After fielding their young team for their first season as an official team, the Pack had success but not in the form of points on the board.

Men’s Lacrosse – Where Are They Now from CSU-Pueblo TODAY on Vimeo.

After fielding a successful team, the Pack had many accomplishments and looks to add more in the next season.

Men’s Cross Country – Where Are They from CSU-Pueblo TODAY on Vimeo.

Kaleb Mannon, 7, signs with CSU-Pueblo Men’s Basketball through Team Impact Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Dustin Cox, CSU-Pueblo Athletics.

The CSU-Pueblo men’s basketball team signed a young boy as its newest member on Nov. 5, with the hopes to make an impact in one child’s life over the coming season.

The team signed 7-year-old Kaleb Mannon as its newest member, as he signed his commitment to participate in front of his new CSU-Pueblo teammates and coaches, along with his family and other members of the Pueblo community.

Mannon is from Cañon City, Colorado, and was excited to sign with the ThunderWolves.

Having dealt with Rheumatoid Arthritis for most of his life, Mannon was also diagnosed this past August with Hypogammaglobulinemia, an immune disfunction.

He often gets sick, takes daily medication, takes a low dose of chemotherapy once a week, and gets plasma transfusions every 21 days.

“I think it is really cool for us, just being in our position in the community and people know who we are,” said Braydon Kuiper, a forward on the team. “If we can help improve his life even a little bit then it’s worth it.”

Mannon came to the team through Team Impact, a national organization based in Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.

According to Kuiper, the team hopes to at least help take Mannon’s mind off of his condition even if it’s for an hour or two.

Team Impact children like Mannon are drafted into college athletic teams local to where they live. To the greatest extent possible, the kids become a member of the team from draft day through graduation, according to Team Impact.

Mannon will be participating with the team as much as possible and will likely be found on the sidelines during the ThunderWolves home games.

He enjoys being active when he can, a CSU-Pueblo news release said, along with activities like camping, fishing, hiking, bike riding, drag and stock car races and tinkering with taking things apart and putting them back together.

Mannon is also a sports fan and enjoys sports but said his favorites are basketball, football, soccer and baseball.

Women’s swimming and diving is going into its second season at CSU-Pueblo and is looking to send more athletes to the national championship this year.

Swimming and Diving Season Preview from CSU-Pueblo TODAY on Vimeo.

Bernard McDondle runs in for a touchdown against Adams State. Photo by Dustin Cox.

CSU-Pueblo Football rolled out of Alamosa with a 56-0 victory over Adams State Oct. 3.

The No. 10 ranked ThunderWolves improved to 3-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play after a dominating win over Adams State on the road. The Pack controlled the ground game on both sides throughout the game.

The offense accomplished 386-yards and the defense allowed only 10 rushing yards from Adams State. The 386-yards is a best rushing effort for the ThunderWolves since the program restarted in 2008. The second most was against the Grizzlies in 2009 when CSU-Pueblo totaled 362 yards.

The 10 yards allowed marks the sixth time the Pack allowed 10 or less rushing yards, with the record standing at -4 rushing yards at New Mexico Highlands in 2013.

The defensive secondary totaled six interceptions, which secured a new program record. The previous record was five, and had been matched five times following that.

Saturday’s shutout was the eighth since 2008, while the point differential is the second best in that time frame. The Pack also totaled three 90-plus yard drives in the game and marked the first time since the program was brought back in 2008.

Cameron McDondle had three touchdowns during the game along with his brother Bernard McDondle who ran in two touchdowns. The other scoring plays were by Zach Boyd who had a 90-yard recieving touchdown and one for 10 yards.

Pack offense totaled 592 yards on 63 plays. The last time the ThunderWolves racked up that many yards was when it totaled 638 yards in 2013 against Black Hills State.

The defense was led in tackles by senior linebacker Joe Rosenbrock by having nine tackles and one sack. The ThunderWolves combined for five sacks against Adams State. The Pack is ranked in fifth for sacks averaging 3.75.

Darius Williams, a redshirt-freshman, recorded two interceptions of the six against the Grizzlies.

Samuel Singleton tips a pass from Grizzlies. Photo by Dustin Cox.

