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EL PASO, Texas – It took almost every second of the 60 minutes played to determine the winner of the 83rd Hyundai Sun Bowl as two storied universities, Stanford and North Carolina, fought down to the wire before the 16th-ranked Cardinal eventually prevailed 25-23 over the Tar Heels in front of 42,166 fans.
UNC (8-5) trailed by eight with 1:34 left in the game and had to drive 97 yards to try and tie the game after a Stanford (10-3) punt pinned them at the 3-yard line. Tar Heel quarterback Mitch Trubisky showed why he is considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the NFL, bouncing back from three previous turnovers to lead UNC down the field on that final drive.
Trubisky began the drive with a 13-yard completion to All-ACC first teamer Ryan Switzer. The big pass play came a few plays later after Trubisky hit his big 6-5 target Bug Howard down the sideline for a 44-yard completion that took the ball from the UNC 28-yard line to the Stanford 28-yard line.
Once again it was Switzer and Howard that would wrap up the drive as a 27-yard completion to Switzer placed the ball at the 1-yard line with just over 30 seconds remaining. After a run that lost a yard and an incomplete pass, Trubisky seemed to be in trouble on third down but somehow escaped, scrambled and eventually found Howard in the end zone with 25 seconds left to get within a two-point conversion of tying the game.
But the biggest name on the Cardinal defense came up big during the two-point conversion as defensive end and eventual C.M. Hendricks MVP award winner Solomon Thomas sliced through the Tar Heel offensive line and got to Trubisky before he had a chance to get a pass off. A failed onside kick would close UNC’s chances and give Stanford its third Sun Bowl victory and first in 20 years.
The future NFL prospect Thomas finished with seven tackles, two for losses, a sack and the biggest play of the game. He is the first defensive player to win the Sun Bowl MVP since UCLA linebacker Jordan Zumwalt was named Co-MVP in 2013 and the first defensive lineman to win the award since Oregon State’s Victor Butler won the award in 2008.
Trubisky finished 23-of-39 for 280 yards but had three costly turnovers including two interceptions and a fumble. On the Stanford side, senior quarterback Ryan Burns relieved starter Keller Chryst after he got injured in the first quarter. Burns finished 6-of-12 for 86 yards. Leading the charge for the Cardinal was running back Bryce Love, who was playing in place of Stanford’s All-American Christian McCaffrey. Love finished with 119 yards on the ground on 21 carries including a career-high 59-yard romp. He also caught a 49-yard touchdown pass.
The Tar Heels would take an early 7-0 lead, only to see the Cardinal mark 16-straight points, mainly off the leg of place kicker Conrad Ukropina who tied a Sun Bowl record with four field goals in the game en route to being named the John Folmer Most Valuable Special Teams Player.
The Tar Heels struck first to open the scoring. After holding the Cardinal to a three-and-out on their first possession, Trubisky led UNC on a 10-play, 71-yard drive that culminated with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Trubisky to Switzer. The touchdown connection was Trubisky’s 29th passing touchdown of the season, a new school record.
The rest of the first-half scoring, however, belonged to the team from the Pac-12 as Stanford would rally for the final 13 points of the first stanza. The Cardinal immediately evened the score following the Tar Heel touchdown drive with a quick touchdown drive of their own.
The drive, which only took six plays and less than three minutes, culminated with a 49-yard touchdown pass Chryst to Love. Love’s first touchdown reception of the season knotted the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
Stanford then had an eventful third possession that started around midfield after a UNC three-and-out. After an early personal foul flag for a late hit against the Tar Heels, the Cardinal seemed to have their second-straight touchdown after Chryst hit JJ Arcega-Whiteside in the corner of the end zone for an apparent 27-yard score. The called was looked at and after further review it was determined that the ball hit the ground before the catch, thus negating the score.
On the next play from scrimmage, Chryst ran down the field on a quarterback keeper, but did not get up after the tackle. He had to be helped off the field with an apparent knee injury and would not return to the game. Burns, who started the first seven games of the season for Stanford, would play the rest of the game.
Burns gained positive yardage on his first play from scrimmage, but a delay of game penalty and a sack would stall the drive. The Cardinal would have to settle for a Ukropina 44-yard field goal a few plays into the second quarter that would give them their first lead of the game.
On UNC’s following possession, Trubisky would have his first turnover as Stanford’s Dallas Lloyd intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards to the Tar Heel 35-yard line. However, the Cardinal could not move the ball and came away empty after Ukropina missed on a 36-yard attempt that hit the left upright.
Ukropina would redeem himself, however, after Trubisky fumbled the ball after apparently running into an official with under two minutes left in the half. Ukropina nailed a 33-yarder, his school record 20th of the season, as Stanford led 13-7 at the half.
UNC kicker Nick Weiler tried to cut into the Cardinal lead during the first possession of the second half, but his 51-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. The middle portion of the third quarter saw the teams add a field goal to their score as Ukropina hit a 43-yard field goal and Weiler redeemed himself with a 37-yarder.
Down six, the Tar Heels turned to senior running back T. J. Logan to help them regain the lead. Logan’s running led a 9-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown run by freshman Jordan Brown, his first career touchdown. UNC regained the lead 17-16 with just over two minutes left in the third.
Lloyd once again came up big for Stanford a couple of plays into the fourth quarter as the senior safety once again intercepted a Trubisky pass, this time running it back 19 yards for a pick-six that once again gave the Cardinal the lead, this time at 22-17 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.
Ukropina’s record-tying fourth field goal with 3:23 left gave Stanford a 25-17 lead that set up the game’s final dramatic moments.
Stanford has now won its last three bowl games and finishes the season on a six-game winning streak. The Tar Heels, on the other hand, finish the season losing two of three and have lost three-straight bowl games.
Stanford Post Game Quotes; Dec. 30, 2016
North Carolina Post Game Quotes; Dec. 30, 2016
2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl Post Game Notes
2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl Game Notes
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Fans and families do not want to miss out on the 2016 Fan Fiesta presented by El Paso Live, Thursday, Dec. 29 at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center from 4-8 p.m. (MT), with a fireworks show immediately following.
An El Paso holiday staple since 1998, the Fan Fiesta has gained a new sponsor in El Paso Live.
Admission to the event is free with a wide variety of entertainment planned for the party, including local afro-toting disco legends, Fungi Mungle, matachines dancers, mariachis, ballet folklorico and a performance by the University of North Carolina band.
A sneak peek of Sun Bowl half-time performers Elia Esparza and Khaliya Kimberlie is also planned. Wild West-inspired performance troupe Six Guns and Shady Ladies will be part of the entertainment lineup.
Restaurants including Forti’s Mexican Elder, Carnitas Queretaro and Delicious Burrito will be serving up signature dishes. Academy Sports’ interactive tent, along with Sports World and Hyundai Sun Bowl Apparel, are providing team gear to Stanford and North Carolina, along with El Paso-themed items.
A kids’ area will also be set up with 18 interactive and inflatable activities. A $5 wristband is required. Military guests with a valid ID can enjoy the interactive attractions for free.
The Fan Fiesta is a way to showcase the spirit, flavor and hospitality of El Paso. Along with the various performing groups representing different artistic styles, multiple food and merchandise vendors will be on hand.
Sun Bowl Association Special Events Director Joe Daubach mentioned that the event continues to grow in popularity, and he fully expects great attendance.
2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta -Presented by El Paso Live
MAIN HALL PERFORMANCES
4:00 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. – National Anthem
4:05 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Horizon High School Band and Stanford Cheerleaders
4:35 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. – Introduction of the Sun Court
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Performance by Fungi Mungle
5:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Elia Esparza and Khaliya Kimberli
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – University of North Carolina Band Performance
6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Performance by Fungi Mungle
LOBBY PERFORMANCES
4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.- Performance by Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte
Mariachis Raices de America
6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Performance by Danza San Pio X de Matachines
PATIO PERFORMANCES
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Performance by Danza San Pio X de Matachines
FIREWORKS
8:15 p.m – 8:25 p.m. – Fireworks Spectacular
Other Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta Entertainment
FREE admission from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FREE – Face painting for the kids and adults
FREE – Entertainment including Bands, Dance Groups, Mariachi Players and much more
FREE – Ability to take picture with a Wild Western Group and Hyundai Sun Bowl Selfie Booth
Appearance by:
Halftime performers and “The Voice" Contestants Elia Esparza of El Paso and Khaliya Kimberlie
Food Venders:
Delicious Burrito and SMG Ball Park Favorites
Various Vendors – Sun Bowl apparel, El Paso souvenirs, 18 interactive displays and many other venders
The Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta will COMP all military children under 12 a $5 wristband. This will allow unlimited entries to the 18 inflatable/interactive games. You must present your Military ID at the inflatable games ticket tent to receive the wristband.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The 55th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational concluded on Thursday, Dec. 22 with Akron defeating Maryland Eastern Shore in the Championship Game 76-60, while UC Irvine picked up a victory in the Consolation Game 62-57 over UTEP in the Don Haskins Center.
This marks the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Title for the Zips and moves them to 10-3 on the year.
Akron’s Atino Jackson was awarded the Barry Kobren Most Valuable Player Award after he tallied 13 points, six assists and only one turnover in 32 minutes of play against the Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore. Dante Caldwell of Maryland Eastern Shore was awarded the Don Haskins Award, which is presented to the player who best exemplifies the characteristics most valued by Coach Haskins.
All-Tournament Team
Isaiah Johnson (Akron)
Bakari Copeland (Maryland Eastern Shore)
Jaron Martin (UC Irvine)
Dominic Artis (UTEP)
Don Haskins Award
Dante Caldwell (Maryland Eastern Shore)
Barry Kobren Most Valuable Player Award
Antino Jackson
Game One Recap
Senior guard Jaron Martin scored 22 points to lead UC Irvine over UTEP, 62-57, in the consolation game of the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at El Paso, Texas, Thursday night.
Martin was 7-of-11 from the field, including 6-of-10 from the three-point line. He hit four triples in the span of two minutes early in the second half and his fourth trey put the Anteaters up 44-38 with 15:36 left, a lead that UCI would never relinquish. Martin scored 17 of his points in the second half.
It was Martin’s third consecutive 20-point game and his fifth of the season as he has averaged 25.0 points in the last three contests. Martin, who was named to the all-tournament team, has 146 career threes to rank ninth in UCI history, six behind No. 8 Daman Starring.
Senior center Ioannis Dimakopoulos added 12 points and tied his career high with 11 rebounds while freshman guard Evan Leonard recorded a career-best 11 points, hitting 8-of-8 free throws. Sophomore forward Jonathan Galloway pulled down nine rebounds and sophomore Brandon Smith tied his career high with seven boards while redshirt freshman guard Max Hazzard registered a career-best six assists.
This marked the eighth consecutive loss for the UTEP Miners, but came out of it feeling a lot more optimistic heading into the holiday break.
The Miners got after it on the defensive end, implementing a zone that frustrated the Anteaters into 36 percent shooting. And for the second straight game, UTEP went down to the wire with UCI, only to come up just a bit short.
Paul Thomas was 4-for-4 from the field and 5-for-5 from the line in Wednesday’s tournament opener against Maryland Eastern Shore. Willms averaged 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in the tournament, making 11-of-17 shots.
Game Two Recap
Bolstered by a strong defensive effort, strong 3-point shooting and solid depth, the Akron Zips knocked off Maryland Eastern Shore, 76-60, in the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational championship game on Thursday night at the Don Haskins Center.
The Zips held the Hawks to just 39 percent shooting, hit 10 3-pointers and had eight players score on the night. Also, Akron outscored Maryland Eastern Shore 42-30 in the second half.
Akron is now 10-3 on the season, while Maryland Eastern Shore is 2-12.
The Zips, who had 19 assists as a team, had five players score in double figures. Post Isaiah Johnson led the way with 15 points, guards Antino Jackson and Jimond Ivey chipped in with 13 points, forward Kwan Cheatham had 10 points and Tavian Dunn-Martin had 10 points. Jackson added six assists and had just one turnover in 32 minutes.
Akron vs MDES – Dec. 22, 2016
UC Irvine vs UTEP – Dec. 22, 2016
(recaps courtesy of UC Irvine and UTEP media relations and El Paso Times)
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The 55th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational started on Wednesday, Dec. 21 with Akron defeating the defending champion, UC Irvine 88-80 in game one of the day and Maryland Eastern Shore picking up a win over UTEP in game two 71-66
Akron faces Maryland Eastern Shore in the championship game at 7 p.m. (MT), after UTEP takes on UC Irvine in the consolation game at 5 p.m.
Game One Recap
The Akron Zips advanced to the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Championship Game after defeating UC Irvine 88-80 on Wednesday evening at the Don Haskins Center. In addition, the win gave 13th-year head coach Keith Dambrot his 287 career win at Akron, just one win away from tying the program’s all-time win record.
Junior guard Antino Jackson, a Houston, Texas native, led all-scorers with 23 points, and three more Zips scored in double figures. Sophomore guard Josh Williams recorded 18 points, while senior center Isaiah Johnson and junior guard Noah Robotham contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
For UC Irvine Freshman Brad Greene registered career highs of 10 points and nine rebounds, and freshman Eyassu Worku also scored 10 points. Freshman Tommy Rutherford added eight boards in the first meeting between the Big West Conference and Mid-American Conference schools.
Game Two Recap
Bakari Copeland scored a career-high 27 points, doing his damage inside and out as Maryland-Eastern Shore knocked off UTEP, 71-66, on day one of the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on Wednesday in the Haskins Center.
The Miners (2-8) lost their seventh straight and will meet UC Irvine (5-9) in the tournament consolation game on Thursday at 5 p.m.
UTEP outshot UMES (2-11) 41.8 percent to 37.5 percent, and outrebounded the Hawks 44-31. But the Miners couldn’t overcome 3-for-17 shooting from three-point territory, and UTEP finished with 14 turnovers to UMES’ six.
Copeland made 7-of-13 shots, 4-of-6 three pointers and 9-of-11 free throws while adding seven rebounds for UMES, which won its first road game of the season. UTEP has lost five in a row at home.
