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EL PASO, Texas (from the AP) — The No. 17th UCLA Bruins defeated Virginia Tech, 42-12, in the 80th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl.
The Co-C.M. Hendricks Most Valuable Player, Brett Hundley had 86- and 7-yard touchdown runs and finished with 161 yards on 10 carries.
‘’I guess he can run a little,’’ UCLA coach Jim Mora said. ‘’He played well. He was poised.’’
Hundley also completed 16 of 29 passes for 226 yards and two scores.
‘’It was a special game,’’ Hundley said. ‘’We played well as an offense. We had to make adjustments. When we did, we got things going.’’
Hundley and UCLA linebacker Jordan Zumwalt shared MVP honors. Zumwalt had 10 tackles and returned an interception 43 yards to set up a touchdown.
’’It’s the best game I’ve ever seen him play,‘’ Mora said about Zumwalt. ’’He was unbelievable from start to finish.
The Bruins (10-3) outscored the Hokies (8-5) 28-2 in the fourth quarter.
After Virginia Tech cut it to 14-10 on Michael Branthover’s 22-yard field goal with 3:53 left in the third quarter, UCLA answered with a 12-play, 85-yard drive, capped by Paul Perkins’s 5-yard run early in the fourth.
Hokies backup quarterback Mark Leal then threw a pass under heavy pressure that linebacker Myles Jack intercepted and returned 29 yards for a touchdown that made it 28-10.
‘’In the second half we blocked things up better,’’ Mora said. ‘’We got back to doing what we do best. We played with great tempo. We were not as uptight.’’
Virginia Tech, which lost starting quarterback Logan Thomas to an injury in the second quarter, got its final points when UCLA punter Sean Covington stepped on the end line for a safety with 9:38 left.
Thomas, Virginia Tech’s career passing leader, left after taking a big hit along the UCLA sideline early in the second quarter. The hit resulted in a 15-yard penalty on the Bruins.
‘’It was tough to miss time on the field, the worst feeling of my career,’’ Thomas said. ‘’I would have rather you guys talk bad about me than miss time on the field. We were doing some good things on offense. I thought we were right on the verge of doing some good things.’’
UCLA pushed it to 35-12 on Hundley’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Duarte with 7:31 to play. The Bruins stayed aggressive late, and Hundley fired a 59-yard scoring strike down the right sideline to Shaquelle Evans for another score with 5:49 remaining.
It wasn’t that easy early on, though, for UCLA, which led 14-7 at the half. Hundley had six carries for 168 yards in the half. He set the Sun Bowl record for rushing yards by a quarterback by halftime, even though he lost 7 yards in the second to finish at 161.
The Bruins rushed for 202 yards in the first half – the most rushing yards the Hokies have given up this season. UCLA finished with 250 yards.
The win in the first meeting between the teams allowed UCLA to post its first 10-win season since 2005, and helped the Bruins forget last season’s 49-26 loss to Baylor in the Holiday Bowl.
Virginia Tech had its second-worst loss in a bowl game. Its worst was a 42-3 loss to North Carolina in the 1998 Gator Bowl. The 42 points the Hokies allowed were the second-most in a bowl game behind the 52 they gave up in a 52-49 loss to California in the 2003 Insight Bowl.
While the Hokies, making their 21st consecutive bowl appearance, were able to limit UCLA’s running backs to 49 yards, they had no answer for Hundley, who repeatedly gouged them for big gainers on designed quarterback counters.
‘’UCLA made the plays it had to and you have to give them credit,’’ Hokies coach Frank Beamer said. ‘’I was disappointed that we didn’t execute better.
‘’When we recovered the fumble down 14-7, I had hoped we could have punched it in for a touchdown, but we had to settle for three and then UCLA comes back and scores to make it 21-10. That was huge. I thought about going for it on fourth down but we just wanted to get something on the board.’’
Defensive Tackle Kenny Clark was named the Jimmy Rogers, Jr. Most Valuable Lineman Trophy and kicker Kaim Fairbairn was tabbed the John Folmer Most Valuable Special Teams Player.
John Bohannon had a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds and was awarded the tournament’s Barry Kobren Most Valuable Player as UTEP won the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on Sunday with a 60-54, double overtime triumph over Denver.
The Miners (10-5) registered their fifth consecutive victory, going to the line 36 times (making 26) and outrebounding the Pioneers 49-40. That was enough on a night where they shot 32.7 percent from the field but limited Denver to a .273 field goal percentage.
“Obviously we’re real happy to get the win,” UTEP coach Tim Floyd said. “We started off great [17-4 lead] and had a nice little cushion there. We played a very disciplined team that didn’t get outside of themselves when we got up. It was something our team can learn from, their poise offensively. They just kept coming at us, kept running their stuff and eventually broke us down for a three or a back cut and really guarded us.”
After falling behind 4-2, the Miners ran off 15 consecutive points. Denver closed the half with a 10-3 run to pull within six (20-14).
The Pioneers whittled an 11-point UTEP lead (33-22) down in the second half, and eventually regained the advantage, 46-44, on two free throws by Cam Griffin with 1:20 to play. Griffin led Denver with 15 points.
The Miners sent the game into overtime when C.J. Cooper hit two foul shots with 51 seconds remaining. The Pioneers’ Jalen Love missed a three pointer at the buzzer.
The teams played to a 3-3 draw in the first overtime. Julian Washburn missed a potential game-winning jumper as time ran out.
In the second overtime, Denver scored five of the first seven points to take a 54-51 lead on a layup by Chris Udofia with 3:14 to go. The Miners outscored the Pioneers 9-0 over the final 2:55. Vince Hunter’s layup gave UTEP the lead for good, 55-54, with 1:48 left. Hunter added a free throw at the 1:29 mark and Cooper buried a huge three with 41 seconds remaining. Jake Flaggert’s free throw with 11 seconds to go completed the scoring.
UTEP made more free throws than its opponent attempted for the fifth straight game. Denver finished 12-for-16 at the line. The Miners turned their +9 rebound margin into a 17-8 advantage in second chance points.
“The key things tonight were we got offensive rebound baskets,” Floyd said. “Cedrick Lang came off the bench and really helped us. Vince Hunter started the ballgame and didn’t play crunch minutes for the first time in a while. He didn’t play the last two minutes [in regulation] and the first overtime at all, and came in three minutes deep into the second overtime and did some great things. He received a pass from Ced in our zone offense and finished a play at the rim. He had a big block late. Ced made a couple of free throws late and C.J. knocked down a big basket late.”
For a while, it looked like the teams would have a hard time scoring 40 points. It was 37-35 Miners with five minutes remaining in regulation.
“Baskets were hard to come from,” Floyd said. “The key number was they shot 27 percent from the field and we had to go two overtimes, which tells us we didn’t shoot it real well ourselves. We won the battle on the boards, which was probably the biggest key in the game, and we got ourselves to the foul line and kept them off the foul line.”
Lang (10 points/eight rebounds) joined Bohannon on the All-Tournament Team. Hunter was the Don Haskins Award winner after collecting eight points and 10 rebounds. Cooper scored 15 points. Washburn shot 1-for-9 from the field and scored two points, but helped the Miners immensely on the other end of the floor.
“His defense was just terrific and we told him that in the locker room,” Floyd said. “He had a real struggle offensively tonight and you give their defense a ton of credit. But Julian did not get affected by his lack of offense, and it’s something Vince as a young player needs to pay attention to, because he’s going to have nights like that in his career. Julian went out and affected the game. He had a tremendous defensive rebound late when we needed it. He handled ball well against the press and guarded his guy. Whoever we put him on, he just shuts that guy down. He takes great pride in it.
