On Thursday, May 5, Colorado Mesa University kicked off a two-day celebration of the Bus Bergman Sports Complex. A project years in the making is ready for the CMU and broader community to enjoy.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was before Thursday’s 6pm baseball game against CSU Pueblo. President John Marshall will be joined by the Bergman family, Athletic Director Bryan Rooks and CMU Head Baseball Coach Chris Hanks to unveil the complex.
“Bergman Field began as a patch of grass where our football, softball, baseball and women’s soccer teams practiced,” said Athletic Director Bryan Rooks. “And to see what this space has turned into with the baseball stadium and the addition of the track and field complex really is amazing.”
Bergman, a decorated World War II hero and hall-of-fame athlete, coached football and baseball at CMU from 1950 through 1980. He had a 102-63-9 football record and three conference junior college championships. His baseball teams were 378-201, with 20 conference championships, finishing second three times in the JUCO World Series.
“The Bergman name is synonymous with Maverick athletics and keeping the name on the entire complex was important not only to the athletic department but the university,” said Rooks.
Governor Jared Polis threw the first pitch before Friday’s baseball game. Entry was free and all were welcome to attend and enjoy the firework show.