Dontae Caldwell added 13 points for the Hawks, and Ryan Andino scored all 11 of his points in the second half.
Akron vs UC Irvine – Dec. 21, 2016
Maryland Eastern Shore vs. UTEP – Dec. 21, 2016
(recaps courtesy of Akron, UC Irvine and UTEP media relations)
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The 55th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational starts today, Dec. 21 with two games scheduled. Below is the information on today’s games and attached are game notes from each team.
Today’s Games
Game One
5 p.m. – Akron (Visiting Team) vs. UC Irvine (Home Team)
Game Two
7 p.m. – Maryland Eastern Shore (Visiting Team) vs. UTEP (Home Team)
Live Stats Link: http://www.utepathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/don-haskins-sun-bowl-invitational-16.html
Akron record: 5-8
UC Irvine record: 8-3
UMES record: 1-11
UTEP record: 2-7
Akron Head Coach: Keith Dambrot (Akron, ’82)
UC Irvine Head Coach: Russell Turner (Hampden-Sydney, ’92)
UMES Head Coach: Bobby Collins (Eastern Kentucky , ’91)
UTEP Head Coach: Tim Floyd (Louisiana Tech, ’77)
Akron Game Notes – Dec. 21
Maryland Eastern Shore Game Notes – Dec. 21, 2016
UC Irvine Game Notes – Dec. 21, 2016
UTEP Game Notes – Dec. 21, 2016
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Stanford University Athletics released the announcement that Christian McCaffrey will not play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. The junior running back announced Monday that he will direct his focus and efforts toward training for the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Sun Bowl Association, on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl has released a statement.
“Well we would be lying if we said we weren’t a little disappointed, but at the same time, we are also understanding,” said Executive Director Bernie Olivas.
“He (McCaffrey) was hurt earlier this year so I am sure that weighed on his decision. He has a tremendous NFL career ahead of him and that might be sitting in the back of his head. Risking injury or re-injuring might be some things he is thinking about so it really is hard to be too disappointed. Although some might see this as a trend, I believe that playing in a bowl game would be a great way to wrap up a college career. We’ve had our fair share of players who have played in our game and I hope we continue to see more,” Olivas stated.
If any members of the media would like to get an interview with Executive Director Bernie Olivas, Sun Bowl Committee Chairman John Folmer or Media Relations Director Eddie Morelos on this topic, please be at the El Paso International Airport at 2 p.m. (MT).
The 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Friday, Dec. 30 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off scheduled for noon with North Carolina taking on nationally ranked Stanford.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and WestStar Bank are announcing the dates and times of the team arrivals for the teams playing in the 55th WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational.
Although the tournament starts on Wednesday, Dec. 21, teams begin arriving on Sunday, Dec. 18. Defending tournament champion UC Irvine lands in the Sun City, Sunday at 6:50 p.m. (MT). WestStar Bank and the Sun Bowl Association invite you to join in on the fun by showing the Anteaters a warm El Paso welcoming.
“It’d be amazing to get as many people out to welcome all the basketball teams,” said Executive Director of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Bernie Olivas. “We, the people of El Paso, are known for our hospitality and I encourage the community to get out to the airport to give our visitors a great welcoming.”
Akron is the second team arriving and gets to El Paso on Monday Dec. 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MT) while the third and final team, Maryland Eastern Shore lands, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 1:15 p.m. (MT).
The basketball tournament begins on Wednesday, Dec. 21 with UC Irvine facing Akron at 5 p.m. (MT). Maryland Eastern Shore faces UTEP at 7 p.m. (MT) on day one with all games being played in the Don Haskins Center.
The Consolation Game is set for 5 p.m. (MT) on Thursday with the Championship Game set for 7 p.m. (MT).
Team Arrival Schedule
UC Irvine – Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6:50 p.m. (MT)
Akron – Monday, Dec. 19 at 2:25 p.m. (MT)
Maryland Eastern Shore – Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 1:15 p.m. (MT)
Tickets for the tournament are 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
*Must purchase at the UTEP Ticket Center Only
Single Day Sales
-Single event sales (2-games, 1-night) will be offered beginning Tuesday, Dec. 20, 8 a.m.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Led by standout quarterback Mitch Trubisky and his arsenal of offensive play makers headlined by wide out Ryan Switzer, the University of North Carolina will try to pick up a statement win against No. 16 Stanford in the 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl.
Trubisky, one of the nation’s most efficient passers and, who at one point during the season, was named the No. 1 quarterback in the 2017 NFL draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, will look to cap off an already historic season with a win over the 9-3 Cardinal. The 8-4 Tar Heels quarterback will have some help from first-team All ACC play maker Switzer, who finished the season with 91 grabs for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl, featuring the East coast vs. West coast matchup, is scheduled for a noon (MST) kickoff on Dec. 30 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
“We’re excited to represent the University of North Carolina and the Atlantic Coast Conference in the Sun Bowl, a game with so much history going back more than 80 years,” said UNC head coach Larry Fedora. “Our team is looking forward to a terrific experience in El Paso with the opportunity to finish the season with positive momentum. Stanford consistently competes for the PAC-12 championship and this will be a tremendous challenge for our team.”
Fedora enters the game having made a bowl appearance in eight of his last nine seasons. This will be the 33rd all-time bowl game for the Heels, who are 2-2 in Sun Bowl history. Their last appearance in the bowl was 1994, where they were handed a 35-31 loss by Texas.
UNC is entering the contest coming off a one score loss to North Carolina State, 28-21. Carolina has been up and down this season, racking up two-to-three wins at a time in between losses. The season was highlighted with ACC wins over Florida State (37-35), Miami (20-13) and Pittsburgh (37-36).
Fedora said of the season and the team’s latest loss, “We weren’t able to overcome all the emotions we created for ourselves. There were a few games down the stretch that we didn’t play up to our capability. We didn’t make the ordinary plays that we needed to make, and it wasn’t anything that we had to do out of the ordinary, we just couldn’t make the ordinary plays; we didn’t do that for whatever reason so I can tell you that the state of mind for this football team”
Trubisky and company run a pass heavy offense, ranking 22nd in the country in passing offense with a 294 yards per game average. A key to their success through the air has been the quarterback’s accuracy with the ball, throwing 28 touchdowns to only four interceptions to go along with his 3,468 yards.
Behind center, Trubisky set single-season records for UNC in both yardage and touchdowns. The team ranks ninth in the nation in passing efficiency, recording a 159.76 rating. Individually, the slinger ranks in the top 15 in the nation in passing yards, touchdowns, efficiency and yards per game.
In the ground game, UNC’s Elijah Hood leads with a team-high 858 yards and eight touchdowns during the regular season. Also a threat in the pass-attack, Hood caught 25 passes for 142 yards.
On defense the Tar Heels are led by Nazir Jones, recording a team-high 7.5 tackles for a loss and 62 total tackles on the year. Emerging as a veteran leader amongst a young defense, Nazir announced Friday that he will be entering the 2017 NFL draft.
“He has overcome great physical adversity and improved tremendously since he came into the program in 2013. This season he was the leader of our defensive line and someone everyone on the team respected. I believe he has a bright future in professional football if he continues to work hard and focus on being the best he can be,” Fedora said.
Other defensive standouts include defensive end Malik Carney and linebacker Andre Smith. Smith led the team with 110 tackles while Carney was the team’s best pass rusher, recording 4.5 sacks.
As a team, UNC ranked No. 14 in the nation in pass defense, allowing only 183 yards per game. On the opposite side of the ball, the Tar Heels allowed 235 rush yards per game and 28 rushing touchdowns.
Tickets for the 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Sun Bowl Association office. The 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Friday, Dec. 30 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off scheduled for noon. The game features select teams from the ACC and the Pac-12.
Tickets for the game can be purchased online through the link available at www.sunbowl.org. Customers can call the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416) and are also invited to stop by the Sun Bowl Association office that is located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso to purchase tickets.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – There were 53,713 fans inside Sun Bowl Stadium in 2009 when Stanford’s Toby Gerhart, a Heisman Trophy finalist, played his final game with the Cardinal. Fans in El Paso will have the same opportunity to watch another Heisman runner-up on Dec. 30, 2016 at noon.
Christian McCaffrey, Stanford’s star running back that finished second in the Heisman voting in 2015, announced that he will enter the 2017 NFL Draft, making the 83rd Hyundai Sun Bowl between No. 16 Stanford and North Carolina his final collegiate game.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl, the nation’s second oldest bowl game, is scheduled for a noon (MST) kickoff on Dec. 30 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to go down to El Paso and play against a great opponent,” said Cardinal head coach David Shaw, who’s 3-2 in bowl games. “I’m excited for our guys to experience the great hospitality of the Sun Bowl.”
Stanford goes into the Hyundai Sun Bowl with a 9-3 overall record and 6-3 in the Pac-12. After starting the season 3-0, the Cardinal ran into a tough stretch where they faced three eventual top-25 opponents in a span of four weeks. Stanford’s losses included current No. 4 and College Football Playoff team Washington, week 12’s No. 22 Washington State and a Colorado team that was ranked as high as No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
After that challenging stretch, Stanford won its next five games.
“We’re excited for our seniors to get a chance to play in this bowl game,” Shaw said. “To put ourselves in position to get to a bowl game from where we were at the midway point of the season, we’re very excited for the opportunity.”
McCaffrey leads a pro-style offense that scored 26.4 points per game this season. Going into bowl season, McCaffrey is seventh in the nation in rushing with 1,603 total yards. The Cardinal finished the regular season third in the Pac-12 in rushing with 215.6 rushing yards per game, which is also good for 34th in the country.
“I want to focus, and I want my team to focus on beating North Carolina,” McCaffrey said in a letter addressing his declaration for the NFL Draft. “I’m thankful for the chance to get to play another game with my teammates and to work as hard as I can to make that victory possible.”
Ryan Burns began the season under center for Stanford until Shaw decided to start Keller Chryst in week 8 against Arizona. Chryst has started at quarterback in every game of the Cardinal five-game win streak, and has thrown for 837 yards and nine touchdowns.
Defensively, Stanford’s secondary leads a unit that is ranked fifth in the Pac-12 in pass defense. The Cardinal allowed only 218.9 yards per game through the air and tallied 12 interceptions. Strong safety Dallas Lloyd leads the team with three interceptions, while junior defensive end Solomon Thomas has garnered a team-high nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
This will be Stanford’s fourth appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl. The Cardinal are 2-1 all-time in the Hyundai Sun Bowl and their latest appearance was on New Year’s Eve in 2009, when the Cardinal fell 31-27 against star-studded Oklahoma. In that 2009 appearance, Shaw was Stanford’s offensive coordinator.
“The hospitality of the Sun Bowl is off the charts and the people who run the Sun Bowl are genuine,” Shaw said.
Tickets for the game can be purchased online through the link available at www.sunbowl.org. Customers can call the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416) and are also invited to stop by the Sun Bowl Association office that is located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso to purchase tickets.
(Photo courtesy of Stanford Media Relations)
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Hyundai of El Paso have announced that Stanford University will take on the University of North Carolina in the 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl, Friday, Dec. 30 at noon in Sun Bowl Stadium.
Stanford enters the game 9-3 on the year, while winning its last five games. The Tar Heels head to El Paso with an 8-4 record. The Cardinal is 2-1 all time in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, while UNC will make its fifth appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl carrying a 2-2 record in the second oldest bowl game.
“It’s hard to ask for a better match up,” Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association Bernie Olivas said. “Both teams have great records and exceptional players. We are truly excited to bring these teams to El Paso and show them a great time. We are also excited for our fans as they will get to watch an extraordinary match-up with plenty of future pro players.”
North Carolina’s offense has seen success with first-year starting quarterback, junior Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions this season. He finished the regular season second in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) in passing, behind Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
“We’re excited to represent the University of North Carolina and the Atlantic Coast Conference in the Sun Bowl, a game with so much history going back more than 80 years,” mentioned head coach Larry Fedora. “Our team is looking forward to a terrific experience in El Paso with the opportunity to finish the season with positive momentum. Stanford consistently competes for the Pac-12 championship and this will be a tremendous challenge for our team.”
Stanford heads to El Paso making a school-record eighth consecutive postseason football bowl game. This will also mark the 28th bowl appearance for the Cardinal in school history and last played in the Hyundai Sun Bowl in 2009. Joining the Cardinal will be running back Christian McCaffrey, who finished second in the Heisman voting after the 2015 season.
Tickets for the 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Sun Bowl Association office. The 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Friday, Dec. 30 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off scheduled for noon. The game features select teams from the ACC and the Pac-12.
Tickets for the game can be purchased online through the link available at www.sunbowl.org. Customers can call the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416) and are also invited to stop by the Sun Bowl Association office that is located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso to purchase tickets.
Appearances in Sun Bowl
North Carolina (2-2)
Win vs. Texas Tech, 32-28 (Dec. 30, 1972)
Loss vs. Mississippi State, 26-24 (Dec. 28, 1974)
Win vs. Texas, 26-10 (Dec. 25, 1982)
Loss vs. Texas, 35-31 (Dec. 30, 1994)
Stanford (2-1)
Win vs. Louisiana State, 24-14 (Dec. 31, 1977)
Win vs. Michigan State, 38-0 (Dec. 31, 1996)
Loss vs. Oklahoma, 31-27 (Dec. 31, 2009)
About the universities
North Carolina
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Enrollment: 18,415 (undergraduate)
Founded: 1789
Nickname: Tar Heels
School Colors: Carolina Blue & White
Stadium (capacity): Kenan Stadium (63,000)
Surface: Natural Grass
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Chancellor: Carol L. Folt
Athletic Director: Bubba Cunningham
Stanford
Location: Stanford, Calif.
