ENDOWMENT CREATED TO HONOR HANK ELESPURU 9/23/2008 SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento State athletics announced that alumni and admirers of the late Henry ‘Hank’ Elespuru have raised $50,000 to fund an endowed scholarship in his name. A check presentation took place during last Saturday’s home football game against Weber State. “We are honored to create this endowment in Hank’s name,” Sacramento State athletics director Terry Wanless said. “He is a vital part of Sacramento State’s history and this endowment, in a small way, will remind us of his passion for Hornet athletics. It serves as a reminder of the real gift he brought this program – the way he influenced a generation of students and student-athletes.” Elespuru began an illustrious career at Sacramento State in 1955 as the program’s head boxing, assistant football and wrestling coach. Under his tutelage from 1955 to 1961, the boxing program grew in stature, producing great boxers, winning two NCAA titles and numerous top finishes in Pacific Coast Intercollegiate tournaments. When boxing was dropped at Sacramento State (and across the nation), Elespuru formed a class in the sport for both men and women. The classes were always filled, and at the end of each semester, students boxed each other at a popular evening event that was open to the public. The endowment project was spearheaded by Sacramento State alum and former boxer Norm Tavalero.   Elespuru’s wife, Jane, son Rick and daughter Sandy, as well as members of the Sacramento State boxing teams, were in attendance for Saturday’s presentation.