1994

A native son, Walt Arnold came to the University of New Mexico in 1976 after a stellar prep career at Los Alamos High School where he was an all-state performer in baseball and football.

So accomplished was Arnold in both sports that his services were in demand by UNM head coaches Bill Mondt (football) and Vince Cappelli (baseball).  Arnold was up to the task, earning four letters in each sport.  He was two-time All-Western Athletic Conference on the diamond, playing first base, catcher and in the outfield.  On the gridiron, Arnold was even better as he played eight seasons in the National Football League after a stellar career at UNM.

Although Arnold was a linebacker and fullback in high school, coach Mondt moved Arnold to tight end.  Though he did not see much time as a freshman, Arnold improved his statistics each year from 1976-79.  Used in tandem with another strong tight end his sophomore season, Arnold caught 10 passes and led the team by averaging 22.3 yards per reception.  He was a starter as a junior and eventually caught the eye of the professional scouts following his senior season, signing a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

Arnold enjoyed a fine NFL career, playing with the Rams, Houston Oilers, Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs from 1980-87.  He caught 99 passes for 1,053 yards and 7 TDs in a 105-game career.  Perhaps his best season was 1985 when he had 28 catches for 339 yards in Kansas City.

After his playing days were over, Arnold returned to UNM and earned his bachelor’s degree.  He parlayed that education into a successful business career in Albuquerque.  Arnold is president of his own commercial brokerage company and active in local and university communities.  He is a past-president of the UNM Alumni Lettermen’s Association and has been involved with the American Diabetes Association, Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and many other service organizations.

Arguably UNM’s most decorated middle distance runner, Sue Vigil MacEachen was a three-time All-American in the 800 meters, including the 1979 women’s collegiate national champion.

As of May 2010, Sue still held two school records that she set in 1979:  the indoor 800 meters (2:09.3) and the outdoor 800 (2:04.1).

A native of Albuquerque, Sue began her career as a Duke City Dasher under coach Tony Sandoval.  From 1970-75, she was one of the team’s strongest members, helping the organization capture numerous awards and titles.  Sue competed in AAU national championships from 1971-75.  She was also a member of the U.S. Junior Olympic team in 1973 and 1974 and the U.S. Junior National team in 1975.

One of her many amateur highlights was winning the 800 in a dual meet against the Soviet Union while a member of the U.S. Junior National team.

Sue served her alma mater as an assistant track coach and as a staff member of the UNM Alumni Association.  She is also on the UNM Alumni Lettermen’s Association Board of Directors.

A native of Artesia, N.M., Nelson came to UNM in 1966 after two years at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell.   He played for Bob King for two seasons, two of the best teams in school history.

The 1966-67 Lobos climbed to No. 3 in the nation, the highest ranking ever by a New Mexico team.  In Nelson’s senior season of 1967-68, UNM started 17-0, won the WAC title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time.  Nelson led the Lobos in scoring at 19.5 points a game while shooting 82.2 percent from the free throw line.  He was a Helms All-American in addition to being first team All-WAC.

Upon graduation, Nelson played professionally for two seasons in the ABA.

Nelson has made a lasting civic contribution to New Mexico as well.  He has served on numerous community boards, task forces and committees:  regent to the New Mexico Military Committee; member of the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors; chairman of the Hodgin Hall Lettermen’s Room Construction; and president of the UNM Alumni Lettermen’s Association.

In 1988, Nelson was selected as UNM’s representative to the Western Athletic Conference 25^th anniversary basketball team.  He was inducted into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

• In the soft drink business for more than 50 years, managing bottling companies in Arizona and California before moving to New Mexico in 1957

• Also a passenger agent for Trans World Airlines and an air traffic controller for the Civil Aeronautics Association

• Received New Mexico Governor’s Award for Community Service

• Served on dozens of boards and committees

Volleyball

• Four-year letterwinner and team captain in 1993

• Second team all-WAC and academic all-conference as a senior

• 3.6 grade point average who was a four-year board member of the UNM Student Lettermen’s Association

• UNM Alumni Association Citizenship Award in 1994

Basketball

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• The 5-7 guard won the 1994 Naismith Award, given to the best male college basketball player under 6 feet

• Led UNM to the 1994 WAC regular season title, its first championship in 16 years

• 1993-94 WAC Player of the Year, leading the team in scoring and assists

• Active volunteer for Albuquerque Boys Club and several charity organizations

• The 5-7 guard won the 1994 Naismith Award, given to the best male college basketball player under 6 feet

• Led UNM to the 1994 WAC regular season title, its first championship in 16 years

• 1993-94 WAC Player of the Year, leading the team in scoring and assists

• Active volunteer for Albuquerque Boys Club and several charity organizations

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