Former Buff Loses Battle with Cancer

BOULDER – Former University of Colorado basketball and baseball student-athlete Ron "Wrigs" Wrigley passed away on Sunday, Sept. 27 after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 55.

Wrigley played for CU on the varsity basketball team for three seasons from 1972-1975 where he was a standout post-player under legendary head coach Sox Walseth.

Although he only averaged 1.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 22 games as a sophomore, Wrigley played a contributing role during his junior and senior seasons, playing in all 26 games both years.  He averaged 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game as a junior in 1973-74.

It was his senior season where he shined, finishing third in team scoring averaging 11.3 points per game and leading the Buffaloes in rebounding with a 7.2 clip.  In his last collegiate game, Wrigley recorded a 21-point and 11-rebound performance in CU’s 106-97 victory over Missouri on March 8, 1975.

During his freshman season, Wrigley averaged 12.7 points per game.

An outstanding baseball player as well, Wrigley, also lettered for CU in 1974.

Prior to enrolling at CU, Wrigley earned basketball and baseball letters at St. Augustine High in San Diego, Calif.  He was also awarded All-City honors in both sports.

Wrigley was once selected by the San Diego Padres in the baseball draft, however opted to attend college first. 

"Ron was much-loved by the entire CU community and was successful in every sense of the word," said longtime friend and college roommate Ed Shoen, who lettered at CU in football from 1972 through 1974.

Wrigley is survived by his daughter, Alex, who lives in Phoenix. (CU SID)