Western Colorado University Athletics

On the football field, Aubrey Tate was one of the most feared hitters in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference from 1968 until he graduated in 1972.  Tate's hard-hitting was renowned among the Mountaineers and opponents alike.  Tate inflicted punishment onto his opponents but also showed athletic grace, becoming an All-American triple jumper.

A four-year starter on the football field, Tate was an all-conference defensive back for three of those years.  Including 1970 when Tate played the entire season with a severe knee injury.  As a captain during his senior season, Tate helped lead the Mountaineers to a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Co-Championship in football.  Despite being one of the hardest and most feared hitters in the conference, Tate was never flagged for either unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct.

"(Tate) was one of the strongest and fastest players WSC has ever seen," Jim Arcieri said in his nomination letter.  "His amazing track accomplishments alone should get him into the hall of fame."

While many will remember Tate's prolific football career at Western, he was also an accomplished track and field athlete for the Mountaineers.  Tate earned All-American honors in the men's triple jump twice and qualified for the national championships four times.  In 1972, Tate was third at the NAIA National Championships.  Tate's mark of 50' 4.5" in the men's triple jump set the school record in the event and is third all-time at this moment.