Jeff Metcalfe

azcentral sports

Richard "Moon" Mullins, a 2006 inductee into the Arizona State athletic Hall of Distinction, died Saturday in Chandler at age 84.

Mullins was ASU sports information director for 14 years from 1962-68 and 1972-80 during the school's transition from the Border Conference to Western Athletic Conference to Pac-10. He directed a national mailing campaign that led to Ben Hawkins being named ASU's first football All-American in 1965 and also publicity campaigns for consensus All-Americans Woody Green (1972), John Jefferson (1977) and Al Harris (1978). His publications in football, basketball, baseball and track won a combined 10 awards.

The ASU Hall of Distinction was created in 1982 to honor coaches, administrators and contributors to athletics while the Hall of Fame, started in 1975, honors athletes.

Mullins also worked for the Phoenix Suns, Denver Broncos, Phoenix Roadrunners and at UTEP. He graduated from New Mexico State with a degree in journalism and, after serving in the Army during the Korean War, worked for the Associated Press in Billings, Mont.

Mullins is survived by his brother Don, four daughters -- Margy, Marcy, Marty and Molly -- and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers and in honor Mullins' love of sports wagering, the family suggests placing a $10 bet on your favorite sports team to win a championship in Moon's honor.