“We had one assist at halftime and I thought good gosh,” Floyd said. “But again, I credit their defense. They did a great job and we’re not real fluid right now. We’re making adjustments in the backcourt and we don’t have a real flow coming into play. It’s something we’re going to work on. We’ve got nine days before our first conference game and we plan to maximize that time with our guys and see if we can’t get a little better.”
The Vista Hills Country Club has been chosen to host the 2013 Sun Bowl Golf Challenge. Representatives and fans from Virginia Tech and UCLA will be pitted against each other in an 18-hole two-person-scramble match play format.
The winning university will be determined by the number of matches a university wins. Two-person teams will be formed from each university, and they will go head-to-head against a two-person team from the other university. You can sign-up as a two-person team or you can sign-up as an individual, and we will place you on a team.
Golfers and Fans attending the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Basketball Tournament are also welcome to play. Teams must be entered and paid in full not later than noon on Saturday, December 28th, 2013.
For more information please call Bill Greenawald at 915-443-5589.
Texas Ex Blake Brockermeyer has been named the 2013 Legend of the Sun Bowl announced Sun Bowl Association President Walker Crowson.
“We are so honored to be able to add Blake Brockermeyer as a Legend of the Sun Bowl,” said Crowson. “Blake was a standout offensive lineman for Texas who had both successful college and NFL careers. He is one of the best offensive lineman ever to play in the Sun Bowl.
“I still remember watching Blake play in the 1994 Sun Bowl against North Carolina where he helped pave the way for Priest Holmes, another Legend of the Sun Bowl, and lead the Longhorns to victory in one of the most exciting Sun Bowl games ever played. It is fitting that Blake is the first offensive lineman named a Legend of the Sun Bowl.”
Brockermeyer will be inducted at the 2013 Rotary Sun Bowl Team Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 30 at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased to the event by calling 915-504-9013. Individual tickets are $50, while corporate tables begin at $450.
“I’m very humbled and honored to be recognized by the Sun Bowl Association,” said Brockermeyer. “This honor is only possible because of the great coaches and teammates I had at the University of Texas. I accept this only as a reflection of our hard work and dedication as a team.”
The Rotary Club of El Paso uses net proceeds to support its annual Children’s Christmas Party (held annually since 1922), which treats some 4,500 Head Start children to a holiday fiesta at the El Paso County Coliseum. Other youth programs include Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Youth Appreciation Day scholarships.
Blake Brockermeyer • 2013 Legend of the Sun Bowl
A 6-4, 300-pound, athletic and dominant left tackle for the Longhorns and in the NFL, Brockermeyer was a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection who earned first team All-America honors from both the Football Writers Association of America and The Sporting News as a junior in 1994. He was named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy that year and elected to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.
While at Texas, he started all 34 games of his career, which ended on a 16-game streak without allowing a sack. In 1994, he helped the Longhorns to an 8-4 record, including a Sun Bowl win over North Carolina.
A starter at left tackle, Brockermeyer was instrumental in the Longhorns’ 35-31 win over North Carolina in the 61st edition of the Sun Bowl game. Leading 21-17 at the half and through a scoreless third quarter, Texas gave up back-to-back touchdowns relenting the lead to the Tar Heels. The Longhorns answered with their own pair of scoring drives as Brockermeyer and the offensive line made room for fellow Sun Bowl Legend Priest Holmes to score four rushing touchdowns and 24 points, tying both bowl records previously set by Thurman Thomas (Oklahoma State) in 1987.
Brockermeyer’s task at the line was not an easy one as he lined up against a pair of All-Americans and first-round draft picks, Marcus Jones and Greg Ellis, culminating a stellar collegiate career with his 16-consecutive game without allowing a sack. He was named the Jimmy Rogers, Jr., Most Valuable Lineman of the 1994 game.
Following that year, Brockermeyer declared himself eligible for the 1995 NFL Draft and was a first-round (29th overall) selection by the Carolina Panthers. He completed his degree in speech communications during his NFL rookie season.
Brockermeyer started at left tackle all four of his years with the Panthers from 1995-98 before signing as a free agent with the Chicago Bears where he started for three seasons from 1999-2001. He played two more seasons with the Denver Broncos before concluding his nine-year NFL career having played in 136 games with 103 starts.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Brockermeyer was a consensus first-team All-State selection and one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects out Arlington Heights High School.
In addition to being named a Legend of the Sun Bowl, Brockermeyer was previously named to the Sun Bowl’s 75th Anniversary All-Sun Bowl Team in 2008.
Brockermeyer is the 29th member of the elite fraternity of the Legends of the Sun Bowl that includes Cornelius Bennett, Tom Brookshier, Terry Donahue, Vince Dooley, Tony Dorsett, John H. Folmer, Tony Franklin, Hayden Fry, Ken Heineman, Priest Holmes, Don James, Major Harris, Charley Johnson, Harrison Kohl, Verne Lundquist, Johnny Majors, Jimmy Rogers, Jr., Gerald J. Rubin, Craig Silver, Bill Stevens, Pat Summerall, Barry Switzer, Grant Teaff, Derrick Thomas, Thurman Thomas, Pat Tillman, Alex Van Pelt and Jesse Whittenton.
The 80th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST). CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 46th consecutive year. Ticket prices for the game are $17, $22, $32, $42, $52 and $62. Tickets can be purchased at the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416, 800-915-BOWL or email), online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any TicketMaster outlet.
Two-time NFL Punt, Pass & Kick winners Jasper Sanchez and Emily Alvarado will compete at the halftime of the Dallas vs. Green Bay game on Sunday, Dec. 15, AT&T Stadium.
Sanchez, the quarterback of his seventh grade football team at Bill Sybert Middle School, finished first in the 12 and 13 age category with a combined score of 337 feet and 4 inches at this year’s PP&K held at Sun Bowl Stadium this October. His high score ranked him in the top four of the El Paso, Lubbock, and Amarillo region. His first trip to Dallas was in 2010 where he placed third overall.
“I am excited to go again, especially this time because the Packers are my favorite team,” said Sanchez.
Repeat winner, 15-year old Alvarado is on the Mexican National Soccer team, which has been invited to compete in the World Cup. Alvarado recorded a total score of 304 feet and 3 inches, a personal record for her at a PP&K event.
“I knew I had done better this year than before, I was hoping to reach 300 so I was really happy when I got over 304,” Alvarado said. “I had a good feeling but was still hoping it would be enough to get me to Dallas.”
This PP&K vet has been competing since the third grade, winning when she was in the fourth grade and placing second in Dallas overall.
Along with Sanchez and Alvarado, four other El Paso competitors will be representing the Sun City at this weekend’s Cowboys game. Daniel Lopez (7 yrs. old), Kayden Anderson (7 yrs. old), Julian Palma (9 yrs. old), and Adrian Sanchez (10 yrs. old).
A total of six El Paso competitors is the most sent to represent the West Texas Region.
Price’s Creameries and the Sun bowl will cover all travel expenses for the competitors and a parent for each.
Virginia Tech and UCLA have accepted invitations to meet on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for the 80th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, announced Sun Bowl Association Football Committee Chairman John Folmer.
“We could not be more excited to have UCLA and Virginia Tech in the Hyundai Sun Bowl,” said Walker Crowson, Sun Bowl Association President. “Both schools have rich football traditions, outstanding coaches and passionate fan bases. Coach Jim Mora has re-established UCLA as a power in the Pac-12 and Coach Frank Beamer always has Virginia Tech in a position to compete for championships in the ACC.
