Much of The Broadmoor’s sports reputation precedes Steve Bartolin by decades. From ice skating and hockey to golf championships, the resort has been host to numerous sporting activities.

But while in charge, Bartolin has maintained the hotel’s influence on sports in the area.

“He’s shown a unique ability to reach out to the community at large,” El Pomar boss Bill Hybl said. “Not only in support of large sporting events but also to make sure that kids in high school and individuals in sports and teams have had the same sort of effort coming from The Broadmoor. I think he has truly made a difference.”

Air Force hockey coach Frank Serratore was No. 20, followed by USOC Communications Director Darryl Seibel, Pacific Coast League President Branch B. Rickey III, running legend Matt Carpenter, Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Director Paul Butcher, Sports Corp. Communications Director Mike Moran, Mayor Lionel Rivera, USA Hockey director Dave Ogrean and former USGA president Judy Bell .

The U.S. Senior Open, which was played two weeks ago on The Broadmoor’s East Course, drew an estimated seven-day total of 129,000.

In 2011, the U.S. Women’s Open will be at The Broadmoor.

Bartolin is a former minor league baseball player. But his image and influence in this town is as a hotelier. By virtue of the hotel he manages, Bartolin can bring a lot of attention and economic revenue to the city and the region.

“Steve’s a sportsman,” USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean said. “He’s a sports fan. He’s a partner of all of the sports organizations in Colorado Springs.

“That hotel, through Steve’s influence, brings many important sports meeting and the occasional grand sports event.”

About the list

Continuing until Aug. 24, The Gazette will chronicle the 20 Most Influential Sports Figures in the Colorado Springs area.

We compiled a list of local sports power brokers and e-mailed it to numerous movers and shakers of the Colorado Springs sports community. They, and some members of our sports staff, had the not-so-simple task of telling us who would be on their list – in order from No. 1 to No. 20.

We received 37 full lists, partial lists and lists of all the people we should’ve added to the original list.Folks with more than 20 were asked to whittle it down. Folks with fewer than 20 were asked to increase the number.

In the end, we received 22 lists of 20.

Twenty points were awarded to every first-place vote. Second place votes received 19 points, third place 18, fourth place 17 and so on – 440 points were possible.

The person with the most points received the highest rank.On the 24th, when we reveal No. 1, we will also reveal the total number of votes each of the 20 people received. There will be an “others receiving votes category.”

Media members were ineligible to receive votes.Also on the 24th, on gazettedev.gazette.com you will be able to give us your arrangement of the 20 finalists.

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