Pittsburg State University
Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame
Aaron AuBuchon (1989-92)
Pittsburg, Kansas
Golf Athlete
Aaron AuBuchon became the first golfer in Pitt State history to earn All-America honors during his decorated career. AuBuchon garnered honorable mention All-America honors as a sophomore in 1990 and he was voted to the second-team All-America squad as a senior in 1992. He claimed the MIAA invididual title in each of his final two seasons (1991-92) and he qualified for the NCAA-II National Tournament three times (1990-92), finishing eighth in 1990 and 15th in 1992. He captured 14 meet titles during his four-year career.
Blaise Bauer (1985-88)
Monett, Missouri
Football Athlete
Blaise Bauer twice earned honorable mention NAIA All-America honors as a tight end for the Gorillas. Bauer caught 44 career passes for 1,248 yards and a school record 18 touchdowns. His receiving total stood as the third-highest mark in school history at the time. Bauer also set school records for career yards per catch (29.2 ypc) and season yards per catch (31.4 ypc) from the 1986 season. He finished his career as a three-time All-CSIC performer, earning first-team honors in each of his final two seasons.
Daniel Esposito (1995-97)
Oceanside, Calif.
Baseball Athlete
Daniel Esposito became the first baseball player in Pitt State history to earn All-America honors during his senior season in 1997. Esposito earned first-team All-America honors from the ABCA that year, helping the Gorillas make their first trip to the NCAA-II Regionals. He was named both the MIAA and the Central Region MVP that season, when he set PSU records for doubles (21), home runs (13) and RBIs (71). Esposito also set the PSU career record for batting average (.416), earning first-team All-MIAA honors in 1996 and again in 1997.
Gene John
Burlington, Kansas
Meritorious Achievement
A three-time All-CIC performer and a member of Pitt State’s 1961 NAIA National Championship football team, Gene John went on to enjoy a decorated 28-year coaching career at Fredonia High School (1965-90, ’96-98). He compiled a 201-61-3 (.764) career record, leading FHS to the 1983 Kansas Class 4A state championship and 12 consecutive state playoff appearances between 1976-87. John was named the 1983 Kansas Coach of the Year, and he was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 1999.
James R. Jolgen (1948-49)
Everett, Washington
Football Legacy Athlete
James “Jim” Jolgen was named to Pitt State’s prestigious 11-man 50th Anniversary Football Team following his playing days for the Gorillas. During his senior season, Jolgen became the first football player in school history to garner All-America honors when he was named to the 1949 A.P. Little All-America Team as an
honorable mention selection. He also earned first-team All-CIC honors at tackle in 1949, helping first-year coach Carnie Smith’s squad to an 8-2-1 record and the CIC co-championship.
Joe Winchester (1927-30)
Minneapolis, Kansas
Track & Field Legacy Athlete
Joe Winchester won four consecutive 880-yard run conference titles and set the school record in the event during his decorated Pitt State track & field career. He also was ranked No. 40 in the world in the 880 during his senior season with the Gorillas in 1930. Additionally, Winchester garnered All-CIC honors on the Gorillas’ mile relay team in 1927 and again in 1930. He also anchored the school’s formidable sprint medley relay team, which swept the Texas, Kansas and Drake Relays in 1928.