“We think this will be one of the most competitive and attractive games in our long and proud history, and one befitting the 80th Hyundai Sun Bowl. We look forward to hosting the Bruins and Hokies, along with their fans and alumni, and providing them with our renowned Sun Bowl hospitality.”
The 2013 Hyundai Sun Bowl will mark the first meeting between the two teams.
Virginia Tech, 8-4 and 5-3 (ACC), returns to the foundation of their 26-bowl game history. The Hokies’ first bowl appearance was in the 1947 Sun Bowl. Cincinnati defeated Virginia Tech 18-6 at Kidd Field. The Hokies will be making their first appearance at Sun Bowl Stadium.
“We are extremely excited to be coming to the Sun Bowl,” Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. “All my conversations with people who have been there have been extremely positive, and it is my understanding that the Sun Bowl people do an excellent job with their hospitality. It’s great for our kids and fans to be able to visit a different part of the country. The Sun Bowl was our first bowl in 1947, and it’s time to get back.”
The Hokies’ Hyundai Sun Bowl appearance is the 21st consecutive bowl appearance for Virginia Tech under Beamer. The Virginia Tech graduate is the winningest active coach in the FBS.
“We’re very excited to have the chance to go back to El Paso and the Sun Bowl,” said Jim Weaver, Virginia Tech Director of Athletics. “It was the first bowl game for Virginia Tech back in 1947 and we are looking forward to going back.”
UCLA , 9-3 and 6-3 (Pac-12), will be making its fourth appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, the Bruins hold a 2-1 record in Sun Bowl games. The Bruins’ last trip to the Sun City resulted in the program’s largest comeback win over Northwestern, 50-38. Before that, Wisconsin edged the Bruins 21-20 in 2000 while UCLA claimed a 6-3 victory over Illinois in 1991.
“UCLA Football is honored to be a participant in the Hyundai Sun Bowl’s 80th Anniversary game,” said UCLA head football coach Jim Mora. “These are the kind of games that you get excited about.
“We get to play on New Year’s Eve in a historic bowl game in front of a national audience on CBS. We get to go for our 10th win of the season against a tremendous ACC opponent in Virginia Tech. This is the kind of opportunity that our players and coaching staff live for, and we can’t wait to play this game.”
The 2013 Hyundai Sun Bowl will be the 33rd bowl appearance for the UCLA program and the second under second-year head coach Mora.
“The Hyundai Sun Bowl is noted for its history, tremendous hospitality and how well it treats the game’s participants year-in and year-out,” said UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. “Every time UCLA has traveled to El Paso the experience has been first class all the way, and we’re excited to be a part of one of the oldest traditions in college football history.”
The 80th Hyundai Sun Bowl is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST). CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 46th consecutive year, which is the longest running partnership between a network and a bowl game. Ticket prices for the game are $17, $22, $32, $42, $52 and $62. Tickets can be purchased at the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416, 800-915-BOWL or email), online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any TicketMaster outlet.
New Mexico’s Gavin Green claimed the newly-named Lee Treviño Trophy with a victory at the 39th annual Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic on Tuesday afternoon at the El Paso Country Club.
With a two-shot lead heading to the 17th hole, Green proceeded to hook his golf ball in the water, but managed to save bogey. Nipping at his heels was Alabama’s Cory Whitsett. The 2011 event champion was unable to capitalize on Green’s mishap making only par as both proceeded to the 18th tee with a one shot gap.
Both players missed the green on 18, Whitsett chipped his ball inside Green’s ball giving the junior from Selangor the chance to make par and claim UNM’s first ever All-America Classic victory.
The win guarantees Green’s automatic invitation to next year’s Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic which will be celebrating its 40th edition in 2014.
Twenty-one of the nation’s top collegiate golfers will make their way to El Paso when they take part in the 2013 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic on Nov. 23-26 at the El Paso Country Club.
“Western Refining is proud to team with the Sun Bowl Association in welcoming the nation’s finest college golfers to El Paso,” said Jeff Stevens, Western Refining CEO. “It is an honor to host one of the most prestigious college golf tournaments in the country. The quality of this year’s field is a testament to the hospitality of El Paso and the reputation of this event.”
The field includes 17 of the top 100 amateur golfers in the world, according to the World Amateur Golf Rankings including the top-ranked amateur, Cory Whitsett (Alabama), and the 2013 National Player of the Year, Michael Kim (California). Whitsett will be making his third appearance at the All-American Classic, he won the event in 2011.
Aside from Whitsett, the roster includes three other returning All-Americans from last year’s event. The top-four rated teams in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings: Alabama, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State and California, all have two players in this year’s field.
Throughout the years, many Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic competitors have gone on to pursue successful careers in the Professional Golfers’ Association of America and on the PGA Tour. Some of the past champions include Webb Simpson (2007), Ricky Barnes (2000), Notah Begay (1994), David Duval (1991), Matt Kuchar (1999), Davis Love III (1984), Chris Nallen (2003), Jerry Pate (1974), Nicholas Thompson (2004) and Tiger Woods (1995).
Alumni of the Golf Classic have gone on to earn more than $1.6 billion and win 617 events on the PGA Tour. In all, 145 colleges and universities have participated in the tournament, raising over $730,000 in scholarship money for the participating institutions.
Each university represented by the Western Refining College All-Americans will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
2013 BIOGRAPHIES
Anders Albertson
Georgia Tech • Junior
Two-time All-American … making second appearance at All-American Classic … earned back-to-back All-ACC honors … 2013 ACC Champion with a tournament-record score of 201 … named to the GCAA All-Region team … currently ranked 52nd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … tied for second at the 2012 Brickyard Collegiate … finished third at the 2013 US Collegiate Championship medalist at the 2013 U.S. Amateur qualifier at Capital City Club-Crabapple … scored a double-eagle in the 2010 Junior PGA Championship, which made ESPN SportsCenter top plays that day … a three-time selection to the ACC Academic Honor Roll … majoring in business management … plays for head coach Bruce Heppler.
Julien Brun
TCU • Junior
Two-time first team All-American … 2013 Ben Hogan Award finalist … garnered back-to-back All-Nicklaus Team honors … two-time All-Conference team selection … 2012 NCAA Championship Individual Reserve Medalist … 2012 World Amateur Team Championship for Team France … two-time Palmer Cup Team Europe member … tabbed the 2012 Mountain West Freshman of the Year … currently ranked 22nd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … semifinalist for the 2012 Ben Hogan Award … won the 2012 Challenge Tour Event in Toulouse and the 2011 European Nations Cup … majoring in communication … plays for head coach Bill Montigel.
Sebastian Cappelen
Arkansas • Senior
Three-time All-American … making third appearance at All-American Classic, finished second at last year’s event setting a new tournament record in the closing 36-holes (128), while tying the final round score best of 63 … 2013 SEC Individual Champion … three-time PING All-Central Region choice … two-time All-SEC First Team selection … represented Team Europe in Palmer Cup for third-straight year this summer … currently ranked fifth in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … tied for third at the Western Amateur earlier this year … finished first at the Patriot All-America … earned All-SEC Academic honors … majoring in economics … plays for head coach Brad McMakin.
Corey Conners
Kent State • Senior
Two-time All-American … making second appearance at All-American Classic … finished fifth at last year’s event … a two-time GCAA All-Midwest Region selection … earned back-to-back All-MAC First Team and MAC All-Tournament team honors … currently ranked 34th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … won consecutive Gopher Intercollegiate titles in 2012 and 2013 … semifinalist at the 2013 U.S. Amateur in Brookline, Mass. … finished second at the 2013 Canadian Amateur and North South Amateur … tied for fourth at the 2012 NCAA Championship … claimed the 2012 Mid-American Conference individual title … tabbed the 2012 MAC Player of the Year … 2013 All-America Scholar … majoring in mathematics … plays for head coach Herb Page .
