[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S8655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THURMAN ``FUM'' McGRAW AND FAMILY

 Mr. ALLARD. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend, Thurman ``Fum'' McGraw, a man whose legend at Colorado State 
University, my alma mater, is among the greatest in the University's 
history. ``Fum,'' the school's first All-American, died Wednesday at 
age 73 of complications from a stroke this summer.
  ``Fum,'' who was large in stature at nearly 6-foot-5 and more than 
200 pounds, was considered Colorado State University's greatest 
athlete, and as a ``gentle giant'' by his wife, Brownie. McGraw became 
synonymous with the school's athletic department. In addition to his 
superior college football career, a two time All-American defensive 
lineman in 1948 and 1949 who led the Rams to their first Bowl game, he 
was also an All-American in wrestling and competed in the national 
track and field championships. As a senior in 1949-1950 he was the 
university's student body president. He graduated with a degree in 
forest management in 1950 and spent five years in the National Football 
League. After an amazing college career he starred with the National 
Football League's Detroit Lions, helping them to win two championships 
and earning All-Pro honors three times as a defensive lineman.
  ``Fum'' returned to CSU in 1955 as the wrestling coach, also 
assisting with the football and track teams. He was an assistant coach 
with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1958-62, returned to CSU as an 
administrator in 1962, then returned to the NFL as a scout in 1970. 
Finally in 1976 he was back to stay at CSU as the athletic director 
until 1986. Throughout his career at Colorado State University McGraw 
tirelessly raised money for the CSU athletic department. He spearheaded 
the resumption of the football series with the University of Colorado 
and helped initiate the construction of Moby Arena in 1966 and Hughes 
Stadium in 1968. His work ultimately led to the school's acceptance 
into the Western Athletic Conference in 1968. But it wasn't just what 
he did in athletics that made him so special.
  Thurman McGraw was the recipient of numerous honors, including 
induction into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and the 
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. In 1997 he and his wife received the 
Citizen of the West Award given annually by the National Western Stock 
Show. ``Fum'' also led the effort to name the university track for his 
former teammate and friend Jack Christiansen. Last year to honor 
McGraw, CSU officials commemorated his lifetime of support by 
dedicating the Thurman ``Fum'' McGraw Center. The Thurman ``Fum'' 
McGraw Center which includes the school's locker rooms, weight training 
and injury rehabilitation facilities, and coaches and staff offices for 
the athletic department. Two weeks ago, while ``Fum'' was laid up in 
the hospital, the football team dedicated its game against in state 
rival University of Colorado to McGraw. The Rams upset Colorado 28 to 
24.
  McGraw would do anything to help the school he adored, the friends he 
cared so much for, and the family he loved so dearly. Thurman ``Fum'' 
McGraw was and always will remain the essence of Colorado State 
University. He was a hero on and off the field, and a genuine role 
model for today's athletes. He will be missed throughout the community, 
but he will not be forgotten. I offer my thoughts and prayers to those 
close to Mr. McGraw in this difficult time.

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