Founded: 1891
Nickname: Cardinal
Colors: Cardinal and White
Enrollment: 6,944 (undergraduate) • 9,128 (graduate)
Stadium: (50,424 • natural grass)
Conference: Pacific-12
President: Marc Tessier-Lavigne
Provost: John Etchemendy
Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics: Bernard Muir
Faculty Representative: Pat Jones
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Hyundai of El Paso have announced that two former participants from “The Voice" are scheduled to do the halftime performance at the 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl on Friday, Dec. 30 in El Paso, Texas.
Elia Esparza of El Paso and Khaliya Kimberlie, who resides in Mescalero, N.M. will perform at halftime of the match-up between a team from the ACC and the Pac-12.
“It’s great to bring in not only one, but two performs who have had national exposure,” said Executive Director of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Bernie Olivas. “Both are from the region and we anticipate that many fans will come out to support them.”
The Hyundai Sun Bowl is featuring a halftime performer for the first time since 2014 when Lone Star performed in front of more than 47,000 fans. The Andress High School Band, out of El Paso, teaming-up with the UCLA and Virginia Tech bands, putting on a show in 2013, as Three Dog Night performed at the 2013 Fan Fiesta. Lee Bryce worked the crowd of about 48,000 fans in 2012 and the Sun Bowl Association is expecting for at least that many fans to support Esparza and Kimberlie this year.
Esparza, 24, is a Mexican-American pop-soul singer who was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. She moved to New York City at the age of 17 to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, a prestigious performing arts school that accepts only 150 people per year.
“I feel honored to be singing for the 2016 Sun Bowl and it’s been a dream of mine to sing for my city, especially at such an important event,” said Esparza. “I’m grateful and extremely excited to be a part of this, and I can’t wait to perform.”
After she trained in New York, she released her debut EP, in which she wrote and co-produced. Esparza premiered on season 11 of NBC’s “The Voice” as part of Team Adam. She will be premiering her new single through Beacon Hills Recording Studios at the Hyundai Sun Bowl.
Kimberlie, 17, is half Apache, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero tribe in New Mexico. She started singing in fifth grade, when she performed a Hannah Montana song for a school talent show. Kimberlie auditioned for all state choir in sixth grade, and was one of four performers chosen in their district.
Kimberlie auditioned for the TV show, XFactor, in 2013 and got cut right before televised rounds. She competed in Alamogordo Idol shortly after, and came in second place. Kimberlie has also sang for Cope (raising awareness and funds for domestic violence victims and their children), Relay for Life events and military appreciation events. She competed in the 2015 New Mexico State Fair Karaoke Competition and took first place.
“Performing at the Sun Bowl for the halftime show means a lot to me, because this is going to be the biggest audience I have ever performed in front of,” said Kimberlie. “I am honored to perform with Elia as we got to know each other during our time on ‘The Voice.’ She is so talented and kind. I am so happy that I was chosen to do this. I can’t wait to come to El Paso and sing for you all."
Kimberlie auditioned for NBC’s “The Voice” five times, each time advancing further. Kimberlie had a blind audition on season 11 of The Voice, which aired on NBC, and she became a part of Miley Cyrus’s team. After Kimberlie was eliminated during the The Voice’s battle rounds, she received media exposure from newspapers and magazines, such as Rolling Stone and Cosmo. She is now recording music and performing at different events. Khaliya will be performing with ‘Press Play’, a collaboration of young artists, in Phoenix on Dec. 3.
The 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl game will be played Friday, Dec. 30, at 12 p.m. MT (2 p.m. ET) at Sun Bowl Stadium.
The 2016 game will mark the 83rd anniversary of the Sun Bowl game and the 49th consecutive broadcast on CBS. The game features selections from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. Tickets are available by calling the Sun Bowl Association office at 915-533-4416.
Find out more about the performers through their social media outlets (below).
Website: www.EliaEsparza.com
Facebook: Elia Esparza Music
YouTube: youtube.com/eliaesparzamusic
Instagram: @EliaEsparzaMusic
Facebook: Khaliya Kimberlie
Twitter/Instagram: @therealkhaliyak
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Looking for some fun in the sun while visiting El Paso for the 83 Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl? You’re invited to play with other college football fans and El Paso natives in the 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Golf Challenge on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Vista Hills Country Club.
Vista Hills Country Club has once again been chosen to host the Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Golf Challenge. Representatives (Fans) from the selected ACC University (TBD) and PAC-12 University will be pitted against each other in an 18 Hole Two-Person-Scramble Match Play Format.
“It’s always great to see the fans and the locals having a great time out on the course,” said Executive Director of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Bernie Olivas. “The volunteers and organizers of this event do a great job and the turnout last year was tremendous.”
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. You also have the option of playing with an El Pasoan who knows the golf course.
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 Monday, Dec.26, 2016.
CHECK-IN – 9:00 to 10:30 AM
BURRITO BAR – 9:00 to 10:30 AM
WARM-UP / FREE RN BALLS – 9:00 to 10:30 AM
WELCOME / RULES BRIEF – 10:45 AM
SHOTGUN START – 11:00 AM
AWARDS DINNER & HAPPY HOUR – APPROXIMATELY 3:30 PM
AWARDS – APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM
Previous Results: 2013 (VT 9 – UCLA 9); 2014 (ASU 10 – Duke 8); 2015 (WSU 12.5 – Miami 8.5)
Entry Fee: Seventy dollars ($70) per person includes Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls, Prizes, Goodie Bag, Burrito Bar and Awards Dinner. VHCC Golf Members ($50). Golf Club Set Rental is an additional $10 (Be sure to indicate a need at Sign Up).
You can sponsor a Wounded Warrior or Soldier for $100.
Questions: Terry Jennings or Danny Lopez at 915-592-6565. Course Information: 915-592-6565 or www.vistahillscc.com. Special Hyundai Sun Bowl Golf Rates with cart Dec. 18-30 ($20 plus tax). Show your Hyundai Sun Bowl Ticket at the Pro Shop during Check-In. Schedule your Tee Times (915-592-6565).
2016 Fan Golf Challenge _ Registration Form
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Louisiana State University sophomore Sam Burns won the 2016 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic posting a 12-under-par, 201 (67-68-66) on the 6,889-yard, par 71 El Paso Country Club course, Sunday, Nov. 13.
Burns played well from the start of the round marking a birdie on the par 4, 420-yard hole No. 1. He finished the day carding five birdies, two bogeys and an eagle. The eagle shot came on the par 5, 547-yard hole No. 13. He started the day in second place, although his consistent play from hole 1 through hole 14 boosted him into first and helped him receive the coveted Lee Trevino Trophy.
“I’d love to come back for 20 more years to play,” Burns said. “I am really honored to play in this tournament. From the first day I got here I felt extremely welcomed.”
Burns was one of the elite players in college golf as a freshman as he finished the 2015-16 campaign ranked No. 35-nationally in Golfstat’s final individual player rankings. He was also the No. 55-ranked player in college golf in the final individual player rankings released by Golfweek following the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships.
USC sophomore Justin Suh began the day in third place but jumped into a second place finish after posting a 67 in round three. He marked six birdies and two bogeys to make a push for the title but just could not make up the ground he needed as he bogeyed hole No. 13, the hole Burns fired an eagle on.
Oklahoma State junior Kristoffer Ventura, who was in the lead heading into the final round, dropped two spots to place third after posting an even par with two birdies and two bogeys.
Kentucky’s Tyler McDaniel had the best round of the day and the best round of the weekend with a 7-under-par, 64, although he struggled on day one and wrapped up the tournament in a tie for 16th. UNLV’s John Oda, who finished in fourth this year with a 7-under-par, was the last player to post a 64 in the All-America Golf Classic when he did it last year. Jerry Pate, formerly of Alabama, was the first player to card a 64 when he accomplished it during the inaugural tournament.
Day One Results
1. Sam Burns (LSU): 67-68-66—201 (-12)
2. Justin Suh (USC): 69-68-67—204 (-9)
3. Kristoffer Ventura (OSU): 67-67-71—205 (-8)
4. John Oda (UNLV): 71-67-68—206 (-7)
5. Rico Hoey (USC): 73-66-69—208 (-5)
6. Davis Riley (Alabama): 68-72-69—209 (-4)
T7. Nahum Mendoza III (SDSU): 71-69-71—211 (-2)
T7. William Rainey (Charleston): 70-70-71—211 (-2)
T7. Charles Kim (Arkansas): 72-67-72—211 (-2)
T7. Luis Gagne (LSU): 72-70-69—211 (-2)
11. Will Gordon (Vanderbilt): 73-68-71—212 (-1)
T12. Patrick Martin (Vanderbilt): 74-68-71—213 (E)
T12. Ryan Cole (JMU): 69-72-72—213 (E)
13. Jared duToit (ASU): 72-68-74—214 (1)
14. Max McGreevy (Oklahoma): 72-68-76—216 (3)
T16. Michael Perras (Houston): 74-72-71—217 (4)
T16. Tyler McDaniel (Kentucky): 73-80-64—217 (4)
18. Stratton Nolen (OSU): 73-72-73—218 (5)
19. John Coultas (Florida Southern): 74-70-76—220 (7)
The Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic is one of the premier college golf tournaments in the country. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1976.
Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Ricky Barnes, Notah Begay and Jerry Pate are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. College All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 50 majors championships and have earned over $1.8 billion in career earnings.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Under amazing playing conditions, the 2016 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic kicked off, Friday, Nov. 11 with the annual long drive, putting and flop contests at the El Paso Country Club.
USC sophomore Justin Suh won the Titleist Long Drive Contest by blasting the ball 338 yards down the fairway, beating Oklahoma State junior Kristoffer Ventura by only three yards. Vanderbilt sophomore Will Gordon placed third with a distance of 334 yards and held the lead for most of the competition.
“I think I am one of the shortest guys out here so it’s really cool to out-drive the rest of them,” Suh said.
The PING Putting Contest came down to a playoff by the two players from Louisiana State University; sophomores Sam Burns and Luis Gagne. The two Tigers tallied just 26 stokes around the course, which featured obstacles that represented the El Paso culture, but it was Gagne who would come out on top.
The Blue Media Blind Flop Contest seemed to be the most challenging of the three contests, although OSU’s Kristoffer Ventura won the event after getting his ball over the wall and within only 7-inches of the cup. Florida Southern junior John Coultas tied for second with Alabama sophomore Riley Davis as each contestant marked a distance of 1-foot-3-inches.
“I’ve never been here to El Paso before and these last two days have been amazing. I look forward to the next couple of days,” Ventura said. “I enjoyed it. It was fun and it’s a hard shot. I was able to pull it off but it’s just fun to be a part of everything.”
The Sun Bowl Association and Western Refining continue to host the event with two rounds of golf set for Saturday, Nov. 12 starting at 8 a.m. (MT) at the El Paso Country Club. The final round of golf is scheduled for Sunday at 8 a.m. Live scoring will be available online at GolfStat.com.
The Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic is one of the premier college golf tournaments in the country. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1976.
“This tournament has become a pillar here in El Paso and in the golf community,” said Tournament Chairman Gary Hanson. “The rich history of this tournament is a testament to the quality of our alumni that seem to win a PGA Tour event every week, and we are excited about the participants for this year’s tournament. It will be another exciting conclusion to the fall college schedule.”
Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Ricky Barnes, Notah Begay and Jerry Pate are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. College All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 50 majors championships and have earned over $1.8 billion in career earnings.
To be eligible for competition student-athletes must have been named as an All-America team honoree during the previous year as well the U.S. Amateur Champion or Runner Up who still have collegiate eligibility. The event is free and open to the public.
2016 Schedule
Saturday (Nov. 12)
• 8 a.m. First & Second Rounds
Sunday (Nov. 13)
• 8 a.m. Final Round
Lee Trevino Trophy presentation to the winner immediately following final round.
Titleist Long Drive Contest
1. – Justin Suh – USC – 338 yds.
2. – Kristoffer Ventura – Oklahoma State – 335 yds.
3. – Will Gordon – Vanderbilt – 334 yds.
4. – Sam Burns – LSU – 327 yds.
5. – Patrick Martin – Vanderbilt – 326 yds.
6. – Davis Riley – Alabama – 322 yds.
7. – Ryan Cole – James Madison – 314 yds.
8. – Nahum Mendoza III – San Diego State – 311 yds.
T9. – Rico Hoey – USC – 304 yds.
T9. – Tyler McDaniel – Kentucky – 304 yds.
10. – Michael Perras – Houston – 303 yds.
11. – Jared du Toit – ASU – 302 yds.
12. – William Rainey – Charleston – 300 yds.
13. – Max McGreevy – Oklahoma – 295 yds.
14. – John Oda – UNLV – 294 yds.
15. – Stratton Nolen – Oklahoma State – 293 yds.
T16. – Luis Gagne – LSU – 286 yds.
T16. – Charles Kim – Arkansas – 286 yds.
17. – John Coultas – Florida Southern – No score
Blind Flop Contest
1. – Kristoffer Ventura – Oklahoma State – 7”
T2. – John Coultas – Florida Southern – 1’ 3”
T2. – Davis Riley – Alabama – 1’ 3”
3. – Max McGreevy – Oklahoma – 2’ 2”
4. – Charles Kim – Arkansas – 4’ 1”
5. – John Oda – UNLV – 5’ 8”
6. – Sam Burns – LSU – 7’ 3”
7. – Tyler McDaniel – Kentucky – 7’ 11”
8. – Luis Gagne – LSU – 9’ 5”
9. – Rico Hoey – USC – 12’ 3”
10. – Justin Suh – USC – 12’ 5”
11. – Nahum Mendoza III – San Diego State – 29’ 10”
12. – Ryan Cole – James Madison – No score
13. – Jared du Toit – ASU – No score
14. – Will Gordon – Vanderbilt – No score
15. – Patrick Martin – Vanderbilt – No score
16. – Stratton Nolen – Oklahoma State – No score
17. – Michael Perras – Houston – No score
18. – William Rainey – Charleston – No score
PING Putting Contest
1. – Luis Gagne – LSU – 26 strokes
2. – Sam Burns – LSU – 26 strokes
T3. – Rico Hoey – USC – 27 strokes
T3. – John Oda – UNLV – 27 strokes
T3. – Davis Riley – Alabama – 27 strokes
T4. – Patrick Martin – Vanderbilt – 28 strokes
T4. – Justin Suh – USC – 28 strokes
5. – Max McGreevy – Oklahoma – 29 strokes
T6. – Jared du Toit – ASU – 30 strokes
T6. – Tyler McDaniel – Kentucky – 30 strokes
T6. – Stratton Nolen – Oklahoma State – 30 strokes
7. – Charles Kim – Arkansas – 31 strokes
8. – William Rainey – Charleston – 32 strokes
9. – Michael Perras – Houston – 35 strokes
10. – Will Gordon – Vanderbilt – 37 strokes
11. – Kristoffer Ventura – Oklahoma State – 37 strokes
12. – Ryan Cole – James Madison – 38 strokes
13. – John Coultas – Florida Southern – 38 strokes
14. – Nahum Mendoza III – San Diego State – 47 strokes
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Two participants from the El Paso area have qualified to move on to the Team Championships of the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick (PP&K), and will compete on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m. in Arlington, Texas.