Ian Davis
Oklahoma State • Senior
Earned honorable mention All-America honors … an All-Big 12 First Team selection … named to the Ping All-Region Team … tied for first at the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate last year … won the Cotton States Invitational earlier this year … was tabbed to the first-team Academic All-Big 12 Team … currently ranked 49th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … majoring in sports management … plays for head coach Alan Bratton.
Tyler Dunlap
Texas A&M • Junior
Earned honorable mention All-America honors … a PING All-Central Region selection in 2012 … tied for eighth at the 2013 NCAA Championships … finished second at the Porter Cup, tied for eighth at the Western Amateur and ninth at the Southern Amateur this summer … earned runner-up honors at the Big 12 Championships in 2012 … finished second at the 2012 Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters … earned a spot on the SEC Men’s Golf Community Service Team … claimed four junior golf titles … won the 2011 U.S. Amateur Sectional qualifying tournament in Hamilton, N.Y. … majoring in business … plays for head coach J.T. Higgins.
Greg Eason
UCF • Senior
Two-time All-American … tabbed to the 2013 First-Team All-Southeast Region … named the 2013 Conference USA Player of the Year … a three-time All-Conference USA Team selection … tied for eighth at the 2013 NCAA Championship … claimed UCF’s first-ever individual NCAA Regional title … won the Ohio State Invitational and Augusta State Invitational … finished first at the Jack Nicklaus Invitational as a junior … tied for 13th at the NCAA Championship and earned medalist honors at the Conference USA Championship as a sophomore … selected the 2011 Conference USA Freshman of the Year … currently ranked 28th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … majoring in communication … plays for head coach Bryce Wallor.
Jonathan Garrick
UCLA • Sophomore
Earned honorable mention All-America honors as a freshman … garnered All-Pac-12 Freshman Team accolades … tied for second at the 2013 NCAA Regional … tied for fifth at the Pac-12 Championships in 2013 …
won the Cal Poly SLO Invitational … tied for fifth at the 2013 Southern Amateur and tied for ninth at the Western Amateur this summer … was a 2011 AJFA First Team All-American … took runner-up honors at the 2011 AJGA Junior Players Championship … plays for head coach Derek Freeman.
*Gavin Green *
New Mexico • Junior
Earned third team All-America honors as a sophomore … a first-team PING All-West selection and an All-Mountain West selection … finished third at the Mountain West Championships … winner at the William H. Tucker Intercollegiate … tied for second at the PING Golfweek Preview … finished sixth at the Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters … currently ranked 18th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … won the 2012 Malaysian Amateur Open and MPI-Saujana Amateur Open … finished sixth at the Selangor Masters this summer … majoring in sports management … plays for head coach Glen Millican.
Jonathan Grey
Georgia State • Sophomore
Earned honorable mention All-American as a freshman … tabbed the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and named to the Sun Belt All-Conference First Team … a PING All-Region selection … tied for sixth at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional … became first GSU golfer to win a collegiate debut and back-to-back tournaments with wins at the Mason Rudolph Championship and Brickyard Collegiate … also finished first at the Mission Inn Spring Spectacular … named to the Sun Belt Championship All-Tournament Team following a fourth-place finish … tied for eighth at the South of England Championship this summer … majoring in psychology … plays for head coach Joe Inman.
Michael Kim
California • Junior
Two-time All-American … garnered the Haskins Award and the Jack Nicklaus Award as the National Player of the Year … a two-time PING All-West Region selection … finalist for The Ben Hogan award … selected as the Pac-12 Player of the Year … earned back-to-back All-Pac 12 team accolades … won the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational and the Fresno State Lexus Classic … tied for first at the Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters and the Arizona Intercollegiate … currently ranked third in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … finished second at the U.S. Public Links … member of Team USA in this summer’s Palmer Cup … majoring in media studies … plays for head coach Steve Desimone.
M.J. Maguire
North Florida • Junior
Earned third team All-America honors … garnered All-Southeast Region accolades … a two-time Atlantic Sun First Team All-Conference … captured medalist honors at Atlantic Sun Championship marking his first individual collegiate title … tied for second at the NCAA Tallahassee Regional … named to Atlantic Sun All-Freshmen team … tied for second at the Oglethorpe Invitational this summer … earned medalist honors at the 2009 Bobby Chapman as a junior … collected runner-up showings at Golf Pride and Cliffs at Walnut Cover in 2009 … majoring in sports management … plays for head coach Scott Schroeder.
Jordan Niebrugge
Oklahoma State • Sophomore
Earned honorable mention All-America honors as a freshman … named to the All-Big 12 First Team … tied for second at The Prestige at PGA West … finished second at the Morris Williams Intercollegiate … tied for 10th at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional … currently ranked 10th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … member of the 2013 Walker Cup … won the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship this summer … won the Western Amateur Championship and the WSGA Match Play Championship … selected to the 2012 Big 12 All-Rookie Academic Team … majoring in entrepreneurship … plays for head coach Alan Bratton.
Jack Perry
Northwestern • Senior
Earned honorable mention All-America honors … selected to the All-Big Ten First Team … won the Les Bolstad Award for having the Big Ten’s lowest regular season stroke average … runner-up for the Big Ten Player of the Year award … tied for medalist honors at the season-opening Inverness Intercollegiate for his first college win … claimed the Northwestern Spring Invitational … tabbed a Scholar All-American … named to back-to-back Academic All-Big Ten teams … finished third at the Northern Amateur this summer … majoring in communications … plays for head coach Pat Goss.
Rhys Pugh
East Tennessee State • Junior
Two-time Walker Cup member … named Second Team All-Atlantic Sun and Atlantic Sun All-Academic … finished second at the A-Sun Championship … earned a spot in the 2013 Open Championship after winning the European Amateur Championship in August … won the Peter McEvoy and Fairhaven trophies in 2010 … youngest player to represent Wales at the senior level in the Men’s Home Internationals (15 years old)… represented Wales in the European Men’s and Eisenhower Trophy, while also leading the under-18 Great Britain and Ireland Team as the captain … won the 2011 Irish Amateur Open … earned two British under-18 Championships, three Welsh Order of Merit titles, two Clwyd Open titles, and a title at Aberconwy … majoring in sports management … plays for head coach Fred Warren.
Ollie Schniederjans
Georgia Tech • Junior
Earned third team All-America honors … selected to the All-ACC team … tied for eighth at the 2013 NCAA Championship … won the U.S. Collegiate Championship while tying for first at the Carpet Capital Collegiate this fall … finished second at the U.S. Amateur and The Dogwood Invitational this summer … won the 2012 U.S. Amateur qualifier at Piedmont Driving Club … currently ranked third in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … tabbed an Academic All-American … currently ranked 13th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … majoring in business management … plays for head coach Bruce Heppler.
Brad Shigezawa
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps • Senior
Named the NCAA Division III Player of the Year after capturing the NCAA DIII individual title … a two-time DIII All-American … garnered SCIAC Player of the Year honors after earning medalist honors at the SCIAC Championships and both SCIAC regular season tournaments … tied for first at the Collegiate Invite at Jekyll Island … named an All-American Scholar in 2013 … took medalist honors at the SCIAC Championships and finished ninth at the NCAA Championships in 2012 … earned All-American, All-Region and All-SCIAC honors in 2012 … majoring in biology … plays for head coach Bim Jollymour.
