Bob Hofman got his basketball start on the courts at the University of Colorado, where he played for legendary CU coach Sox Walseth. Forty years later, Hofman is ending his career on the courts at Colorado as the Fort Lewis Skyhawks traveled to Boulder to take on the Division I Colorado Buffaloes in an exhibition game.
The Buffaloes proved to be too dominant on the boards and came away with the win, 95-71, and in the process spoiling Hofman’s return.
FLC hung with the Buffaloes through the first half, trailing 46-44, but a second half explosion by Colorado would put the Skyhawks away. Colorado outscored FLC 49-27 in the second frame of the game.
The Skyhawks shot well all game, going 27-for-61 on field goals, and 11-for-26 from 3-point range. Even though FLC had a decent shooting night, the Buffaloes won the rebound battle 45-17, which is where the Skyhawks struggled all night because of Colorado’s size advantage.
Colorado’s Josh Scott led all scorers with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Josh Fortune followed Scott’s night up with 17 points and six assists for the Buffaloes.
Joshua Blaylock led FLC with 13 points and two assists, but had four turnovers in the process. FLC’s second leader of the night was Kofi Josephs who had 11 points.
Hofman has had the label of “Head Coach Emeritus”. Hofman will give way to Bob Pietrack, who was given the label of head coach prior to the season.
Originally from Pasadena, Calif., Hofman played point guard at Colorado for legendary coach Russell “Sox” Walseth from 1970-74.
Hofman later served as an assistant coach for the Buffs under Tom Apke, which helped him get in the door in coaching. With 480 wins in 28 seasons as a collegiate head coach, this season would have been Hofman’s 20th year. Over his career, Hofman has won three RMAC regular season crowns, four RMAC postseason championships, six RMAC West Division trophies and seven NCAA Division II playoff berths.
Hofman was presented with a prestigious award on Tuesday night. Donations from George B. Boedecker Jr. and the Boedecker Foundation, the lower practice court in the Coors Events Center was renamed “Hofman Court.”
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