Manuel Almestica Jr. and Beth Baumler will travel to the AT&T Stadium in Arlington to compete against other qualifiers the day before the Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens game.
Almestica Jr. earned top-qualifying honors in the boys’ 14-15 age division on Oct. 18 at the Sun Bowl Stadium when he scored a total of 355’2” (109’3” punt, 114’1” pass and 131’10” kick) during the Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Sun Bowl Punt, Pass and Kick presented by El Paso Parks & Recreation.
Baumler, who finished as the top-qualifier of the girls’ 14-15 age group, earned a total score of 307’2” (94’0” punt, 78’7” pass and 134’7” kick) during the Sun Bowl PP&K event.
This is Baumler’s fourth year representing El Paso in the Team Championship.
“I am very proud of our two PP&K qualifiers who will represent El Paso at the Team Championships in Arlington,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “They came out on top over thousands of other boys and girls who competed in the PP&K Sectional Competition.”
The two El Paso qualifiers will compete against six other qualifiers of the Dallas Cowboys PP&K region.
The top-four high scorers in each of the 10 age divisions from all 32 team championship events will advance to the PP&K National Championships, which takes place in January at a NFL playoff game.
+Sun Bowl+
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Hyundai have announced on Thursday, Nov. 3 that former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller is the 2016 Legend of the Sun Bowl for the 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl.
“I know that there were probably others that deserve this and when Mike Price called me to tell me about it, I just thought to myself, ‘Wow,’” Tiller said. “We look forward to getting back to El Paso.”
Tiller, who brought his team to El Paso and the Sun Bowl in 2001, 2002 and 2004, was the winningest football coach in school history, wrapping up his career with an 87-62 record. Tiller’s Boilermakers were also 53-43 in Big Ten Conference play while he was at the helm. His 149 games coached are the most in Purdue history.
“It’s great to see someone who made multiple appearances in El Paso and our bowl game being named as a Legend,” said Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “I believe that he is one of the most underrated coaches in all of college football and we, here in El Paso, should feel lucky and honored to have seen his teams in action. What an honor to have him join the rest of the Sun Bowl Legends.”
Although Tiller’s team fell 33-27 to Washington State in his first appearance in the Sun Bowl, the legendary coach returned to the Sun City the following year to lead his squad to a 34-24 victory over the Washington Huskies. After that game, Purdue quarterback Kyle Orton was awarded the C.M. Hendricks Most Valuable Player Trophy. Orton completed 25-of-37 passes (.676) for 283 yards and two touchdowns. After trailing 17-0, Purdue scored 34 unanswered points, including a pair of defensive touchdowns on two Washington fumbles. This game marked the first time in Sun Bowl history that three fumbles were returned for scores.
“What was unique about the game against the Huskies is that it was the exact same score we had when we faced them in the Rose Bowl three years earlier,” Tiller said. “It was great to get the win in front of the El Paso crowd that day, although I do remember all three of our games in the Sun Bowl were very competitive. I will always remember playing against my friend, Mike Price, when we took on WSU in 2001.”
Tiller’s memories of the Sun Bowl games, however, might be overshadowed by the memories that were made off the field while in El Paso.
“The people! That’s what I remember most about the Sun Bowl. Everyone was personable and friendly and I have always felt the Sun Bowl was the most hospitable bowl in the business,” Tiller said. “The people of El Paso always embraced us when we arrived and took care of us very well.”
Prior to Tiller’s hiring in November of 1996, Purdue football had played in a total of five bowl games. In the preceding 15 years, the Boilermakers managed merely a 54-107-5 record. Tiller introduced the spread offense to Purdue, featuring three, four, even five wide receivers and forcing defenses to cover the field from sideline to sideline. It was a radical change from the smash-mouth Big Ten style and, in the basketball-crazed state of Indiana, was dubbed affectionately “basketball on grass.”
The result was 10 bowl games, including the 2001 Rose Bowl, an average of more than seven wins per season and a Big Ten Championship in 2000. Tiller coached 64 players who went on to the National Football League, six All-Americans and two Academic All-Americans.
Tiller topped Hall of Famer Jack Mollenkopf for the most wins by a Purdue coach with his 85th victory – a 32-25 verdict over Central Michigan at Ross-Ade Stadium on Sept. 20, 2008.
In January of 2008, Tiller was awarded the Order of the Griffin, one of Purdue’s highest honors, which is given to individuals whose commitment to the university goes well beyond the call of duty, and whose strength and vision have greatly benefited the institution.
Tiller was appointed head coach emeritus by the Board of Trustees on Nov. 21, 2008.
Tiller’s 18-year head coaching record, including six seasons at Wyoming, was 126-92-1, a .578 winning percentage.
Tiller officially turned over the Purdue program to Danny Hope on Jan. 1, 2009. An assistant under Tiller at Purdue from 1997 to 2001, Hope was hired as associate head coach in January of 2008 as part of a succession plan to have him take over as head coach following the 2008 season.
Tiller was inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
Tiller’s Purdue Head Coaching Record (1997-2008)
Year Overall Big Ten (Place) Bowl Game
1997 9-3 6-2 (T2nd) Alamo / Purdue 33, Oklahoma State 20
1998 9-4 6-2 (T4th) Alamo / Purdue 37, Kansas State 34
1999 7-5 4-4 (T6th) Outback / Georgia 28, Purdue 25 (OT)
2000 8-4 6-2 (T1st) Rose / Washington 34, Purdue 24
2001 6-6 4-4 (T4th) Sun / Washington State 33, Purdue 27
2002 7-6 4-4 (T5th) Sun / Purdue 34, Washington 24
2003 9-4 6-2 (T2nd) Capital One / Georgia 34, Purdue 27 (OT)
2004 7-5 4-4 (T5th) Sun / Arizona State 27, Purdue 23
2005 5-6 3-5 (8th) -
2006 8-6 5-3 (T4th) Champs Sports / Maryland 24, Purdue 7
2007 8-5 3-5 (T7th) Motor City / Purdue 51, Central Michigan 48
2008 4-8 2-6 (T9th) -
Totals 87-62 53-43
The 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Friday, Dec. 30 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off scheduled for noon. The game features select teams from the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and the Pac-12.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The field is finalized for the 2016 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic with the Sun Bowl Association and Western Refining announcing today that there are 21 of the nation’s top collegiate golfers making their way to the Sun City for the prestige tournament, which is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Nov. 11-13 at the El Paso Country Club.
There are 12 All-Americans playing in this year’s tournament that are ranked amongst the top 100 amatuer golfers, according to World Amateur Golf Rankings. Among the top-ranked players are the following: UNLV senior John Oda (21), USC senior Rico Hoey (22), Arizona State senior Jared du Toit (29), Alabama sophomore Davis Riley (41), Vanderbilt sophomore Will Gordon (43), Vanderbilt sophomore Patrick Martin (57), LSU sophomore Sam Burns (66), Oklahoma State senior Stranton Nolen (67), Kentucky junior Tyler McDaniel (86), Oklahoma senior Max McGreevy (97) and LSU sophomore Luis Gagne (100).
The 2016 All-America field also includes the 2016 Jack Nicklaus Award winner as the NCAA Division II National Player-of-the-Year, the 2016 LSWA Louisiana Freshman of the Year, the 2016 Mountain West Men’s Golfer of the Year, a former two-time Hawai’i state champion and a former Kentucky State Amateur Champion and a three-time GCAA All-American, GCAA All-West Region and All-Pac-12 first team performer.
USC senior Rico Hoey, who finished tied for second in 2014 and tied for seventh in 2015, is returning for one last chance at the Lee Trevino Trophy. He is the 19th student-athlete to compete in three College All-America Golf Classics.
“What I like about the tournament is that you get to play with the other guys who got All-American awards. Those guys are the best and I love competing with the best.” said Hoey. “What I like about El Paso is that we all get the opportunity to win an exclusive event that not many can play but also the people we meet there are incredible.”
Along with the opportunity to compete against the best-of-the-best from the collegiate level, each university represented at the Western Refining College All-Americans will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
“Western is proud to again team with the Sun Bowl Association to welcome college golf’s most elite players in the country to El Paso,” said Jeff Stevens, President and CEO of Western Refining. “For over 40 years, this tournament has showcased the best college golfers to our city. The alumni of this tournament are now the legends of the PGA Tour and this week El Pasoans will have the chance to see the future legends of golf perform at El Paso Country Club.”
The Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic is one of the premier college golf tournaments in the country. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1976.
“This tournament has become a pillar here in El Paso and in the golf community,” said Tournament Chairman Gary Hanson. “The rich history of this tournament is a testament to the quality of our alumni that seem to win a PGA Tour event every week, and we are excited about the participants for this year’s tournament. It will be another exciting conclusion to the fall college schedule.”
Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Ricky Barnes, Notah Begay and Jerry Pate are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. College All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 50 majors championships and have earned over $1.8 billion in career earnings.
To be eligible for competition student-athletes must have been named as an All-America team honoree during the previous year as well the U.S. Amateur Champion or Runner Up who still have collegiate eligibility. The event is free and open to the public.
2016 Schedule
Friday (Nov. 11)
• 9 a.m. Titleist Long Drive
• 10 a.m. PING Putting Contest
Saturday (Nov. 12)
• 8 a.m. First & Second Rounds
Sunday (Nov. 13)
• 8 a.m. Final Round
Lee Trevino Trophy presentation to the winner immediately following final round.
2016 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic Field
Sam Burns – Louisiana State University
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
Burns committed to LSU as the nation’s No. 1 golf recruit in the U.S. according to Golfweek Junior Golf Rankings and Polo Junior Golf Rankings … As one of the most decorated junior golfers in Louisiana history, Burns earned victories at several events … In high school, he won the 2012 LHSAA Division IV state championship, two back-to-back LHSAA Division III state championships, and pushed Calvary Baptist Academy to five straight state team titles … Burns really broke through in 2014, a year in which he was honored as the AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year … He also won the 2014 AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions at Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tenn. carding record-breaking 21-under par 267 … Burns followed that by winning the 2014 Junior PGA Championship in Bryan, Texas … The U.S. defeated the Europeans 16-8. Burns qualified for the 2014 U.S. Amateur and reached the round of 32 at the Atlanta Athletic Club … During his freshman year at LSU (2015-16), Burns competed in 12 events, finishing in the top 25 in 10 of them … He helped the Tigers reach the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships, where they lost to Oregon, the eventual champions … He finished the 2015-16 campaign as the No. 35-ranked player nationally in Golfstat’s final individual player rankings … Also the No. 55-ranked player in college golf in the final individual player rankings released by Golfweek following the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships… Honored as a PING Honorable Mention All-American by the Golf Coaches Association of America … Also picked up a PING All-Southeast Region selection … Burns has made two appearances on the PGA Tour, both in 2015, at the Valero Texas Open and the FedEx St. Jude Classic, but failed to make the cut … His father, Todd, and brother, Chase, played college football at Louisiana Tech.
Ryan Cole – James Madison University
Senior – Honorable Mention All-American
2016 Honorable Mention PING All-American, CAA Golfer of the Year, VaSID State Golfer of the Year and Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-American Scholar … 2015 VaSID Second Team All-State … 2016 and 2015 First Team All-CAA after being named 2014 Second Team All-CAA … Career lows of 64 (single round), 146 (36 holes) and 202 (54 holes) … Has 12 top-15 and 19 top-30 finishes in his career … Tied for 2nd at 14-under in the 2016 NCAA Franklin Regional to qualify for the Division I National Championships … As a sophomore in 2015 Had four top-10 and six top-20 placings … Won his first collegiate tournament at the Bash at the Beach Invitational with a career-best 8-under 205, earning him CAA Golfer of the Week … … In 2012, while in high school, was the medalist at the AJGA Peninsula Junior Classic and was runner-up in both the AJGA Erie Junior Golf Classic and the AJGA William Penn Junior Championship … Son of Randy and Leslie Cole … Majoring in finance at JMU.
John Coultas – Florida Southern
Junior – Honorable Mention All-American
2016 Jack Nicklaus Award winner as the NCAA Division II National Player-of-the-Year… All-Nicklaus Team… PING/GCAA All-America First-Team… PING/GCAA All-South Region Team… Sunshine State Conference Male Athlete-of-the-Year… SSC Golfer-of-the-Year… First Team All-SSC… SSC Golfer-of-the-Week for March 21… CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-American… CoSIDA Academic All-District… NCAA Division II Academic Achievement Award winner… SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll… Hal Smeltzly Award winner as Florida Southern’s Male Athlete-of-the-Year… Team MVP for the second year in a row… Played in all 11 tournaments, one of three Moccasins to do so (John VanDerLaan and Jimmy Jones were the others)… The Moccasins’ top golfer in eight of those tournaments… Led the Moccasins with a 71.17 stroke average, which was the lowest for a Moccasin since Jeff Klauk set the school record of 70.71 during the 1999-2000 season, and was the second lowest on record by any Moccasin golfer in the program’s history… 2015 PING/GCAA All-America First-Team… 2015 Phil Mickelson Award recipient as Most Outstanding Freshman in Division II… 2015 PING/GCAA All-Freshman Team… 2015 PING/GCAA All-South Region Team… 2015 SSC All-Tournament Team… 2015 All-SSC Second Team… 2015 SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll… 2015 Team MVP… 2014 graduate of Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida… Was a four-year lettermen in golf at NHS… two-time First-Team All-County selection as a junior and senior… Was a four-time state qualifier… Son of Doug and Lisa Coultas … Major: Business Administration… Enrolled in the Honors College at Florida Southern.
