Happy birthday, Colorado — and Colorado sports.

Leading into the state’s 150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of Colorado’s top 150 sports moments.

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian Dave Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31. Plati and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame podcast at coloradosports.org/podcast/.

No. 44 — Dec. 14, 1996

Northern Colorado football got on a roll at the right time. After a 5-3 start they reeled off seven wins in a row, four coming in the NCAA Division II playoffs. After dispatching No. 7 Pittsburg State (24-21), No. 2 Northeast Missouri State (27-26) and No. 8 Clarion (19-18), the 15th-ranked Bears faced No. 6 Carson-Newman in Florence, Ala., for the championship. Billy Holmes ran for 136 yards and a touchdown, Tom Beck connected with Andy Haase on a 36-yard pass for the other and Michael Schauer kicked three field goals to lead the Bears to a 23-14 win and the title. UNC’s defense also shined, ending all five of Carson-Newman’s second-half possessions with turnovers. Joe Glenn was named the national coach of the year by the AFCA and UNC would repeat in 1997.

—Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian