Individual or Team nominees for induction must have lived, trained, worked or competed in the Greater Pikes Peak Region during their athletic careers or service. In addition, candidates for induction must exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and character, and through these characteristics, inspired others. Once an individual has been nominated, they are eligible for five years.  After five years, they must be nominated again in order to be considered for induction.

Event and/or Organization nominees for induction must be located in, or have direct relations to services initiated or completed in the Greater Pikes Peak Region during their history. The organization and/or event must have substantial notoriety and a strong presence in the Colorado Springs area. Defining moments in sport and specific events of singular importance are eligible. The nominee must also have known contributions to the growth of professional, collegiate, amateur, or high-school sports and/or have a longstanding reputation as a vehicle to enhance the sporting experience for spectators. Once an organization or event has been nominated, they are eligible for five years.  After five years, they must be nominated again in order to be considered for induction.

A visionary leader who helped transform Colorado Springs into a world-renowned center for national and international events, William Thayer Tutt dedicated more than 40 years to sports in the Pikes Peak region and beyond. Tutt cultivated The Broadmoor into a sports mecca, hosting major events such as World Figure Skating and Ice Hockey Championships, the first 10 NCAA Hockey Championships and numerous U.S. Golf Association amateur championships.

In addition, Tutt took an active role in major community events, such as the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and worked with civic and other sports leaders in the community to attract the United States Olympic Committee and many of its member National Governing Bodies to Colorado Springs.

The presentation of this award to individuals or organizations dedicated to the importance of sports as a way to benefit the Colorado Springs economy and contribute to the quality of life for citizens of the Pikes Peak region is a fitting tribute to William Thayer Tutt and the thousands of Colorado Springs residents who have benefitted from his contributions to the sports industry in this community.

After completing a 26-year career in the United States Army, Colonel Miller devoted the remainder of his life to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and America’s athletes. He served in a variety of positions for the USOC, including Executive Director from 1973-85. He was President of the U.S. Olympic Foundation from 1985 until his passing in 1996.

Colonel Miller was instrumental in the relocation of United States Olympic Committee headquarters to Colorado Springs in 1978 and remained a steadfast supporter of the value of amateur sports throughout his life.

The Colonel F. Don Miller Award is presented to the person who best reflects the commitment exemplified by Colonel Miller in providing a lasting contribution to the Colorado Springs sports community. The presentation of this award to individuals dedicated to mentoring youth through sports, is a fitting tribute to Colonel Miller and the thousands of young men and women who benefited from his unparalleled service on behalf of our nation’s youth.

2017- Bernard Sandoval

2016- Jack Glavan

2015- Colorado Springs Youth Hockey Pioneers