Jared du Toit – Arizona State University
Senior – Honorable Mention All-American
Garnered a top-10 finish at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open, hosted at Glenn Abbey Golf Club … Collected a 72-hole total 9-under 279 (67-71-70-71), to earn low-amateur honors becoming the first Canuck Amateur to record a top-10 finish at Canada’s coveted championship since Doug Bajus in 1954 … Followed up a great junior season (2015-16) with a win at the Glencoe Invitational champion, earning medalist honors on June 18 Glencoe’s Forest Course … The 21-year-old du Toit carded a three-round tally of 2-over 218, two shots better than Calgary’s Emmett Oh (Bearspaw) [It was a tough tournament, as 61 golfers combined for three times as many bogeys (992) as birdies (326)] … Earned GCAA and Golfweek Honorable Mention All-America honors in 2015-16 with five top-10 finishes … Transferred to ASU from Idaho after his sophomore season … Best ASU outing helped Sun Devils clinch the Albuquerque Regional on May-16-18, as he tied for fifth with a 4-over 220 (74-72-73-75) … Finished the year with a 71.66 scoring average with 11 of 41 rounds in the 60s and 20 of them at par or better … Also posted top-10 finishes at the Alister MacKenzie Invitational, the Amer Air Invitational, Prestige at PGA West and Lamkin Grips.Raised in Kimberley, B.C., du Toit is a first-year selectee to Golf Canada’s national amateur squad and currently the top Canuck in the world amateur golf rankings … Won the 2015 British Columbia Amateur Title … Spent two seasons under head coach John Means at the University of Idaha … As a freshman he saw action 11 tournaments for the Vandals posting three top-10 finishes including a second-place finish at the Phoenix Desert Classic in Goodyear, AZ … earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference and Freshman of the Year Honors … Sophomore (2014-15): Led the Vandals in scoring (69.61) posting three first-place finishes including a win at the Big Sky Conference Championship.
Luis Gagne – Louisiana State University
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
2016 PING Honorable Mention All-American … 2016 Golfweek Honorable Mention All-American … 2016 PING All-Southeast Region … 2016 LSWA Louisiana Freshman of the Year … 2016 LSWA First-Team All-Louisiana … One of the top players in college golf during his freshman season while finishing the 2015-16 campaign as the No. 33-ranked player nationally in the final individual player rankings released by Golfstat and Golfweek … Earned Honorable Mention All-America honors from both PING and Golfweek for his outstanding performance … Also picked up a PING All-Southeast Region selection … Honored by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association as the Louisiana Freshman of the Year and a First-Team All-Louisiana performer … Made seven tournament appearances in his debut season with the Tigers, including six starts during the 2016 spring season … A catalyst in the Tigers advancing to match play at the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships for the third-straight season … Matched fellow freshman Sam Burns as the top Tigers in stroke play at the NCAA Championships, tying for 13th place with a final score of 4-over par 284 in 72 holes played at Eugene (Ore.) Country Club … Halved his NCAA quarterfinal match with Oregon’s Thomas Lim as the Tigers fell, 3.5-1.5, to the eventual national champions … One of the Top 20 high school recruits in the United States in the Class of 2015 … Ranked as high as the No. 16-ranked recruit nationally in the Class of 2015 in the National Junior Golf Scoreboard Boys Rankings on National Signing Day … Also tabbed the No. 17-ranked recruit nationally in the Polo Junior Golf Rankings and the No. 22-ranked recruit nationally in the Golfweek Junior Golf Rankings for the Class of 2015 … Full name is Luis Gerardo Gagne … Originally from Costa Rica … Parents are Michael and Graciela Gagne … Plans to major in either business or accounting at LSU.
Will Gordon – Vanderbilt
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
2016 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll … 2016 SEC All-Freshman Team … As a freshman, Gordon played in 34 stroke-play rounds and averaged 70.88 strokes per round … Named to the All-SEC 2nd Team and the All-Freshman Team, and also to the U.S. Palmer Cup team, the only freshman named to the American team … Tied for first at the Schenkel Invitational (67-73-63), which included a final round 63 … Also posted a final-round 63 at the SunTrust Gator Invitational … Has had seven top 10 finishes this season – the Carmel Cup (T-10th), the Tavistock Collegiate Invitational (T-4th), the SunTrust Gator Invitational (6th), the Schenkel Invitational (T-1st), the Mason Rudolph Championship (T-4th), and the NCAA Franklin Regional (T-9th) … Had a 3-0 record in match play in regular season, defeating Jimmy Stangler of Virginia (2 & 1) at the DICK’s Collegiate Challenge Cup, and Vince Whaley of Georgia Tech (4 & 3) and Ben Schlottman of Auburn (3 & 2) at the FarmLinks Collegiate Match Play … Posted 10 rounds in the 60’s … His 63 tied a league-low this season with Florida’s Sam Horsfield, but was only player in the SEC with two rounds of 63 … Prior to joining Vanderbilt Gordon was ranked as the number one ranked junior golfer in the state of North Carolina for the late part of 2013 and the first half of 2014 after finishing in the top 10 in six junior tournaments … Member of the 2015 NCISAA State Championship team … In 2013, Gordon made the round of 32 at the U.S. Junior Amateur, and in 2014, he made it to sectional qualifying for the U.S. Open … A 2013 AJGA Rolex All-America honorable mention selection, he was also a standout for his Cannon School team … Was a two-time Charlotte Observer Cabarrus News Player of the Year and a two-time NCISAA All-State team member, and holds his high school’s record for 18 holes (66) and nine holes (30) … Son of Norman and Sally Gordon … Undecided on Major … Recipient of the Loomis Family Golf Scholarship.
Rico Hoey – University of Southern California (USC)
Senior – Second Team All-American
Three-time GCAA All-American, GCAA All-West Region and All-Pac-12 first team performer who has been instrumental in the Trojans’ regular-season and post-season success the past three years … Hoey led the Trojans with a career-best 70.85 stroke average and also topped the team with 14 rounds in the 60s and nine top 10s as a 2016 junior, earning GCAA All-American second team honors, GCAA All-West Region and All-Pac-12 first team honors … He capped the season by taking second at the 2016 NCAA Championships at 3-under 277 (70-69-69-69), USC’s highest finish since Jamie Lovemark won the title in 2007 … The second-place finish was also his sixth top 5 of the season and 11th in the top 20 … He was fifth at The Prestige at PGA West at 6-under 207 (68-71-68), was a team-best tied for fifth at the U.S. Collegiate Championship at 5-under 211 (70-70-71), tied for seventh at the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America at even 213 (65-76-72) … Hoey led USC at the Pac-12 Championships, tying for 11th at even 284 (70-70-72-72) … He split his two matches at the East Lake Cup Championship Match Play, including a 3&2 win over LSU’s Zach Wright … Hoey had a streak of eight straight rounds of 72 or better earlier this year, including the first seven rounds of the spring season … During the summer of 2016, Hoey won the 117th annual SCGA Amateur Championships title by four strokes at 19-under 269 (66-70-66-67) and also played in the U.S. Amateur … As a 2015 sophomore, earned GCAA PING All-American honorable mention, GCAA All West Region and All-Pac-12 first team honors … He was second on the team with a 70.86 stroke average, 18 rounds in the 60s and six top 5 finishes, led by a second place at the Bill Cullum Invitational at 12-under 204 (65-67-72), a tie for second at the Western Refining College All-America at 7-under 206 (69-66-71) and a third at the Itani Quality Homes Collegiate at 5-under 205 (66-65-74) … He tied for 43rd at the NCAA Championships, providing two counter rounds to help USC qualify for the match play playoff … He won his quarterfinal match, 2&1, over Texas’ Doug Gihm and defeated Illinois’ Charlie Danielson, 2&1, in the semifinals … He dropped his match in the NCAA final to LSU’s Brandon Pierce, 2&1 … He carded a 74 as one of 14 collegiate players that competed in the inaugural Northern Trust Open Collegiate Showcase on Feb. 16 at the Riviera C.C. He tied for sixth in the 14-player field … Hoey just missed a spot in the U.S. Amateur match play field, falling in the third hole of a multi-player playoff … He tied for 22nd at the Players Amateur … Hoey put together one of the top seasons in Trojan golf history as a 2014 freshman, leading USC in stroke average (71.36), top 10 finishes (eight), rounds in the 60s (16), birdies (165) and eagles (eight) en route to 2014 GCAA All-American third team, All-West Region and All-Pac-12 first team honors while being tabbed the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year … A 2014 Palmer Cup pick, Hoey’s 16 rounds in the 60s and his 26 rounds of par or better were the most since Jamie Lovemark’s 20 and 27, respectively, during his 2007 freshman season … Hoey’s eight top 10s were actually all top 7 or better, including six in the top 5 … He led USC in the fall with a 70.91 stroke average in four tournaments, scoring his first collegiate win in the final fall event with an 8-under 202 (68-66-68) at the Gifford Collegiate and becoming the first Trojan to post three consecutive sub-70 rounds since 2012 … Hoey, who at one point had four straight top 5 results this year as well as a streak of seven consecutive rounds in the 60s, had back-to-back second-places at The Goodwin at 8-under 202 (66-69-67) and at the Lamkin Grips San Diego Classic at 9-under 207 (71-69-67) … He also tied for third at the Western Intercollegiate at 4-under 206 (68-68-70), tied for fourth at the U.S. Collegiate Championship at 4-under 212 (70-71-71), took fifth at the Jones Invitational at 5-over 221 (74-73-74), tied for sixth at the NCAA Sugar Grove Regional at 4-over 220 (75-70-75) … Hoey attended Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) High, where he concluded his career as a standout prep and junior player by capturing the 2013 CIF Southern Section Boys’ Golf individual title with a 3-under 69 to go with four league titles … In his final action before enrolling at USC, Hoey advanced to the match-play portion of the 2013 U.S. Amateur by tying for 20th in stroke play at 141 (73-68) … He lost in the first round of match play … Also in 2013, he tied for seventh in the Junior America’s Cup and took fourth at the Callaway Junior World Championship … Hoey won the 2012 Callaway Junior World Championship and the 2012 Junior America’s Cup and finished seventh at the 2012 California State Open … He was ranked the No. 14 overall recruit in the class of 2012 … He is a history major.
Franklin Huang – Stanford
Junior – Honorable Mention All-American
During the 2014-15 season, Huang played in nine events (28 rounds) … 72.36 scoring average … Low round: 66 (The Gifford – 3) … Low tournament: 210 (The Gifford) … Best finish: tie-eighth (The Gifford) … Tied for 54th at United States Collegiate Championships (73-74-75, 222, +6) … Tied for eighth at Gifford Collegiate Championship (73-71-66, 210, -3) … Before joining Stanford, Huang placed first at the 2014 California Junior Amateur Championship … First at 2014 CIF San Diego Section … First at 2013 Southern California PGA Toyota Tour Cup Tour Championship … First at 2012 AJGA Junior Championship … Prepped at Rancho Bernardo (Calif.) … Tied for 13th at 2012 Callaway Junior World Golf Championship … Tied for eighth at 2012 Junior America’s Cup … 2012 AJGA All-America … 2012 Rolex All-America … 2012 Rancho Bernardo Player of the Year … Two-time first team all-CIF San Diego … Led team to second at 2013 CIF San Diego … School-record three consecutive SoCal Regional appearances … 2013 HP Scholastic All-America … National Merit Scholar … Rancho Bernardo Scholar-Athlete Award … Son of Tina Mai and Gordon Huang.
Charles Kim – Arkansas
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
Finished his freshman year with a 73.5 stroke average over 27 rounds … Earned PING All-America honorable mention honors from the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) … Carded 17 counting scores over nine events … Tallied 77 birdies and shot under-par five times … Made his collegiate debut at the Sea Best Invitational with rounds of 72-72-73/217 to finish T-23rd … Recorded one top-10 finish with a ninth place showing at the SEC Championship … Shot a season-low 68 on the second day of the NCAA Championships … Completed his high school career at Cedar Park High School as the No. 24 player on the Junior Golf Scoreboard … Ranked No. 28 by GolfWeek following his senior year … Was the No. 18 signee for 2015 according to Brentley Romine of GolfWeek … Won the 2013 Bluebonnet Championship in Brownwood, Texas, as part of the Legends Junior Tour … Attended the University of Texas for the fall 2015 semester, before transferring to Arkansas.
Patrick Martin – Vanderbilt
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
2016 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll … During the 2015-16 season, Martin played in 34 stroke-play rounds and averaged 71.18 strokes per round… Named to the All-SEC 2nd Team and the All-Freshman Team…Carded five top 10 finishes – the Carmel Cup (T-4th), the SunTrust Gator Invitational (T-3rd), the Schenkel Invitational (T-7th), the Mason Rudolph Championship (T-10th), and the NCAA Franklin Regional (T-9th)…Posted 10 rounds in the 60’s this season, including all three rounds at the SunTrust Gator Invitational…Posted a season-low 66 in the final round of the SunTrust Gator…Was 3-0 in match play in regular season, defeating Danny Walker of Virginia (4 & 3) at the DICK’s Collegiate Challenge Cup, and Travis Joiner of Georgia Tech (5 & 4) and Michael Johnson of Auburn, the eighth-ranked player in the nation, (6 & 5) at the FarmLinks Collegiate Match Play … Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Martin was ranked as the 19th player in the class of 2015 at the time of his signing…Won the Alabama State Match Play Championship in the summer of 2015…Was the 7A Individual State Champion for the state of Alabama in 2015…Was a 2013 Rolex All American Honorable Mention selection and captured two AJGA events, the 2013 NRP Bluegrass AJGA Junior Classic Championship and the 2014 Huntsville AJGA Junior Championship…Represented the USA in the 2013 USA – China youth golf match and went 3-0 in his matches…Was a finalist for the AJGA/ USGA Presidential Leadership award in 2013 and 2014 … Son of Greg and Christine Martin … Plans to major in Economics…Recipient of the Bronson Ingram Men’s Golf Scholarship.
