GUNNISON, Colo. – The year was 1988. Gasoline was under a dollar per gallon and Roll With It by Steve Winwood was the top song on the charts. Table tennis became an Olympic sport and a young Loretta Szallar began what would be a 30-year career with Western Colorado University Athletics.
 
Affectionately known as "The Boss," Szallar has helped oversee the daily operations of Mountaineer Athletics from her Administrative Assistant role since being hired in 1988. That will come to a close at the end of July when Szallar officially retires from her post.
 

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"It is extremely difficult to put 30+ years of memories into words. Although, I could probably write a book on some of the things I have seen over the years (LOL). My first day of retirement will be August 1, and I am very excited about all the possibilities ahead.

Thanks to all of the Mountaineer Athletics staff members, both past and present, that have made each day both fun and challenging! Thanks to the alumni that have meant so much to me, I hope to stay in touch with many of you! I am truly blessed to have made so many lifelong friends along the way. I probably won't miss coming to work every day, but I will miss the people – that is what makes Western so special!

I will still be around Gunnison and plan to cheer for the Mountaineers at all the home games for many years to come!  Until then……………. Peace, Love & Rock & Roll!!!"

- Loretta Szallar

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Mountaineer Athletics would like to invite fans, friends, co-workers and former Western student-athletes and coaches to a celebration of Loretta's retirement and career on Wednesday, July 24 at the I Bar Ranch. Music, food, lawn games and a bonfire will be provided starting at 4 p.m. A cash bar will also be available.
 
While much of the Western campus has changed in the last 30 years at Western, one constant has remained the same; Loretta Szallar at her desk in Paul Wright Gym.
 
Szallar has helped innumerous student-athletes navigate athletics and school during their time as a student-athlete. She's helped nearly the same amount of coaches, administrators and alumni navigate intercollegiate athletics, Gunnison and life.
 
While her impact may not be directly seen by fans and those outside athletics but speak with anyone that has worked for Mountaineer Athletics and they will tell you Szallar is the heart of the operation; making sure everyone is getting the assistance they need.
 
Since Szallar began her career at Western, the Mountaineers have earned 50 conference titles, and 12 National Championship titles.
 
Her legacy will not soon be forgotten in Mountaineer Athletics or by those whose lives she's touched. Like Rick Astley said in his 1988 hit, Never Gonna Give You Up, Western Athletics is "never gonna say goodbye," but will wish Loretta well on a much-deserved retirement.