Fort Lewis College Athletics

Blane Walters became the only three-time All-American wrestler in Fort Lewis College history during his four-year Raider career at the time of induction. He placed third at 142 lbs. in the 1990 NAIA Nationals, fourth at 134 lbs. at the 1991 NAIA Nationals and second at 142 lbs. at the 1992 NAIA Nationals.

His second place finish in 1992 marked the only time a Fort Lewis College wrestler advanced to a national championship match.

He also became the first Durango High School grappler to win a state championship at the high school level and later earn All-American honors as a collegiate wrestler.

Walters logged a career record of 97-36 from 1988-92, and won the Rocky Mountain Athletic championship at 142 lbs. in 1992. He was also a two-time champion at the Colorado Collegiate.
In the summer of 1991, Walters participated in the NAIA International Cultural Exchange Tour of Finland and the Soviet Union. He was undefeated on the tour, and became the first American to win the prestigious Leningrad Championships. Walters wrestled at 62 kilos (136.5 lbs.).

After finishing his athletic career, Walters became active in coaching and officiating. He put on several clinics and camps in the Durango area, served as an assistant coach at Durango High School, and coached freestyle and Greco-Roman for Durango Wrestling.

Walters died on May 20, 1996. He was 26.