Joe Rossi Hall of Fame

1990 Hall of Fame Inductee Gene Bunnelle – Aurora Francis “Gene” Bunnelle graduated from Rankin Township High School in 1945, then earned a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1950 and a master’s degree in 1959 from Western State College in Gunnison and made his mark in the Rocky Mountains. A legendary figure in the Association from 1965 until his retirement in 1988, Gene had at various times during his tenure the primary administrative responsibility for each of the sports and activities sanctioned by the CHSAA. His commitment to the students of Colorado is legendary and perhaps best represented by his work in developing the CHSAA ' s student council leadership workshops and conferences Gene was a familiar administrator on the Western Slope, where he served as a teacher/coach at Fruita Junior High School as well as principal at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale. Active in rules interpretations and officiating in multiple sports, Gene was with the Colorado High School Activities Association for 24 years before retiring in 1988. He was instrumental in student-leadership workshops and conferences; was inducted into multiple halls of fame; was a member of numerous organizations and committees locally and nationally; and earned the National Federation of State High School Association’s distinguished service award in 1995.