter, Jr., was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track, the first student-athlete to ever do so. Hunter played football on Ray Brancheau’s teams, played basketball under the direction of Coach Ken Gunning, and was an outstanding athlete on Coach Jim Fox’s track team.
In 1939, Hunter, a quarterback, was a member of the New Mexico Conference Football Championship team. He also was a member of the NMSTC basketball team in 1939, which defeated UCLA and was inducted into the WNMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.
After his 1939 season, Hunter transferred to UCLA to play football. The outbreak of World War II interrupted Hunter’s college career as he joined the United States Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He served as an air traffic controller at Lindbergh Field in San Diego (as a civilian), and served on Admiral Reeves staff at Naval Air Transport – Pacific. While stationed on the west coast during the war, Hunter played professional football in the Pacific Coast League with San Diego and Oakland.
In 1946, Hunter returned to Silver City and continued his education at New Mexico State Teachers College. He again played football for Coach Brancheau and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1947. That year he received recognition as one of the Mustangs’ outstanding student-athletes.
From 1944-1948, Hunter played for the Washington Redskins football team in the backfield on offense and also as a defensive player.
Hunter continued to support his alma mater and the Mustangs athletic department after his departure. He was instrumental in forming the University Club. He also served on the Board of Regents for Western New Mexico University and served as president of the Mustang Club, the University Club, and the WNMU Alumni Association.
An avid golfer for over 70 years, Hunter spent over 30 years in the mining business. He was married to Felicia Gene Elayer for 67 years. Together they had three children. Hunter passed away on April 24, 2008.