Tyler McDaniel – Kentucky
Junior – Honorable Mention All-American
A 2016 PING Third-Team All-America selection … 2016 All-SEC second-team member … Started in all 11 tournaments for the Wildcats … Posted six top-10 finishes including a runner-up finish at the SEC Championship and fourth at the NCAA Regional … Claimed the individual title at the Grove Intercollegiate … UK’s top finisher at the NCAA Championships with a tie for 26th … Led the team with a 71.76 stroke average … Turned in 20 rounds of par-or-better play … Tied for fourth at the Invitational at the Ocean Course to begin a fall season where he placed in the top five in all four events … Tied for fifth at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup which included an opening-round of 66 to begin the tournament … Was the runner-up at the Crooked Stick Intercollegiate highlighted by back-to-back rounds of 67 … Won the Intercollegiate at the Grove with rounds of 69 and 70 … Posted rounds of 68, 72 and 69 for a 1-under score at the SEC Championship … Started 11 tournaments for the Wildcats’ in his freshman campaign and ranked second on the team with a 72.12 stroke average … Notched 17 par or better rounds over 33 total rounds played, which ranked second on the squad … Earned All-SEC Freshman team honors after leading the Wildcats with an 11th place finish at the SEC Championships … Was selected as an individual participant at the NCAA Lubbock Regional … Had six total top-20 finishes and placed in the top 10 on two occasions … Captured the individual crown at the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational with an 11-under par final score marking the first win of the season for any UK player … Fired rounds of 67, 70 and 71 at the SEC Championships … In high school, McDaniel was named the 2013 National PGA Junior Champion with scores of 70-70-65-69 … Also captured the 2013 Kentucky State Amateur Champion (68-67-68), where he won by six shots to tie the tournament record … Named the 2013 Kentucky Junior Amateur Champion for three straight years … Posted four consecutive top five finishes at the Kentucky High School state tournament and is a three-time KGA-PGA Junior Player of the Year … The 2011 Mr. Golf of Kentucky registered a scoring average of 69.8 during his senior season … Recorded his low round of 65 on three different occasions … Also a standout on the hardwood, where he was named First Team All-State and the 13th Region MVP … Helped lead the basketball team to a regional championship … In the classroom, McDaniel earned Academic All-State honors each year of high school and carried a 4.0 GPA … Son of Todd and Jennifer McDaniel … Major is accounting.
Max McGreevy – Oklahoma
Senior – Third Team All-American
Named to the 2016 Division I PING All-America Third Team … Competed in all 13 team events, serving as a team captain as a junior … Claimed his first career win at the Gopher Invitational, setting a career-low 54-hole score, 206 (-7) … Set a career-low round, 66, in the final round of the Gopher Invitational and matched it three more times throughout the season, including the final round of NCAA Championships stroke play … Earned nine top-20 and five top-10 finishes … Also tallied four top-five finishes, the most by any Sooner since the 2004-05 season … Alongside teammate Brad Dalke, finished tied for 26th place in the NCAA Championships to lead the Sooners to match play for the first time in school history … Posted a team-best 72.13 (0.68) scoring average … Selected to the 10-member 2016 All-Big 12 team … Named to the 2016 All-Central Region team by the Golf Coaches Association of America … Placed on the 2016 Academic All-Big 12 first team … Named to Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll … As a sophomore during the 2014-15 season, McGreevy competed in 12 of OU’s 13 team events, missing Big 12 Championship with an injury … Tallied a 72.67 (1.17) scoring average, second best on team … Along with Michael Gellerman, led the squad with three top-five finishes … Placed within the top 10 four times and top 20 five times … Concluded season ranked No. 71 by Golfweek … Recorded eight rounds in 60s, tied for most on the team … Finished in a career-best tie for second place at NCAA San Diego Regional with a three-round 208 (-8) to help the Sooners to a 20-stroke victory … Started the season with a tie for fourth place at Carmel Cup … Tied for 51st place at NCAA Championships, carding a 54-hole 222 (6) … During the 2013-14 season, as a freshman, McGreevy competed in all 13 of OU’s team events, playing 40 rounds … Finished with a 74.03 (2.70) scoring average … Earned Big 12 Men’s Golfer of the Month honors for September after being highest finisher for Sooners in first two tournaments … Led the Sooners at the Golfweek Conference Challenge with a three-round 213 (-3) and career-best fifth-place finish in his first collegiate tournament … Tied for 32nd at NCAA Eugene Regional in Eugene, Ore., and 89th at NCAA Championships in Hutchinson, Kan. … In high school, McGreevy was a
two-time Oklahoma Class 6A State Golf Champion (2012, 2013) … Team earned Academic State Champions title … Parents: Brian and Sherry McGreevy … Brother: Tanner… Major: administrative leadership
Nahum Mendoza III – San Diego State University
Senior – Honorable Mention All-American
Quickly blossomed into one of SDSU’s all-time greats, earning second-team PING All-America honors after finishing the year with a No. 31 individual ranking by Golfstat … Also received third-team All-America recognition from Golfweek and was an all-West Region selection … Led the team with a 71.18 scoring average, posting 21 rounds at or below par, including 12 in the 60s … Collected Mountain West Men’s Golfer of the Year honors, becoming the fifth Aztec player n school history to receive such distinction … Logged seven top-10 finishes this season, including four in the top five … A Jack Nicklaus Award semifinalist … As a sophomore, Mendoza III garnered all-Mountain West accolades for the first time in his career … Ranked fourth on the squad with a 73.13 scoring average … Logged five top-20 performances, including a trio of top 10s … Totaled seven rounds in the 60s, which ranked second on the team … Also tallied six even-par efforts … During his freshman year, Mendoza III earned his first varsity letter … Ranked fourth among Aztec regulars with a 74.50 stroke average, posting two top-10 finishes … Totaled seven rounds below par and three rounds in the 60s … Prior to playing for SDSU, Mendoza III graduated in 2013 from Francis Parker School where he received first-team all-CIF San Diego Section honors following his junior and senior campaigns … Finished second at the 2012 San Diego Junior Masters after falling on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff at Carlton Oaks Country Club … Also took fourth at the AJGA Junior Challenge at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, Calif. … Mendoza III is pursuing a degree in communications.
Stratton Nolen – Oklahoma State
Senior – Honorable Mention All-American
Named a 2016 third-team All-American by Golfweek magazine … Also received 2016 honorable mention All-America recognition from the GCAA … Named an 2016 all-region selection as well … Named a 2016 first-team All-Big 12 pick … Earned his first victory at the Big 12 Championship … Was named the Big 12 Golfer of the Month following the win … Carded rounds of 71, 73, 68 and 70 for a 6-under 282 score … Finished third at the NCAA Stillwater Regional … Opened with a 68 en route to a 2-over 218 total … Tied for 26th place at the NCAA Championship with a 287 score.
As a redshirt freshman during the 2014-15 season, Nolen made four starts on the year … As an amateur, Nolen won the 2014 Texas State Public Links Championship with a 2-and-1 victory over Will Griffin in the title match … Was the runner-up at the 2014 Texas Amateur Championship after carding a 7-under total of 277 … Named the recipient of the 2013 Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award … Won the Texas 5A UIL State Championship in 2012 … Posted rounds of 71 and 69 for a 140 total before winning the event on the first playoff hole … Carded rounds of 72 and 68 to win the PGA Junior Series at The Quarry in 2012 … Was runner-up in 2011 at the Signsational Signs Junior at The Woodlands … Was named the Legends Junior Tour Player of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2012 … Won the 2010 Firecracker Open and was the event’s runner-up in 2012 … Won the 2011 Texas State Junior Championship … Posted a 5-under 208 to finish second at the 2012 HP Byron Nelson Junior Championship … Won the 2010 Stars of Texas Junior All-Star with a 206 score that included rounds of 68, 71 and 67 … Is the son of Breck and Beatsy Nolen
John Oda – UNLV
Senior – Second All-American
Recipient of the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete Award and member of the Academic All-MW team … Also made the Dean’s Honor List … Named honorable mention All-America and selected to the PING All-West Region team … Was the MW Freshman of the Year and also earned All-MW honors … Named the 2015 Earl E. Wilson Most Valuable Player, which is given annually to the top player on the squad … Played in 12 tournaments, totaling 36 rounds … Recorded nine top-20 finishes, including seven top-10s and four top-fives … Shot par or better 20 times … He won his first career tournament at the Sea Best Invitational and placed second on two occasions – at the John Burns Intercollegiate and the Jackrabbit Invitational … Shot 12 rounds in the 60s, including a career-low 64 on three occasions, setting the UNLV freshman record for low round … The 64s also tied for the second-lowest round in Rebel golf history … His 54-hole total of 198 at the Jackrabbit is tied for the third- lowest score in program history, while his 199 at The Goodwin is tied for fifth … He led the Rebels in scoring average with 71.11, which is the fourth-lowest seasonal average in program history and lowest by a freshman, shattering the old mark by 1.44 shots per round … During the summer of 2015, he played in the USGA Amateur Championship, the Western Amateur, the Sahalee Players Championship and he was selected to represent the USGA at Carnoustie in Scotland at The (British) Amateur Championship … He tied for 10th at the Sahalee Players Championship and made the round of 36 at The Amateur Championship … A 2014 graduate of Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii … Was the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Individual State Champion in 2012 and 2014 … Was the 2012 and 2013 Hawaii State Amateur Champion … Set the tournament record in 2013 at 19-under … Was the low amateur at the 2012 Hawaii Pearl Open … The son of Jay and Emiko Oda … Majoring in political science
Michael Perras – Houston
Junior – Honorable Mention All-American
2015-16 PING All-All-America Honorable Mention … 2015-16 PING All-Central Region Team … 2015-16 All-American Athletic Conference Team … 2016 NCAA Franklin Regional Individual Champion … 2015 HBU Husky Intercollegiate Individual Champion … 2014 U.S. Amateur Championship Participant … 2015-16 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team … Made his 2015-16 season debut at the HBU Husky Intercollegiate … Became only the fourth player in school history to post a 63 with his total in the First Round … Posted a score of 16-under-par 200 at the NCAA Franklin Regional to earn medalist honors … Became the fourth Cougar in program history to win an NCAA Regional individual title … In 2014-15, Perras made his collegiate debut at the season-opening Northern Intercollegiate … Tied for 32nd with a score of 229 … Fired back-to-back 70s to tie for third at 140 at the Miramont Invitational … Tied for 16th at the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate with a score of 219 to rank second among the Cougars … Son of Debi and Rick Perras … Grandfather, Fred Marti, competed for Houston Men’s Golf from 1961 to 1963 and was a member of the Cougars’ 1962 NCAA national championship team under legendary Head Coach Dave Williams … Majoring in business.
William Rainey – Charleston
Senior – Honorable Mention All-American
2016 Division I PING All-America honorable mention … 2016 Division I PING All-Region selection … 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship Individual Finalist
2016 Colonial Athletic Association Individual Champion and Most Outstanding Player … 2016 All-CAA First Team and CAA All-Academic Team selection … Two-Time CAA All-Tournament Team selection (2014 and 2016) … Ranked second all-time in single-season scoring average (71.69) … Was ranked as high as No. 60 in the nation during the 2015-16 season … Tied for first all-time in single-season tournament wins (2) with former CofC greats Jack Boeckx (1996-97) and Bruce McDonald (2002-03) … Became the first men’s golfer in school history and second in CAA history to make the cut for the final day of individual play at the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships in Eugene, Ore. … Tied for 51st with rounds of 72, 68, 71 and 80 (+11) … 2016 NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional low individual carding rounds of 71, 70 and 68 to finish at 7-under par for the tournament and became first player in school history to advance to nationals as an individual … Carded a 5-under par 211 with rounds of 71-69-71 to be crowned the CAA Men’s Golf individual champion becoming the fifth all-time player in school history to win a conference individual title next to Daniel Brunson (2002), Bruce McDonald (2003), Josh Lorenzetti (2013) and John Jonas (2015) … Prior to joining COFC, Rainey was ranked as high as No. 16 in the country in the Class of 2013 and was the No. 1 ranked player in the state of North Carolina in the Fall of 2012 … Named First Team Boys’ All-State by the Carolinas Golf Association/Tar Heel Youth Golf Foundation … Shot a career-low round of 66 at the 2012 Joe Cheves Junior Invitational … Rainey is the son of Richard and Julia Rainey … Sociology major at College of Charleston … Qualified for the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship at Olympia Fields … Won the Rice Planters Amateur in the summer of 2015 … Featured nationally for his trick-shot videos on Vine.
Davis Riley – Alabama
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
Coming off a stellar summer season in which he reached the semifinals of match play at the 2016 Western Amateur Championship … Also competed at the 2016 U.S. Amateur Championship in August … Came to Alabama after a stellar junior career … Named the 2014-15 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Boys Golf Player of the Year … Ranked No. 3 in Golfweek’s ranking and No. 6 in the American Junior Golf Association’s (AJGA) rankings … Qualified for the 2015 U.S. Open after placing eighth in the 36-hole U.S. Open sectional qualifying tournament … Was one of 10 golfers to qualify from the sectional tournament and finished tied with two-time U.S. Open champion and seven-time PGA Tour victor Retief Goosen at 6-under par 136 (69-67) … Also competed at the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship and was one of 64 golfers who advanced to the match play portion … Represented the United States at the 2015 Junior Ryder Cup Championship in Perthsire, England, helping the U.S. defeat England, 16-8 … Before joining Alabama, Riley played at Presbyterian Christian High School in Hattiesburg, Miss. … Named by USA Today as the 2014-15 All-USA Boys Golf Player of the Year … Won the state title four straight years, including shooting a 9-under par 63 to take individual honors by a six-stroke margin his senior season … Named as a recipient of the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award, which recognizes junior golf’s top performing athletes who demonstrate strong character, consistent sportsmanship, a commendable academic background as well as a commitment to serving others … At 17, he became the youngest player to ever win the prestigious Terra Cotta Invitational … Joined Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth as the only golfers to appear in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in back-to-back years where he finished runner-up both times … A two-time AJGA First Team All-America (2014 and 2015) … As a sophomore in 2013, he finished inside the top 30 in every AJGA event he played and made it to the final match at the U.S. Junior … Riley is the son of David and Kim Riley … Major is business.