Morgan Fox, senior defensive end, had three tackles and added to his NCAA Division II best sack total with one for a loss of 9 yards. He left the game in the second half due to an injury and didn’t return.

Senior Kicker, Greg O’Donnell went 8-for-8 on extra point attempts and averaged 48.4 yards on nine kickoffs. The ThunderWolves held the Grizzlies to an average of 21 yards per kickoff return.

According to CSU-Pueblo Athletics, the Pack has improved in several areas since returning in 2008. The Pack is 11-0 when rushing for 300 yards or more.  They are 9-0 when they have to players rush for more than 100 yards.

Additionally the ThunderWolves are 38-0 when scoring 35 points or more, 28-0 when holding the opponent to 10 points or less and 37-3 when forcing three or more turnovers.

The Pack will face Fort Lewis at home on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. for the Hall of Fame game at the ThunderBowl. Fort Lewis was the only team to beat the Pack in 2014.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this report said the offense accomplished 38 yards on the ground, that the defensive line totaled six interceptions, that Cameron McDondle had four touchdowns and that Darius Williams had five interceptions. The offense accomplished 386 yards, the defensive secondary totaled six interceptions, McDondle had three touchdowns and Williams had two interceptions.

Cameron McDondle, No. 30, rushes for a touchdown. Photo by Dustin Cox.

In their final contest against each other, the CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolves took down Western New Mexico University 42-27. After this season, Western New Mexico will leave the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for the Lone Star Conference.

Both teams went scoreless through the first quarter before the Western New Mexico Mustangs landed an 86-yard touchdown pass from Mitch Glassmann.

The Pack answered with a touchdown by Bernard McDondle on a 5-yard run to tie it up 7-7 in the second quarter. Both teams again exchanged touchdowns and tied it up with about five minutes left in the first half.

The Pack then managed to pull in another touchdown off a 5-yard run by Cameron McDondle with 1:37 remaining.

The play by McDondle broke the tie and brought it to a 21-14 lead. Shortly after, Western New Mexico answered with another touchdown with 17 seconds left in the half and tied the game 21-21 at halftime.

After halftime, the Pack went to the end zone twice to put the score at 35-21 over the Mustangs. They then worked defensively to garner a balance attack on both sides of the ball.

To open the third quarter, Kieren Duncan, a CSU-Pueblo senior wide receiver, brought back the kickoff for 47-yards. The ThunderWolves went 53 yards down the field for a touchdown. The Pack used the third quarter to open a two-touchdown lead over the Mustangs.

The Pack dug deep following halftime, even though the Mustangs were able to move the ball at times in the second half.

The ThunderWolves only allowed Western New Mexico to score one time in the third quarter. To cut the gap, Mitch Glassmann threw his 100th touchdown pass, setting the record in the conference.

The ThunderWolves continued to be pressed by the Mustangs, surpassing midfield multiple times, but the Pack didn’t budge. Special teams were able to block a Mustang field goal kick in the third and forced four turnovers on downs in the final quarter.

No. 2 Bernard McDondle ran a touchdown in on a 5-yard run. Photo by Dustin Cox

In the fourth quarter, the Pack topped WNMU with Cameron McDondle’s third and final score of the contest.

Deontrae Cooper, a senior wide receiver, was able to surpass 100-yards receiving for the first time in his collegiate career, and went for 104-yards on four receptions, including a career-long 75 reception for a touchdown. His previous career high was in 2013 against Adams State when he tallied 96-yards.

Cameron McDondle worked for a season-high 193-yards on 24 carries. He made it to the back of the end zone three times, tying a career-best and marking the second time this season he has reached the painted area.

Morgan Fox recorded three sacks during the game. This was the fourth outing where he has recorded multiple sacks and second straight with three sacks.

Wesley Bennett, a junior tight end, almost recorded two blocked field goals.

He blocked a field goal attempt by the Mustangs, but a defensive penalty negated his effort. He was more successful with blocking during a second attempt.

During the final meeting between the Pack and the Mustangs, CSU-Pueblo finalized the competition with 17-6 all-time versus WNMU and 11-12 at home. The Pack has beat the Mustangs seven straight times.

