Mr. Joe M. Hernandez 1960 JC
Mr. Marshall A. Pieczentkowski 1959 JC
CPT Roger T. Sawyers, USA 1960 JC
Mr. Kenneth E. Willis 1959 JC
Mr. Frederic P. Wolff 1959 JC
NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
THE 1958 NJCAA CHAMPIONSHIP
BRONCO FOOTBALL TEAM
The 1958 New Mexico Military Institute Bronco football team had an historic record of achievement. The 1958 Broncos are the only team to win the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Junior College Championship, and the only undefeated, untied team in NMMI’s history.
The 1958 NMMI Bronco football team ranked as the number one junior college football team in the nation, leading the nation in five categories: team total yardage (3,988), team scoring (454 points), individual scoring (138 points by Joe M. Hernandez 1960 JCX), individual rushing (1,848 yards by Joe M. Hernandez 1960 JCX) and pass defense (36 interceptions).
In addition to making history as a team, the 1958 Broncos placed four individual players on the All-American teams, with Joe M. Hernandez 1960 JCX named to the first team on the 1958 NJCAA All-American football team, along with Marshall A. Pieczentkowski 1959 JCG who was also selected to play in the Third Annual National Junior College All-American East-West All-Star football game. Pieczentkowski represented the East team and was the first Bronco to represent NMMI in that annual game.
Tackle Kenneth E. Willis 1959 JCG and guard CPT Roger T. Sawyers, USA 1960 JCG were named to the NJCAA All-American second team.
Coach Nick Padgen instilled in each and every individual on this team a passion for winning. He believed that no matter what the level of your ability, when you believe you can, you can. Coach Padgen taught his players to never engage in the possibilities of defeat, and the team responded.
Each player on the 1958 Broncos believed that the team was special and each player contributed in so many different ways in each and every game in order to accomplish this unforgettable season. Most of all, they played for their school, and they continue to show their pride in New Mexico Military Institute in their lives since leaving the Institute. The members of the 1958 Bronco football team have lived the credo of “Duty, Honor and Achievement”.
Inducted 15 October 2010
