For the Bevans, CMU athletics and scholarships have shaped generations of Mavericks
The Bevan family tree is rooted in Maverick pride and Colorado Mesa University (CMU) athletics. In CMU’s centennial year, the Bevan family has demonstrated a prominent and loyal commitment to CMU’s athletic teams, specifically football. George, Dennis, Eric, Hank, Heston and Jackson have all attended school at CMU and excelled both academically and athletically.
The story begins with George and Dennis, the father-son duo that kicked off the long-lasting relationship between the Bevan boys and CMU. George Bevan graduated in 1950 while playing football and baseball at Mesa College. He didn’t know it yet, but his decision to attend Mesa College sparked a long-lasting generational list of family ties to CMU and its athletic programs. George’s son, Dennis, followed in his father’s footsteps and committed to Mesa College in the late 1960’s, playing football as a fullback. Although Dennis did not play as much as he wanted to, he quickly realized that playing football for Mesa College was about more than just getting snaps.
“I enjoyed [playing for Mesa] a lot. I got to meet a lot of good guys but soon realized I wasn’t going to be the next fullback for the Green Bay Packers,” said Dennis.
He gained valuable relationships and continued the family tradition in Grand Junction. Dennis’ two sons, Eric and Hank, played football for Mesa State College, as well. Eric was an offensive lineman in 1995 and graduated in 2000. Hank played defensive line from 1999 to 2004.
Hank Bevan was Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) All-Conference in 2003 and won two RMAC championships during his time at Mesa State College. Hank always valued his studies as well and made sure to make that a priority. Hank also met his now wife of 17 years at Mesa. The two crossed paths when she was working in the athletic room.
“I am mostly proud of where we are from, and I’m excited for Jackson and Heston as they are so close to us all,” said Hank.
Eric, the son of Dennis and father of Jackson and Heston, Eric, played football for only one year due to past medical problems, but is proud of the great friends and connections he made through the program. Growing up in a small town, it can be difficult to get recruited and be seen, but the Bevan family broke through and have created a long-lasting relationship with CMU and its athletic programs. Although Eric’s athletic career at Mesa was short-lived, the Bevan’s made sure to make an impact during his lone season.
“I never saw the field, but it wasn’t rare to have 10 to 15 family members there to support you at every game,” Eric said.
As the years passed, it was time for Eric’s twin boys to carry on the Bevan legacy on the Western Slope. Graduating from Plateau Valley High School in Collbran, Heston and Jackson committed to Colorado Mesa University this year to compete for the Mavericks. Heston came here to play right guard for the football team, and Jackson throws discus, shotput and hammer and weight for the track and field team.
“I carry a lot of pride in being a Bevan and a Mav, so being able to continue a legacy like this means a lot to me,” Heston said. “To me personally, coming from a long line of athletes, they helped me learn how to work hard, and I think it’s really cool that I am given the opportunity to demonstrate my talents at the next level,” Jackson added.
The twins’ journey is supported not only by family but also by the CMU Century Scholarship. Established in 2017 by Joe Higgins and local community leaders, the scholarship aims to help students in Mesa County pursue higher education at CMU regardless of financial barriers. Local businesses and clubs have donated to help fund the scholarship, including the Grand Junction Rotary Club’s generous $60,000 donation that was matched by CMU, totaling $120,000. Heston and Jackson are just two examples of how this scholarship has impacted students from Mesa County.
“We are very grateful,” Heston said on receiving the CMU Century Scholarship. “It is really cool to receive that award, especially because school is not cheap, really anywhere.”
As the twins continue their education at CMU, their family members are proud to see their legacy continue to pan out and look forward to watching the twins in their collegiate careers.
“Once a Mav, always a Mav. I’m proud of our family's history and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” said Eric Bevan.
Want to support students in Mesa County like Heston and Jackson? Give to the Century Scholarship! Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.