Justin Suh – University of Southern California
Sophomore – Honorable Mention All-American
Suh, as a 2016 freshman, earned GCAA PING All-American honorable mention and Pac-12 All-Freshman honors … He finished third on the team with a stroke average of 72.57, had eight rounds in the 60s, two top 10s and six top 20s, including a tie for 10th at the NCAA Championships at 3-over 283 (68-67-75-73) … He posted a season-best tie for eighth at the Western Intercollegiate at 1-under 209 (67-74-68), tied for 19th at the Pac-12 Championships at 4-over 288 (70-69-71-78) and tied for 17th at the NCAA Albuquerque Regional at 10-over 226 (73-80-73) … His fall action was topped by a tie for 39th at the Nike Golf Collegiate Invitational at par 215 (67-71-77) … He split his two matches at the East Lake Cup Championship Match Play, including a 5&3 win over LSU’s Nathan Jeansonne … After the season, Suh played as an amateur in the 2016 U.S. Open … He missed the cut by three strokes, finishing 36 holes at 8-over 148 (75-73) … Suh also played in the 2016 U.S. Amateur, tying for fourth in stroke play at 4-under 136 (68-68) before falling 1up in the round of 64 … Suh, who prepped at Evergreen Valley High in San Jose, Calif., is a rare a four-time qualifier for the USGA Junior Amateur who came to USC with a handful of big wins on his resume … Among the few who have qualified four times for the USGA Junior Amateur are PGA stars Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth … Suh finished second at the 2015 California state championships as a senior (by one stroke) a year after winning it as a junior in 2014 … The 2014 NGCA Junior Championship winner also won the Central Coast Section title in 2014 and 2015, the latter win in a one-hole playoff … As a 2013 sophomore, he tied for third at the Central Coast Section event … He won the individual title at the 2014 Hogan Cup and took second at the 2014 Junior America’s Cup … He was named the 2014 and 2015 San Jose Mercury News Boys Golfer of the Year and the 2013 Junior Tour of Northern California Player of the Year … Suh is a business administration major.
Kristoffer Ventura – Oklahoma State
Junior – Honorable Mention All-American
As a sophomore in 2015-16, Ventura was named a third-team All-American by both Golfweek magazine and the Golf Coaches Association of America … Was tabbed as an all-region selection as well as a first-team All-Big 12 pick … Closed with a 69 to finish at 216 and tied for 12th place at the Valspar Collegiate … Earned his first victory at the Aggie Invitational … Posted rounds of 69, 72 and 71 to finish at 4-under 212 … Tied for seventh place at The Maxwell with scores of 68 and 70 giving him a 2-under 138 total … Tied for 12th place at the Big 12 Championship with a 293 tally … Earned his second win of the spring at the NCAA Stillwater Regional after carding an even-par total of 216 with rounds of 71 72 and 73 … Tied for 51st place at the NCAA Championship with a 291 score … Ventura was named a Ping All-Central Region pick as a freshman … Was also tabbed as a first-team All-Big 12 selection … Made 11 starts during his first season as a Cowboy … Finished in sole possession of ninth place at The Prestige at PGA West with scores of 68, 69 and 71 giving him an 8-under total of 208 … Tied for 32nd place at the Big 12 Championship … Posted a 302 total … Closed with a 69 at the NCAA New Haven Regional to finish at 217 and tied for 42nd place … Tied for 84th place at the NCAA Championship Posting a 227 total … As an amateur, Ventura has represented Norway twice at the World Amateur Team Championship, competing in 2014 and 2012 … In 2014, he posted rounds of 70, 71, 70 and 69 to finish at 6-under 280 and tied for 51st place … In 2012, tied for 13th place at 5-under 209 with scores of 73, 68 and 68 … Finished third at the 2014 Italian International Amateur Championship with rounds of 70, 72, 72 and 75 … Represented Europe at the Jacques Leglise Trophy in 2013 … Competed for Norway at The Spirit International in 2013 … Finished fifth at the 2013 French Boys … Finished second at the 2012 European Nations Cup … Posted a 286 score with rounds of 73, 76, 69 and 68 … Won the 2012 French Boys Championship with a 140 total after carding rounds of 68 and 72 … Carded a 223 total to tie for second place at the 2011 European Young Masters … Won the French International Boys Championship with scores of 70 and 74 … Represented the European side at the 2010 Junior Ryder Cup … Ventura is the son of Carlos and Charlotte Ventura … Majoring in sports management.
Gunn Yang – San Diego State University
Senior – Honorable Mention All-American
2014 U.S. Amateur Champion … Yang saw his first extensive action as a collegian, cracking the starting lineup in 11 of 13 tournaments as a sophomore during the 2015-16 season … Averaged 73.24 strokes in 33 rounds … Logged three top-10 placements. … Carded a dramatic double-eagle on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff following the final round of the NCAA Albuquerque Regional (May 16-18) … Finished the regional alone in 10th place with a 7-over 223 in regulation, highlighted by a huge birdie on the 18th green during the final round … Contributed to SDSU’s team title at the Barona Collegiate Cup, landing in a fifth-place tie at 4-under 212, highlighted by a career-best 68 in the opening round (March 21-22) … Also competed at the historic Western Intercollegiate (April 11-13) and the NCAA Championships, where he shot a 20-over 230 on rounds of 75-81-74 (May 27-30) … During 2014-15, Yang competed in several events on the PGA Tour as an amateur, highlighted by appearances in the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open … Tied for 65th at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where he fired a 2-over 282 on rounds of 67-70-71-74 … Also participated in the Farmers Insurance Open, Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage and Memorial Tournament … Was the highest finishing amateur at the Mazda NSW Open in Australia, where he took fourth overall at 12-under 276, highlighted by a 66 in the third round … In the summer of 2014, Yang captured the U.S. Amateur Championship after winning six straight matches, including four against top-100 opponents in the World Amateur Golf Rankings … Became SDSU’s second U.S. Amateur champion since Gene Littler in 1953 … Advanced to the match-play phase of the tournament after finishing in a tie for 21st with a combined 2-under 141 in medal competiton … Won his sectional qualifier with a collective 4-under 140 at Hacienda Country Club in La Habra, Calif. … Made his first collegiate appearance during the fall of 2012 in the individual tournament at the Kikkor Golf Husky Invitational where he tied for 17th with a combined 8-over 221, which featured a season-best 69 during the final round (Sept. 17-18) … Earned a starting assignment the following week at the PING/Golfweek Preview, finishing in the 72nd position at 19-over 229 … Yang graduated from Torrey Pines High School in San Diego … Majoring in social science at SDSU.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association has verified the results and winners for the Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Sun Bowl Punt, Pass and Kick (PP&K) presented by the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation that was conducted on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Sun Bowl Stadium.
The winner in each age division has a chance to participate in the Team Championship that will be held a day before the Dallas Cowboys versus Baltimore Ravens game on November 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Every NFL team will host a Team Championship level of the NFL PP&K. Team Championships will begin in late October and continue through mid-December.
NFL PP&K, the oldest grassroots initiative of the NFL, continues to reach children ages 6-15 and allows them to experience the fun of learning football fundamentals in an engaging and supportive non-contact environment.
“We had a great turn out this year,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “All of the kids did excellent in the competition, and they told me how much fun they had. I’m excited to see which of our participants advances to the Team Championship in Arlington, Texas.”
Ava Labrado and Beth Baumler were the two participants from last year’s Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Sun Bowl PP&K who advanced to the Team Championship in Arlington, Texas.
There were 136 participants who came out to the 2016 Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Sun Bowl PP&K. The winners are listed below and separated by age group.
Boys
Ages 6/7 – Carlos Daniel Rojas III (punt: 28’5; pass: 54’3; kick: 52’5; Total: 135’1)
Ages 8/9 – Zion Duchene (punt: 46’7, pass: 53’7; kick: 84’3; Total: 184’5)
Ages 10/11 – Adan Camacho (punt: 82’9; pass: 78’4; kick: 74’9; Total: 235’10)
Ages 12/13 – Miguel Zamora (punt: 106’8; pass: 52’7; kick: 105’2; Total: 264’5)
Ages 14/15 – Manual Almestica Jr. (punt: 109’3; pass: 114’1; kick: 131’10; Total: 355’2)
Girls
Ages 6/7 – Leilah Labrado (punt: 7’0; pass: 15’10; kick: 6’6; Total: 29’4)
Ages 8/9 – Ava Labrado (punt: 55’3; pass: 36’1; kick: 45’5; Total: 136’9)
Ages 10/11 – Aryanna Malfavon (punt: 72’11; pass: 59’3; kick: 44’10; Total: 177’0)
Ages 12/13 – Jetta Garcia (punt: 43’11; pass: 60’0; kick: 57’4; Total: 161’3)
Ages 14/15 – Beth Baumler (punt: 94’0; pass: 78’7; kick: 134’7; Total: 307’2)
COMPLETE RESULTS
Boys 6/7
Participant – Punt – Pass – Kick — Total
Joaquin Jimenez – 3’0- 10’7 – 10’8 — 24’3
Julio Ibarra – 2’11 – 14’8 – 8’9 — 26’4
Aldo Avila – 0 – 17’7 – 9’5 — 27’0
Ryker Johnson – 18’3 – 8’10 – 5’0 — 32’1
Jeremiah Gonzalez – 13’4 – 24’3 – 5’3 — 42’10
Anthony Alvarez – 1’0 – 19’4 – 23’10 — 44’2
Christian Huerta – 0 – 39’4 – 12’4 — 51’8
Diego Peimbert Soto – 0 – 25’4 – 28’2 — 53’6
Alejandro Rascon – 6’0 – 20’8 – 28’4 — 55’0
Clayton Aguado – 21’11 – 32’7 – 16’0 — 70’6
Juan Valentin Rodriguez – 24’1 – 32’5 – 15’3 — 71’9
Angel de Jesus Dominguez – 23’9 – 31’11 – 16’4 — 72’0
Dionisio Fernandez – 23’8 – 22’6 – 37’5 — 83’7
Lajuan Bailey – 13’9 – 48’8 – 22’2 — 84’7
Roman Guillen – 35’9 – 44’2 – 29’3 — 109’2
Roberto Flores – 37’0 – 39’4 – 45’6 — 121’10
Salvador Duarte – 35’0 – 41’11 – 45’2 — 122’1
Carlos Daniel Rojas III – 28’5 – 54’3 – 52’5 — 135’1
Boys 8/9
Demetrio Fernandez – 9’5 – 12’0 – 5’0 — 26’5
Fernando Maldonado – 15’1 – 18’4 – 7’11 — 41’4
Gabriel Vaughan – 0 – 20’9 – 26’7 — 47’4
Otni Johnson – 21’2 – 21’4 – 8’10 — 51’4
Lorenzo Guillen – 15’11 – 19’8 – 19’0 — 54’7
Michael Baronyay – 0 – 32’9 – 25’4 — 58’1
Nathan Galvan – 8’7 – 28’5 – 24’11 — 61’11
Ezekiel Bolton – 15’9 – 26’10 – 23’10 — 66’5
Patricio Peimbert Soto – 11’7 – 32’4 – 26’3 — 70’2
Dominik Canonizado – 36’4 – 31’4 – 2’11 — 70’7
Carlos Lee Hill – 25’9 – 35’0 – 11’4 — 72’1
Bryan Anchondo – 40’5 – 0 – 43’2 — 83’7
Sebastian Acosta – 32’0 – 9’0 – 43’7 — 84’7
Bryce Rystad – 21’2 – 28’3 – 35’3 — 84’8
Keedrin Bonner – 27’7 – 19’4 – 41’4 — 88’3
Juan Esteban Loman – 37’1 – 29’3 – 29’1 — 95’5
Mariano Fernandez – 35’9 – 49’2 – 11’10 — 96’9
Alfredo Andrade – 2’4 – 59’9 – 39’0 — 101’1
Joseph Daubach – 48’8 – 32’3 – 34’6 – 115’5
Julio Luera – 31’2 – 72’4 – 17’4 – 120’10
Ryan McFarland – 56’5 – 53’3 – 12’1 — 121’9
Cesar Huerta – 48’0 – 50’10 – 24’5 — 123’3
Matthew Melendez – 28’3 – 43’1 – 53’9 — 125’1
Brian Flores – 65’5 – 0 – 61’5 — 126’10
Ky-Ri Burton – 36’5 – 42’10 – 47’10 — 127’1
Abner Landeros – 53’11 – 49’3 – 28’9 — 131’11
Theodore Locklin – 42’5 – 57’6 – 39’4 — 139’3
Rene Huerta – 53’8 – 71’10 – 14’10 — 140’4
Cesar Gonzalez Jr. – 32’6 – 53’5 – 57’4 — 143’3
Damian Castillo – 72’5 – 35’5 – 38’2 — 146’0
Josian Robles – 55’0 – 46’9 – 44’3 — 146’0
Francisco Vargas – 32’0 – 65’7 – 52’9 — 150’4
Jaylnn Fillmore – 27’5 – 70’8 – 52’5 — 150’6
Gael Soto – 57’0 – 30’11 – 63’6 — 151’5
Josue Aguilera – 64’9 – 35’5 – 51’7 — 151’9
Nathaniel Campa – 43’10 – 59’0 – 49’2 — 152’0
Ismael Carrillo – 52’6 – 48’10 – 57’2 — 158’6
Jesus Vargas – 44’4 – 54’0 – 71’0 — 169’4
Xavier Ramos – 64’5 – 52’2 – 62’2 — 179’9
Zion Duchene – 46’7 – 53’7 – 84’3 —184’5
Boys 10/11
Daniel Javier Reyes – 47’0 – 49’7 – 11’8 — 108’3
Dustin Fillmore Jr. – 0 – 90’11 – 20’3 — 111’2
Jordan Acosta – 44’0 – 63’8 – 8’1 – 115’9
Joseph Nausko – 19’11 – 67’0 – 33’1 – 120’11
Oscar Flores – 54’6 – 58’0 – 14’10 — 127’4
Marcos Garcia – 38’6 – 40’3 – 49’4 – 128’1
Darian Hinojos – 29’0 – 76’2 – 33’10 – 139’0
Brandon Barboza – 42’5 – 68’0 – 35’10 – 146’3
Diego A. Mendoza – 64’0 – 59’11 – 23’2 — 147’1
Adrian Vega – 48’4 – 57’9 – 43’2 — 149’3
Peyton Cervera – 62’11 – 59’9 – 39’8 — 162’4
Diego Jimenez – 55’10 – 36’6 – 71’1 — 163’5
Yahir Vasquez – 42’1 – 56’0 – 65’8 — 163’9