Michael Weaver
California • Senior
Two-time All-American … picked up Masters and U.S. Open invitations following a runner-up finish at the 2012 U.S. Amateur … tied for first at the NCAA Pullman Regional … named to the All-West Region and All-Pac-12 First Team teams … finished second at the 2013 Pac-12 Championship … tied for second at the PING/Golfweek Preview … part of the 2013 Palmer Cup and Walker Cup teams … runner-up at the 2012 U.S. Amateur … finished second at the Players Amateur this summer … currently ranked 10th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … majoring in business administration … plays for head coach Steve Desimone.
Cory Whitsett
Alabama • Senior
Three-time All-America selection … making his third appearance in the event … claimed the 2011 Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic title … the current top-ranked amateur by the World Amateur Golf Rankings … tabbed the 2013 SEC Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year … first team All-SEC in all three seasons … garnered All-Nicklaus Team honors in 2013 … two-time NCAA Elite 89 Award honoree … named to the All-Mickelson Team in 2011 … member of the 2013 Walker Cup and Palmer Cup squads … majoring in business … plays for head coach Jay Seawell.
Cameron Wilson
Stanford • Senior
Earned third team All-America honors … five top-five finishes … tied for second at the Gifford Intercollegiate at CordeValle … finished ninth at Pac-12 Championship … tied for first at the 2013 Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational … finished fifth at the 2013 Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters and the U.S. Intercollegiate … won sectional qualifier for 2012 U.S. Open … three-time U.S. Amateur participant … finished first at 2012 Metropolitan Golf Association and third in 2011 … currently 25th third in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … two-time All-America Scholar … majoring in history … plays for head coach Conrad Ray.
Bobby Wyatt
Alabama • Senior
Two-time All-American … garnered All-SEC accolades all three years … has 15 top-five finishes … took runner-up honors at the 2013 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional and Aggie Invitational … selected to the 2013 U.S. Walker Cup Team … currently ranked 16th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … medalist at the 2012 U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills Country Club … finished runner-up at the SEC Championship and NCAA Athens Regional as a sophomore … tabbed to the SEC All-Freshman team … a four-time champion at the Alabama Boys State Championship … majoring in business management … plays for head coach Jay Seawell.
Thirty-eight champions have been crowned throughout the rich history of the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic. When this year’s tournament winner walks off the green, he will be the first recipient of the Lee Trevino Trophy.
“Over the last 38 years, this tournament has grown in prestige,” said Gary Hanson, Chairman of the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic. “It is fitting that a man that was influential in getting this tournament started, and has made so many contributions to the game of golf, have this trophy named after him. After all, the winner of the tournament known for ‘Where Legends Get Started’ should receive a trophy named after a legend.”
The 1981 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee came to El Paso following a four-year stint with the United States Marine Corps. He became a club professional at the then Horizon Hills Country Club before qualifying for the PGA Tour in 1967. A six-time major champion, Trevino earned 29 PGA Tour victories and was named the 1971 PGA Tour Player of the Year. He became the first golfer to win the U.S. Open, the Canadian Open and the British Open in the same year.
An influential figure in the golf world, Trevino was instrumental in the creation of the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic that began in 1974.
“This is quite an honor for someone that did not have the opportunity to go to college,” Trevino said. “The most important thing is that this tournament has donated more than $730,000 in scholarships to the schools represented providing opportunities for others to chase their dreams.”
A philanthropist throughout his career, Trevino has supported charities such as the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Boys Scouts of America leading him to be named the 2013 PGA Distinguished Service Award.Trevino was named to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Sports Committee and was a 1971 National Christmas Seal Sports Ambassador amongst many other charities in support of the military, children, and shelters for abused women and disease prevention and research.
Local businesses and organizations joined forces to collect 34,093 pounds of clothing for the 2013 FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Clothing Drive that will benefit the Goodwill Industries of El Paso and local charities.
“We are appreciative for the support we received from the local community in this year’s clothing drive,” said Ruben Batista, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of El Paso, Inc. “The generosity of the El Paso and Las Cruces communities will go a long way to support the benefitting charities.”
For the second consecutive year, Harvest Christian Center was the top contributor to the clothing drive by collecting the most pounds of clothing and will be awarded a prebuilt Thanksgiving parade float.
FirstLight Federal Credit Union members and employees collected over 5,200 pounds of clothing to help support the clothing drive as the major sponsor of the Thanksgiving Day parade.
“The clothing drive provides an opportunity for local businesses and members of the community to come together to support El Paso and Las Cruces, said Karl Murphy, President and CEO of FirstLight Federal Credit Union. “We are extremely grateful for all the support that has been provided and I would like to express thanks to all those who have participated in this event. FirstLight Federal Credit Union is excited about the opportunity to give back to the community through our clothing drive again this year.”
This is the fourth year FirstLight Federal Credit Union, the Sun Bowl Association, the YMCA and Goodwill Industries of El Paso have teamed up to give the annual Thanksgiving parade, now in its 77th year anniversary, a way to give back to the community that has made the parade the most attended event in the Sun City.
In addition to awarding a prebuilt float to Harvest Christian Center, two organizations will be given a chance to participate in the Thanksgiving day parade. The St. Patrick’s Cathedral School and Western Technical College all collected over 2,500 pounds of clothing.
Collections from the Clothing Drive are valued using a predetermined formula. Goodwill Industries will distribute $1,120 in vouchers to each of the following El Paso and Southern New Mexico charities as a result of this successful clothing drive:
• La Casa in Las Cruces
• El Paso Armed Services YMCA
• American Red Cross El Paso Chapter
• Lee and Beulah Moor Children’s Home
• Project BRAVO
The vouchers are to be used by clients of these charities to purchase personal goods from Goodwill stores.
The 77th Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is Thursday, November 28 at 10 a.m. The parade route runs along Montana Avenue beginning at Ochoa Street and ending at Copia Street. Review stand tickets for the parade can be purchased at any FirstLight Federal Credit Union branch, Circle K store locations or at the Sun Bowl Association office for $5.
This year’s parade theme is “Memorable Moments in Entertainment”. Former World Boxing Association Light Middleweight Boxing Champion, Austin Trout will serve as grand marshal of the parade.
Clothing is still being collected to support the clothing drive effort throughout the holiday season at all Goodwill locations.
Complete list of participating businesses and organizations:
Sun Bowl Association
First Light Federal Credit Union
YMCA
Goodwill
Armed Services YMCA
La Casa
Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home
Project BRAVO
Chase Bank
Colonial Insurance
CEA Group
David L Carrasco Job Corps Center
Western Tech College
Radisson Hotel
Rio Bravo Title
Camino Real Middle School
Helen of Troy
Logan Elementary School
Desert Eagle Productions Dance Studio
Harvest Christian Center
El Paso Times
South Loop Elementary School
Altep Inc.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral School
Fred Loya Insurance
William Beaumont Army Medical Center
Hyundai of El Paso and the Sun Bowl Association are proud to announce Three Dog Night as the performing act for the 2013 Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013.
“We are delighted to have Three Dog Night perform at this year’s Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta” said Oscar Leeser of Hyundai of El Paso. “This Grammy-nominated group transcends music generations and that is why we decided to have them perform an hour-long concert at the Fan Fiesta.”
The appearance will mark the first time Hyundai of El Paso sponsors an artistic performance at the event. Hyundai of El Paso had previously sponsored the halftime act for the Hyundai Sun Bowl game. The Fan Fiesta is free and open to the public.
With Three Dog Night performing on the eve of the 80th Hyundai Sun Bowl game, a high school band will be given the opportunity to perform a routine during halftime on Dec. 31.
“A high school band performing during the Hyundai Sun Bowl game pays homage to the history of the game,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “The first Sun Bowl game in El Paso featured the city’s top high school players, the El Paso All-Stars, against Ranger High School. Bringing in a high school band to march on the field during the 80th edition of the game is a special way to recognize the beginning of this football tradition in El Paso.”