Next up the Pack will take on Adams State University in Alamosa on Oct. 3 for a RMAC contest. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Photo Gallery: (Photos by Dustin Cox)

The ThunderWolves beat Western State Colorado University at home last week and will take on Western New Mexico this week. Photo by Dustin Cox.

The CSU-Pueblo football team will enter a new game this week looking to go 1-0 against Western New Mexico University after last week’s 20-10 victory over Western State Colorado University.

The ThunderWolves will meet the Mustangs Sept. 26 at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl.

After rebounding from their major loss against West Texas two weeks ago, the Pack is looking for their third season win this week.

Last week, the ThunderWolves owned a 13-0 halftime lead and a mid-fourth quarter touchdown by Cameron McDondle, a senior, who sealed the 20-10 victory for the Pack. The Pack utilized a heavy rushing attack to take down the Mountaineers with 295 rushing yards.

In his first career start, A.J. Thompson, a redshirt freshman, threw for 169 yards on 11-for-18 attempts averaging 61 percent. He also aided the team on the ground with 12 carries for 56-yards and a touchdown. The offensive line guided the ThunderWolves 295-yards and allowed only one sack.

Morgan Fox, a senior defensive end, recorded three sacks that cost the Mountaineers 21 lost yards, which marked the third multiple sack contest of the season for Fox. He currently leads the NCAA Division II in sacks with seven.

Another standout athlete is Kevin Cuff, a senior linebacker, led the ThunderWolves in total tackles with 11, eight of which were solo. In the game, he also added a sack. The 11 tackles tied a career high, which he set in his first collegiate game on Aug. 30, 2012.

Last week’s win marked the 70th victory for head coach John Wristen at CSU-Pueblo. He currently owns a 70-17 record with the ThunderWolves. The Pack has improved to 27-0 since 2008 when they held their opponent to 10 points or less.

Western New Mexico beat New Mexico Highlands 38-27 last week. The game had five lead changes, the final one taking place with just 39 ticks remaining in regulation. A one-yard rush put Western New Mexico ahead.

This 2015-16 season will the final season that the Mustangs will play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. They will transfer to the Lone Star Conference beginning next season.

The ThunderWolves own a 16-6 all-time record against the Mustangs. The Pack are on a six-game winning streak against WNMU that dates back to a 48-3 win in 2009. During that streak, CSU-Pueblo has outscored Western New Mexico 265-68. The Pack looks to continue this record in their final contest against WNMU.

Wendell Lee, graduate of CSU-Pueblo. Photo by Dustin Cox.

Former Colorado State University-Pueblo basketball player Wendell Lee, 25, died Sept. 21 at around 11:45 p.m. in Los Angeles from gun shot wounds.

Police are still investigating the situation, according to CBS2 in Los Angeles. He was known as a stand out basketball player at CSU-Pueblo and studied for a degree in exercise science.

Many of his friends from CSU-Pueblo and others remembered him on social media today, saying that he was a wonderful person who encouraged many.

“I’m trying to wrap my mind around this and I just can’t. Dell, you were truly a wonderful individual and I’m so honored to have known you” said Sierra Moran, a friend of Lee’s.

Another friend, Paul Burt, posted on Instagram saying, “Wendell Lee was probably one of the coolest dudes I ever met man. He was a great hooper, great musician, and even a better man. As talented as he was man he was ALWAYS humble and gave all his glory to God. All he did was hoop and pray.”

Lee was known for putting up many stats on the basketball team. He transferred to CSU-Pueblo from Labette Community College in Parsons, Kansas, and was known to be an offensive threat, scoring 43 baskets from beyond the arc, according to CSU-Pueblo Athletics.

Prior to attending Labette, Lee went to El Camino College in California where he was the fifth-ranked scorer in California with an average of 19.1 points per game.

Wendell Lee (middle), and teammates on the bench before a game against Fort Lewis on February 14, 2014. Photo by Dustin Cox.

Lee was an excellent student, according to coaches and professors. He also graduated from George Washington Prep in Los Angeles, where he received honors and a 3.0 GPA.

He is survived by his father Wendell and mother Marry Lee along with his five siblings, London, Paris, Asia, August and April. He enjoyed singing, playing the piano and the drums, rap, movies and cutting hair.

Some of his friends have posted videos remembering him and his time at CSU-Pueblo. Links are included below.