The high school band will be selected from the participating bands at the 77th annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.
About Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night will perform a full set beginning at 7:15 p.m. at the 17th annual Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta that begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. with the largest fireworks display in the Sun City.
The Grammy-nominated band had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including three No. 1 singles, 11 Top 10’s, 18 straight Top 20’s, seven million-selling singles and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs.
Initially brought together by Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, Three Dog Night recorded the music of songwriters of their time including Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Elton John, Laura Nyro, Paul Williams and Hoyt Axton among many others.
The band, which is made up of Wells and Hutton on lead vocals, original band mates Jimmy Greenspoon (keyboards) and Michael Allsup (guitar) and completed by Paul Kingery (bass and vocals) and Pat Bautz (drums), performs over 75 shows a year, re-creating their larger than life songs, including “Joy to the World”, “Shambala”, “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)”, “One”, “Liar”, “Black and White” and “Celebrate”.
Their now-famous name came from a story about Australian hunters who, on cold nights in the outback, sleep with their dogs for warmth; the coldest evening is a “three dog night”.
High School Band Halftime Rules
To be eligible your high school band must:
•Submit a parade application by no later than Wednesday, November 13.
•Participate in the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade held on Thanksgiving Day Thursday,
November 28 starting at 10 am.
•Submit a DVD of a 5-6 minute halftime performance with your parade application. The performance must be from the current school year.
•Your band must march in full uniform attire.
•You band will be judged on the following criteria: presentation, marching, quality of sound and your DVD entry.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl Halftime Guidelines for the winning band:
•Each band member and director will have a reserved seat at the football game. Friends and family will have to purchase a ticket.
•The band that performs at halftime must be the same band that enters the parade and is seen on the DVD.
Prices for this year’s bowl game are $17, $22, $32, $42, $52 and $62 ($2 facility fee included). Purchases made through Ticketmaster will incur additional service charges.
For more information please call the Sun Bowl Association office at (915) 533-4416.
The Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union are proud to announce the former World Boxing Association Light Middleweight Boxing Champion, Austin Trout, as this year’s grand marshal for the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade.
“It is an honor for Austin Trout, a great professional boxer, to be our grand marshal for the 77th Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade,” said Karl Murphy, president and CEO of FirstLight Federal Credit Union. “He is a great example in the community and is a member of FirstLight Federal Credit Union. Trout is the former world junior middleweight champion who recently fought Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in one of 2013’s biggest fights. He is regarded as one of boxing’s bright young stars and future champions and is a part of our community.”
In addition to honoring Trout, parade officials have selected Mitchell Marcus and Jonathon Montañez as honorary grand marshals for this year’s parade. Marcus and Montañez, former students at Coronado High School and Franklin High School, respectively, have been recognized for their commendable sportsmanship moment during a rivalry basketball game earlier this year.
“Jonathon Montañez and Mitchell Marcus exemplify the spirit of our community,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “Their story being shared nationwide brought to light what a tight-knit community we are. Jonathan’s unselfish act and Mitchell’s relentless attitude is something we want to continue celebrating.”
Trout became a boxing success after winning his first professional fight at the age of 20. The southpaw became the WBA Light Middleweight Champion in 2011, defeating the defending champion Rigoberto Alvarez.
The Las Cruces native announced last week that he will be facing current WBA interim champion Erislandy Lara (18-1-2, 12 KO’s) on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Trout, now 28 years old, was able to maintain an undefeated record until April of 2013, dropping a decision to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, making his record 26-1 with 14 knockouts. The junior middleweight boxer was inducted into the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame this past summer.
“I am very excited to be a part of the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, which has been a regional tradition since 1936,” said Trout. “I continue to honor the tradition of the biggest event in the Southwest by serving the parade with pride.”
Outside of the ring, Trout devotes his time speaking to elementary school children against bullying; he is also a supporter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation geared towards childhood cancer research. Most recently, he has spent time making appearances for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and collecting school supplies for underprivileged children in the State of New Mexico.
The 77th Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is November 28th at 10 a.m.
Review Stand tickets for the parade can be purchased now at FirstLight Federal Credit Union branches, Circle K locations and the Sun Bowl Association office. For more information call (915) 533-4416.
Over 100 children from the area participated in the Price’s Creameries Give ‘Em Five NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition presented by the Sun Bowl Association and El Paso Parks and Recreation at the Sun Bowl on Thursday night.
The top four finishers of each division (ages 6-15) in the El Paso, Lubbock and Amarillo Sectionals will advance to the Team Championships to take place during halftime at a Dallas Cowboys game to be determined.
If competitors from the El Paso area advance to the Team Championships, the Sun Bowl Association and Price’s Creameries will cover hotel, air and ground transportation expenses for the child and a parent to represent El Paso in Dallas.
Businesses and organizations can begin collecting clothing items on Monday, Sept. 16; the clothing drive will run through Monday, Nov. 4. The organization that collects the highest poundage of clothing will be awarded a pre?built float, valued at $10,000, advertising their name, they will also have the opportunity to have one company vehicle in the parade and will be allowed to have participants walk alongside the float.
“We invite everyone to come out El Paso strong and join us in this year’s First Light Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade Clothing Drive,” says Mark Huerta, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Goodwill Industries of El Paso. “First Light Federal Credit Union, the Sun Bowl Association and the YMCA have joined Goodwill and we are extremely proud to be a part of an overwhelming community commitment to support the five benefiting organizations. These organizations include the Armed Services YMCA, American Red Cross, Lee and Beulah Moor Children’s Home, La Casa and Project BRAVO. This year, we hope to collect 50,000 pounds of clothing to truly help our community”
Organizations that raise over 2,500 pounds of clothing will also have a chance to also participate in the parade with up to 10 individuals marching and carrying their respective company banner.
The clothing collected will provide jobs and much needed assistance to those families that are facing challenging economic times. The benefitting organizations for this year’s clothing drive are the American Red Cross, the Armed Services YMCA, La Casa, Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home and Project BRAVO.
“We are delighted to continue this initiative with FirstLight Federal Credit Union, Goodwill of El Paso and the YMCA,” said Walker Crowson, President of the Sun Bowl Association. “The Sun Bowl Association is committed to enhancing the communities we live in and this is a wonderful way for all of us to give back as individuals and organizations.”
Over 37,000 pounds were collected during last year’s clothing drive, Harvest Christian Center was the winner of last year’s parade float.
For more information on the clothing drive or challenge please contact Ruby Trejo at 915-778-1858 or at rtrejo@goodwillep.org.
You can follow us on Twitter at @EPLCCares (https://twitter.com/EPLCCares) and the #EPLCCares hashtag or you can like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/epcares.
The Sun Bowl Association and WestStar Bank are pleased to announce the field for the 2013 WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational. Western Illinois, Denver and Alcorn State will join UTEP for the 52nd edition of the invitational scheduled for Dec. 28-29, 2013 at the Don Haskins Center.
“We’re looking forward to another exciting tournament this year,” said Larry Patton, President and CEO of WestStar Bank. “As title sponsor, we are extremely proud to work with the Sun Bowl Association and to be a part of the success and positive impact the tournament has had over the years.”
Denver and Alcorn State will open the weekend with a 5 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, Dec. 28, to be followed by UTEP vs. Western Illinois at 7 p.m. Western Illinois and Alcorn will meet on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 5 p.m. to be followed by UTEP and Denver at 7 p.m.
Western Illinois and Denver are coming off 22-win seasons that led them to regular season conference championships. In addition, Denver advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament while Western Illinois participated in the College Basketball Invitational.