Video by Bryant Johnson. (Above)

Video taken at CSU-Pueblo’s Got Talent by Erica Hicks: (Below)

Wendell Lee – CSUP

The Pack beat Western State 20-10. | Photo by Dustin CoxThe

The CSU-Pueblo football team beat Western State Colorado University 20-10 in a home game Sept. 19.

Last week’s outcome was one that many did not expect when the Pack fell to West Texas A&M, but the ThunderWolves responded Saturday with a victory.

In the first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game of the season against Western State, the Pack pulled together under a new quarterback. A.J. Thompson had his first appearance in college football this week, totaling 12 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown.

With Thompson at the helm, the ThunderWolves used a heavy rushing attack to take down WSCU with 295 rushing yards. The Pack took control of the game from the beginning offensive drive, forcing the Mountaineers to punt after scoring on the opening drive.

The Pack went on to add two field goals and took a 13-0 lead against the Mountaineers.

WSCU remained scoreless until the final minute of the third quarter when Ryan Winkle nailed a 32-yard field goal to cut the lead to 13-3. The squads went on to trade scores for the final of 20-10.

In Saturday’s competition, the Pack defense held the Mountaineers to 244 yards of total offense, which marked the lowest opponent total yards of the young season.

The ThunderWolves took care of the football this week with only one turnover. In last week’s game against West Texas, they gave up the ball six times to the Buffaloes.

Cameron McDondle, a senior running back, led the Pack with 189 rushing yards and one touchdown on 30 carries. McDondle totaled 264 yards from the line of scrimmage and added a reception for 75 yards.

The Pack’s offensive line was able to guide the ThunderWolves to 295 rushing yards and allowed only a single sack on quarterback A.J. Thompson.

The defense had a big night with Morgan Fox recording three sacks, which marked his third multiple sack contest of the season. Kevin Cuff also recorded a sack against the Mountaineers and tallied 11 tackles to tie his career high.

The ThunderWolves will host Western New Mexico University Saturday, Sep. 26 at 2 p.m. and will celebrate the annual Military Day.

Photo Gallery:

The Pack won their season opener against Central Washington and lost last week at West Texas A&M. | Photo by Dustin Cox

The Colorado State University-Pueblo football team is coming off its second regular season loss in 50 games as it heads into a game against Western State Colorado University Sept. 19.

The Pack suffered a 31-30 setback in the team’s second game of the season at West Texas A&M Sept. 12.

Turnovers negated two interceptions for touchdowns, an 80-yard rushing touchdown and a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the game. The Pack turned over the ball six times that allowed West Texas to run 29 plays more than the pack. The lead changed four times and it was tied three times.

LaRon Tarkington and Samuel Singleton made both of the interceptions that concluded in touchdowns during the game. Last season, the Pack scored seven defensive touchdowns, which included two pick six scores in a game.

Senior Cameron McDondle led the Pack offensive attack with 166 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. That score was an 80-yard run, which marked a career-high for McDondle.

Kieren Duncan, a senior, posted a 98-yard kick off return to get the ThunderWolves within one at 31-30 with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Duncan returned two kickoffs for 131 yards and for his efforts has earned the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week award.

Also during last week’s game against the Buffaloes the Pack suffered the loss of their starting quarterback, Malcolm Ruben, a senior, to an injury that was a result of a sack. Ruben will be out for the remainder of the year and will undergo surgery to repair the injury.

The Pack has named AJ Thompson, a freshman, as the starting quarterback for the game against Western State. Thompson, of Denver, went to Montbello High School and joined the Pack this year. Dustin Walon, a junior, was named as the backup quarterback and he is a recent transfer from Texas Tech.

The Western State Mountaineers are coming off of a 48-20 loss to Angelo State and have started the season two losses and no wins. The Mountaineers were pegged to finish fifth in the preseason poll.

Western State running back Austin Ekeler rushed for 226 yards in the opener against Northern Colorado for his seventh straight 100 rushing yard game, but he did not play against Angelo State and is not listed to play against the ThunderWolves this week.

Western State returned nine of their offensive starters in 2015. The Pack’s game against the Mountaineers is their first RMAC game this season. It will take place at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl at 6 p.m.