Both programs are led by 2013 Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year finalists Joe Scott (Denver) and Jim Molinari (Western Illinois).
“The Sun Bowl Invitational has been a vital part of the holiday fabric here for many years,” said UTEP Head Coach Tim Floyd. “We’re looking forward to welcoming some new opponents this year including two 20-game winners a year ago.”
Denver comes to the Sun City following back-to-back 22-win seasons, 22-10 in 2013, and capturing a share of the Western Athletic Conference regular season championship. The Pioneers return three starters from the 2012-13 season including senior Chris Udofia who helped Denver end the past campaign ranked 63rd in the RPI.
An All-WAC First Team and All-WAC Defensive Team selection, Udofia was the Pioneers’ scoring leader (13.3) and was tabbed to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 6 First Team. Also returning for Denver is All-WAC Third Team honoree Brett Olson. The junior guard ranked second in the WAC in three-pointers made (2.38) and third in three-point field goal percentage (.434).
Coach Scott is the first coach to bring three different teams to the Sun Bowl Invitational. The Princeton alum’s last appearance was with his alma mater in 2004. Prior to that, Scott brought his Air Force Falcons to the invitational in 2002.
Western Illinois enjoyed their most successful season in program history after winning the program’s first ever regular season championship of The Summit League and earning 22 wins, the most ever in their Division I history. The Fighting Leathernecks led the nation in least personal fouls committed (12.6) and ranked second in scoring defense (52.7).
The Fighting Leathernecks return three players that saw action in every game of the 2012-13 season. Senior Adam Link is coming off selections to The Summit League All-Newcomer Team and All-Summit League Third Team.
Molinari was tabbed the 2013 ‘Coach of the Year’ by The Summit League, CollegeInsider.com and College Sports Madness.
A young Alcorn State team will head to El Paso with an impressive class of freshmen that include an ESPN top-100 center, one of the top Memphis forwards and two state champions in Mississippi. Sophomore LeAntwon Luckett, the Braves’ second leading scorer (13.4) in 2012-13, returns to the starting line-up. Joining Luckett, is Mississippi State transfer Shaunessy Smith, one of the top shooting guards in the state of Mississippi from Noxubee County High School.
UTEP, 76-22 all-time in the tournament claiming 29 titles, will host this year’s classic for the 52nd year.
The Miners return six players who appeared in at least 24 games during the 2012-13 season including junior Julian Washburn. Tabbed third team All-Conference USA as well as to the league’s All-Defensive Team, Washburn was also the scoring leader for the Miners (12.3).
With three starters returning from last season, the Miners also welcome back five of their top seven scorers (Washburn, John Bohannon, McKenzie Moore, Cedrick Lang and C.J. Cooper) and their top four rebounders (Bohannon, Lang, Washburn and Moore).
“We are very excited about this year’s field for the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational,” said Barry Kobren, Sun Bowl Association chairman for the event. “One of our main goals each year is to bring in teams that will help UTEP’s strength of schedule and RPI. We think we’ve done that by bringing in two opponents who each won 22 games and were conference champions with high RPI’s of their own.
“We are also excited that Alcorn State and Coach Luther Riley will be joining coaches Joe Scott (Denver) and Jim Molinari (Western Illinois). Coach Riley is building a great program at Alcorn that will feature an exceptional recruiting class in 2013. They should be a much improved team."
Denver returns to the nation’s oldest holiday invitational after a 40-year hiatus. The last time the Pioneers played in the Sun Bowl they defeated Baylor (70-51) and advanced to the championship game to face UTEP in 1963. The Miners claimed the tournament title with a 53-42 win over Denver. Western Illinois and Alcorn State are making their first appearance in the event.
Tickets
Beginning Dec. 2, tickets will be available at the Sun Bowl Association office at (915-533-4416 or 800-915-BOWL), the UTEP Ticket Center (915-747-5234) and TicketMaster outlets. Tickets can be reserved now by calling the Sun Bowl Association office. Tickets are also included in UTEP season ticket packages.
Four-Game, Two Night Package:
$40 (rows 1-34) and $20 (rows 35-39)
*$20 UTEP students, plus one guest at same price
Two-Game, One-Night Package:
$22 (rows 1-34) and $12 (rows 35-39)
*$12 UTEP students, plus one guest at same price
Packages and Single Day Sales
-Tickets can only be sold as a package (4-game, 2-nights) until Monday, December 16.
-Single event sales (2-games, 1-night) will be offered beginning Monday, December 16, 8 am
UTEP Student Seating
-Student seating will be reserved seating, not GA
-Purchased with student ID at UTEP only
-May purchase two tickets at military/student price, available in all sections
Active Military Pricing
-Military pricing will be offered at the same price as the student pricing
-Purchased with military ID
-May purchase four tickets at student/military price, available in all sections
*Must purchase at the UTEP Ticket Center Only
The Sun Bowl Association announces the coronation of the 2013 Sun Queen and Sun Court.
The Sun Bowl Association announced the coronation of the 2013 Sun Queen and Sun Court on Saturday evening at the El Paso Country Club.
Madeline Clark, daughter of Charles and Susan Clark, was crowned the 2013 Sun Queen. Clark is a junior marketing major at the University of Texas at Austin.
Clark is a member of the Alpha Phi Women’s Fraternity, is a mentor recruitment co-chair for Gateway Scholars and serves on the Women’s Business Council. While in Austin, she has worked as a tutor in the Austin Partner in Education program.
She is the founder of the “Head to Toe” charity that gathers warm clothing during the holiday season for local organizations such as Dame La Mano, Child Crisis Center, El Paso Rescue Mission and the Children’s Grief Center.
A graduate of Eastwood High School, Clark was a member of the Mayor’s Top-100 Teens, a recipient of the Kohl’s Kids Who Care scholarship, captain of the Saltatrix Varsity Dance Team and the senior class treasurer.
The 2012 Lady-In-Waiting is Bhriannon Tiscareño, daughter of Rosario Tiscareño. She is a senior mechanical engineering major at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Tiscareño is a member of the Mexican American Engineering Society and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. She has also been a part of the UTEP marching band and steel drum ensemble and is the percussion instructor at Americas High School.
She volunteers her time as youth director, confirmation catechist and the pastoral council at Saint Patrick’s Church. Tiscareño has also been involved with the Austin High School Gear Up Math and Science Tutoring Program, the Sun City Regional Science Fair, the Chapin Senior Symposium and the Lego League-Robotics Competition.
A graduate of Chapin High School, Tiscareño was a member of the Project Lead the Way Engineering Magnet Program, the National Honor Society, the Hispanic Honor Society, and was the section leader of the percussion section of the band.
The 2013 Aria Borunda, Winter De La Cruz, Rebecca Gutierrez, Hannah Hartshorn, Savannah Lewis, Elizabeth Marquez, Melissa Moya, Bianca Salas, Perla Salcedo, Elizabeth Vicencio and Audrey Westcott.
Judging is based on poise, appearance, personality, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of El Paso. Contestants must be enrolled as full-time students. The coronation has been a tradition in El Paso since the first collegiate Sun Bowl game in 1936.
Sun Court members serve as ambassadors for the Sun Bowl Association, as well as for the City of El Paso. The Sun Queen and Sun Princesses will attend various community events, such as the Hyundai Sun Bowl, FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic, Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, Price’s Creameries Sun Bowl youth camps and clinics and other various events throughout the community.
The Sun Bowl Association announced today a six-year extension with the Atlantic Coast Conference set to begin in 2014.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the ACC,” said Walker Crowson, Sun Bowl Association President. “We have been part of the ACC family for the past three seasons which has allowed us to bring high-profile, competitive teams to the Sun Bowl and we look forward to building upon that tradition.
“We have only begun to scratch the surface of the quality and depth that the ACC has to provide which is exciting for us. When you combine the strength of the current ACC teams and the addition of its new schools this year and next, the possibilities for compelling Sun Bowl games are endless.”
The Hyundai Sun Bowl will share the third through sixth selections from the ACC with the Belk Bowl, the New Era Pinstripe Bowl and the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl or the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. The Discover Orange Bowl will continue to have the conference champion or the first selection followed by the Russell Athletic Bowl.
“The Hyundai Sun Bowl has one of the most storied bowl histories and we are pleased to continue our partnership for the next six years,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “The Sun Bowl Association does a first-class job in its hospitality, community involvement and creating an experience that will long resonate with our participating teams.”
The ACC representative will face an opponent from the Pac-12 Conference in which the Hyundai Sun Bowl selects after the newly-formed College Football Playoff and/or the Rose Bowl, the Alamo Bowl, the Holiday Bowl and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
“The new college football playoff system has significantly altered the landscape in which all bowls are operating,” Crowson added. “In light of all of the changes that bowls are facing, we could not be happier that we are able to continue our strong partnership with one of the premier conferences in the country for the next six years. On behalf of the Sun Bowl Association, I want to thank the ACC and its member institutions for continuing that partnership. We look forward to hosting the ACC, its teams, fans and alumni in the future.”
The Hyundai Sun Bowl is the second oldest college football bowl game in the nation. First played in 1935, the Hyundai Sun Bowl currently matches teams from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. The Sun Bowl has featured many college football stars that went on to outstanding pro football careers. The list includes such stalwarts as Merlin Olsen, Tony Dorsett, Barry Sanders, Don Maynard, Jesse Whittenton, Billy Stevens, Charlie Johnson, Carson Palmer and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Over the past 79 years, the Sun Bowl has drawn more than two million fans through its gates and has averaged 50,299 fans a year over this past decade, including four sellouts in 2004 (51,288), 2005 (50,426), 2009 (53,713) and 2010 (54,021).
The Sun Bowl has a legacy of providing top quality entertainment and exciting college football games. In 2011, the first overtime contest in game history came as Utah tied up the score with 1:32 left in regulation. The Utes responded to a Georgia Tech field goal with a touchdown for the 30-27 win.
This year’s game will mark the 80th anniversary of the Sun Bowl and is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST) at Sun Bowl Stadium. CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 46th consecutive year.
The Sun Bowl Association produces additional major community events, such as the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, the Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta and the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic.
Tickets for the 80th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl will go on sale on Monday, July 1, beginning at 10 a.m.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling the Sun Bowl Association at (915) 533-4416. Tickets may also be purchased and set up on an annually renewable account by calling the Sun Bowl Association office. Current account holders will receive renewal invoices in late July.
Prices for this year’s bowl game are $17, $22, $32, $42, $52 and $62 ($2 facility fee included). Purchases made through Ticketmaster will incur additional service charges.
In addition to the release of individual tickets, football fans will have the opportunity to take advantage of the “Me+3” 80th anniversary promotion consisting of four $32 tickets for $80 (plus applicable fees).
“We are looking forward to this milestone anniversary and all the special events surrounding our 80th game,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “Our goal is to sell this game out and have our fans come out to celebrate the nation’s second oldest college bowl game with us.”
With the purchase of each football ticket, fans will be eligible to win one of 80 prizes that will be given away on December 31 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the game.
This year’s game is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Sun Bowl Stadium and will pit selections from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. The Pac-12 pick will be this year’s home team.
The Sun Bowl Association announced today the extension of its partnership with the Pac-12 Conference with a six-year agreement beginning in 2014.
“The Pac 12 has been an invaluable partner for the Sun Bowl for many years and we are looking forward to our continued partnership with them,” said Walker Crowson, President of the Sun Bowl Association. “The Pac 12 Conference has helped the Sun Bowl deliver quality and exciting match-ups to El Paso in the past and will continue into the future.”
The Hyundai Sun Bowl Football Selection Committee will have the fourth selection from the Pac-12 following the newly-formed College Football Playoff subject to selection guidelines established by the conference. With the new contract, the 2014 game will begin a six-year appearance at Sun Bowl Stadium through 2019.
“The Pac-12 looks forward to continuing our relationship with the Sun Bowl, that outside of the Rose Bowl, has stretched longer than any other bowl game," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. “Our teams thoroughly enjoy the hospitality and overall experience provided by the Sun Bowl and El Paso community. Maintaining our partnership with the Sun Bowl provides another quality postseason matchup for the Conference, and adds to an already strong lineup of bowl games for years to come.”
Pac-12 teams have combined for a total of 29 appearances in the Hyundai Sun Bowl for an overall record of 16-12-1, including a 10-7 record over the last 18 years. Seven of the bowl’s all-time highest attended games have featured a Pac-12 team.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl Football Selection Committee is currently under negotiations to bring a quality opponent from a current Bowl Championship Series conference to match up with the Pac-12.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl is the second oldest college football bowl game in the nation. First played in 1935, the Hyundai Sun Bowl currently matches teams from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. The Sun Bowl has featured many college football stars that went on to outstanding pro football careers. The list includes such stalwarts as Merlin Olsen, Tony Dorsett, Barry Sanders, Don Maynard, Jesse Whittenton, Billy Stevens, Charlie Johnson, Carson Palmer and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Over the past 79 years, the Sun Bowl has drawn more than two million fans through its gates and has averaged 50,299 fans a year over this past decade, including four sellouts in 2004 (51,288), 2005 (50,426), 2009 (53,713) and 2010 (54,021).
The Sun Bowl has a legacy of providing top quality entertainment and exciting college football games. In 2011, the first overtime contest in game history came as Utah tied up the score with 1:32 left in regulation. The Utes responded to a Georgia Tech field goal with a touchdown for the 30-27 win.
This year’s game will mark the 80th anniversary of the Sun Bowl and is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 31 at noon (MST) at Sun Bowl Stadium. CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 46th consecutive year.
The Sun Bowl Association produces additional major community events, such as the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, the Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta and the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic.
The Sun Bowl Association is proud to unveil a special anniversary logo to commemorate the 80th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl game.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl, the second oldest bowl game behind the Rose Bowl, was first played on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 1935, at El Paso High School’s Jones Stadium. This year’s game will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Sun Bowl Stadium.
“On behalf of the Sun Bowl Association, we would like to thank the city of El Paso for its continuous support of the bowl game during the past eight decades,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas.
“We take pride in the history and tradition that the Hyundai Sun Bowl game has built, not only in our community, but in the world of college football. We’ll be using this commemorative logo throughout the year to remind our fans of one of the treasures of the Southwest.”
In addition to celebrating the 80th anniversary of the football game, the Sun Bowl Association has a special treat for a select number of fans that attend this year’s game. On December 31 ticket buyers will have a chance to win one of 80 gifts donated by local and national businesses on December 31.
“We were looking for a way to reward our fans that support us when buying a ticket to our game,” Olivas said. “The partnerships we’ve been able to build with businesses in and out of El Paso throughout the years are tremendous. They’re excited to help us celebrate an important milestone of our game with their donation.”
Every ticket purchased will be entered to win one of the 80 gifts to be given away during the game.
The 2013 game will mark 46th consecutive broadcast on CBS. The game features selections from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences.
Tickets for the 2013 Hyundai Sun Bowl are $17, $22, $32, $42, $52 and $62 and will go on sale at a later date.