Abraham Fonseca – 59’9 – 46’7 – 65’6 — 171’10
Mauricio Rascon – 60’4 – 48’7 – 65’11 — 174’10
Kristian Salas – 68’2 – 56’5 – 52’8 – 177’3
Isaiah Alba – 76’8 – 39’4 – 63’8 — 179’8
Xavier Leon – 73’1 – 66’1 – 48’7 – 187’9
Alejandro Jordan – 68’0 – 81’7 – 49’11 — 199’6
Eugenio Fernandez – 63’3 – 74’5 – 64’11 — 202’7
Richard Rodriguez – 75’0 – 62’8 – 65’4 — 203’0
Caleb Herrera – 63’8 – 81’0 – 85’5 — 230’1
Adan Camacho – 82’9 – 78’4 – 74’9 — 235’10
Boys 12/13
Tyler Torres – 17’4 – 53’7 – 6’8 — 77’7
Dorian Robles – 21’3 – 68’2 – 27’10 — 117’3
Cayle Beltran – 49’7 – 72’4 – 22’2 — 144’1
Airick Bravo – 43’1 – 93’0 – 13’10 — 149’11
Austin Rystad – 65’9 – 57’2 – 32’10 — 155’9
Cullen Beltran – 46’9 – 60’6 – 60’5 — 167’8
Andre Lopez – 55’7 – 59’5 – 61’6 – 176’6
Carlos Rascon – 44’0 – 74’10 – 78’9 – 197’7
Jason Garcia – 98’5 – 78’8 – 24’3 — 201’3
Luis Perez – 74’4 – 85’5 – 87’6 — 247’3
Diego Aguilera – 101’9 – 51’3 – 106’5 — 259’5
Miguel Zamora – 106’8 – 52’7 – 105’2 — 264’5
Boys 14/15
Eric Michael Rojas – 72’2 – 135’11 – 14’6 – 222’7
Shaun Jones – 92’9 – 113’10 – 59’9 — 266’4
Manuel Almestica Jr. – 109’3 – 114’1 – 131’10 — 355’2
Girls 6/7
Danielle Labrado – 12’3 – 9’0 – 6’0 — 27’3
Leilah Labrado – 7’0 – 15’10 – 6’6 — 29’4
Girls 8/9
Destiny Gonzalez – 0 – 19’9 – 0 — 19’9
Victoria Jones – 9’0 – 19’11 – 8’0 – 36’11
Isabella Silva – 3’2 – 23’4 – 11’10 — 38’4
Estrella Reta – 16’4 – 13’7 – 9’3 — 39’2
Marley Lopez – 0 – 19’4 – 23’6 — 42’10
Harlee Villalobos – 13’2 – 20’11 – 9’3 — 43’4
Madison Morales – 19’3 – 21’0 – 14’2 — 54’5
Karina Martinez – 17’2 – 17’1 – 20’10 — 55’1
Cydney Davis – 0 – 33’3 – 29’3 — 62’6
Melinda Nunez – 15’5 – 26’1 – 32’0 — 73’6
Isabelle Salas – 21’5 – 40’11 – 13’2 — 75’6
Brooke Von Kolb – 29’2 – 24’0 – 35’0 – 88’2
Zoey Burton – 28’3 – 28’1 – 46’5 — 102’9
Sydney Messer – 43’6 – 23’1 – 36’6 – 103’1
Ava Labrado – 55’3 – 36’1 – 45’5 – 136’9
Girls 10/11
Brooke Navidomskis – 9’0 – 31’10 – 19’1 — 59’11
Azyia Spores – 22’6 – 25’6 – 29’4 — 77’4
Christine Garcia – 9’2 – 29’4 – 42’7 — 81`1
Destiny Guillen 19’8 32’0 34’0 85’8
Victoria Rivera – 21’11 – 53’10 – 10’1 — 85’10
Brandy Flores – 13’4 – 29’9 – 50’3 — 93’4
Aitsha Bravo – 46’5 – 33’4 – 25’4 — 105’1
Samantha Ruiz – 44’9 – 42’9 – 17’9 — 105’3
Anaiz Ferris – 31’6 – 41’9 – 33’1 — 106’4
Alexia Vargas – 23’3 – 32’7 – 58’2 — 111’0
Charlyene Mina Rojas – 39’0 – 60’8 – 14’9 — 114’5
Vyeola Ogas – 34’4 – 53’0 – 35’9 – 123’1
Alayna Elias – 33’0 – 43’1 – 52’1 — 125’5
Kayden Anderson – 55’11 – 47’5 – 32’2 — 135’6
Hailey Daubach – 45’2 – 38’7 – 55’6 — 137’3
Samantha Vaughan – 31’9 – 31’8 – 75’3 — 138’8
Alyssa M. Pena – 40’0 – 53’5 – 72’6 — 165’11
Nicole Zugasti – 52’7 – 56’5 – 64’2 – 173’2
Aryanna Malfavon – 72’11 – 59’3 – 44’10 — 177’0
Girls 12/13
Isabelle Dominguez – 27’10 – 24’0 – 28’5 — 80’3
Ashley Faith Evans – 39’10 – 37’9 – 56’9 — 134’4
Jetta Garcia – 43’11 – 60’0 – 57’4 — 161’3
Girls 14/15
Beth Baumler – 94’0 – 78’7 – 134’7 — 307’2
ADVANCEMENT
• All participants must begin competition at the school level or officially sanctioned local community competition.
• The top finisher in each of the boys’ and girls’ divisions from the five age brackets of each Local Competition will advance to the Sectional Round. The top finisher is the participant who has the highest final score for that round. Contestants who qualify for the Sectionals must compete at the location to which they are assigned. Each school or Local is notified of the location of the Sectional prior to the competition.
• At the Sectionals, each competitor will begin anew with a score of zero. Only the top four first-place finishers in each age bracket from the boys’ and girls’ divisions from the pool of Sectional Competition champions will advance to the Team Championship. At all levels of competition, only first-place winners will be considered for advancement to the next level.
• At the Team Championships, each of the 40 competitors begins a new with a score of zero. The top finisher within each age bracket at this level is declared that NFL team’s NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK Team Champion. The top finisher is the participant who has achieved the highest final score for that round.
• Only the four first-place Team Champions from each of the boys’ and girls’ divisions of all NFL Team Champions are eligible for advancement to the National Finals. Their scores must be in the top four nationally in their respective age groups to qualify.
• National Finalists are notified at the conclusion of all Team Championships at the end of December.
• At the National Finals, each competitor begins anew with a score of zero. The top finisher within each age bracket at this level is named the NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK National Champion. The top finisher is the participant who has achieved the highest final score.
For questions or concerns on results and advancement call Sun Bowl Association Marketing Director Jay Pritchard at 915-533-4416.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Sun Bowl Punt, Pass & Kick presented by the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department is set for Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. (MT) in Sun Bowl Stadium on the campus of UTEP.
Girls and boys in five separate age divisions (listed below) compete against each other in punting, passing and place kicking. Those interested in participating in this free event should show up to the Sun Bowl Stadium by 4:30 p.m. to register. All participants are to bring their birth certificate to the stadium, and no cleats are allowed during the competition. If there are any questions or concerns about the competition please call Jay Pritchard of the Sun Bowl Association at 915-533-4416.
NFL PP&K, the oldest grassroots initiative of the NFL, continues to reach children ages 6-15 and allows them to experience the fun of learning football fundamentals in an engaging and supportive, non-contact environment.
“We enjoy putting on this fun event for children to come out and show off their punting, passing and place kicking skills,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “It’s an exciting opportunity for them to compete against other kids in the state and advance to the Team Championships in Dallas, Texas.”
ELIGIBILITY
• The competition is open to all boys and girls ages 6-15. Boys and girls compete separately. The five age classifications are based upon the child’s age as of Dec. 31 of the current year.
• There is no charge to participate in the NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK program.
• All participants must show proof of age at all levels of competition. Failure to provide a birth certificate or religious document (such as a baptismal record) will result in that participant being ineligible to compete.
• Participants may register and compete in only one Local Competition. Competing in more than one Local Competition will result in the automatic disqualification of that participant.
• Participants must be present at the scheduled starting time in order to compete. Failure to do so may result in ineligibility.
• Please be sure to check with your state Athletic Association to ensure that your participation in PPK will not affect your eligibility to take part in any other sports during the school year.
2016 Age Verification Chart (as of Dec. 31, 2016 as of 11:59 p.m. local time)
If you were born in: You’re in group:
2010 & 2009 age 6/7
2008 & 2007 age 8/9
2006 & 2005 age 10/11
2004 & 2003 age 12/13
2002 & 2001 age 14/15
REGULATIONS
• No football shoes, turf shoes, cleats or bare feet are allowed. Only soft-sole gym shoes are permitted. Failure to wear gym shoes results in the disqualification of the participant.
• All equipment (other than shoes) needed for the competition will be provided.
• Participants who are 6-7 use a WILSON PEEWEE football. The 8-9 and 10-11 participants use a WILSON JUNIOR football. Participants who are 12-15 use a WILSON INTERMEDIATE football.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The 80th edition of the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade will feature El Pasoan and Flight Operations Directorate Division Chief for the Flight Integration Division at Johnson Space Center Ginger Kerrick as the Grand Marshal on Thanksgiving Day.
Kerrick has worked at NASA for 25 years, including four years as the first non-astronaut Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) and 8 years as a Flight Director in charge of Mission Control for numerous International Space Station (ISS) and Shuttle missions.
“We are honored and truly thankful to have a person in such high standing with NASA come back to her hometown to be the Grand Marshal for the 80 annual parade,” said Karl Murphy, President and CEO of FirstLight Federal Credit Union. "Ms. Kerrick is the epitome of hard work and we are so grateful that she would place time aside to come and celebrate a longstanding tradition here in El Paso.”
With the theme “80 Years Around the World” it seems fitting that someone who has broken many barriers and milestones would be the Grand Marshal for the 80th Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, which is set for Thursday, Nov. 24 at 10 a.m.
The 46-year-old Kerrick was born and raised in El Paso and is a graduate of Hanks High School before moving on to Lubbock, Texas where she attended Texas Tech University to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics.
“Growing up in El Paso, I watched the Sun Bowl Parade every Thanksgiving Day," said Kerrick. "To have the honor of being Grand Marshal, and travelling a route that is less than a quarter of a mile from Price’s Creameries where my father spent his entire career – I am overwhelmed with humility and gratitude. Thank you so much, El Paso!”
After graduating from Texas Tech, Kerrick took on her first task with NASA when she was hired for a summer internship in 1991. She was working with the safety department in a calibration and materials testing laboratory. She joined NASA full-time as a materials research engineer in 1994 and after a year on the job, she was told that she met the requirements to apply to become an astronaut.
Kerrick did apply to become an astronaut but was denied the opportunity because of a medical disqualification—kidney stones. She was working with the Mission Operations Directorate as an instructor for the environmental control and life support system of the International Space Station when she received the news of being selected for an interview and the news of the disqualification.
After fighting through the disappointment of being disqualified she decided to move forward with her career and understood that she could still make a great impact as an instructor. Kerrick continued to move up as she worked with the Russian training program as an integration instructor and was working with Johnson Space Center, the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center and the Russian space program. Making many visits to Russia, Kerrick eventually learned the language fluently.
Kerrick made history in 2001 when she became the first non-astronaut capsule communicator, which is the Flight Control position that relays information from Mission Control to the crew. She became a dual-certified flight director in 2005, supporting both the International Space Station and shuttle missions, which made her the first female Hispanic flight director in NASA history.
“I am in awe of what this woman has done with the opportunities she has been given,” Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “El Paso should be proud to have the first ever Hispanic female flight director. Ginger [Kerrick] is very proud of her hometown and it’s an amazing honor to have her back to be the Grand Marshal. She made history and is a great fit for the parade’s theme: 80 Years Around the World.”
Date: Thursday, November 24, 2016
Parade Theme: “80 Years Around the World”
Step-off Time: 10:00 a.m. (MST)
Parade Route: Montana Avenue; beginning at Ochoa and ending at Copia (2.7 miles)
Anticipated Units: 100 units including floats, giant helium balloons, equestrian units, clowns, marching bands, drum and bugle corps units, royalty, dignitaries, celebrity Grand Marshal, and a wide variety of specialty units from Mexican/Indian dancers to military ceremonial units.
Television: Live coverage of the parade will be broadcast on local affiliate television KTSM Channel 9 (NBC).
Anticipated Crowd: More than 250,000 spectators lined Montana last year to witness the parade. Approximately the same amount of people are expected for this year’s parade.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The 2016 Ryder Cup teams are set and feature a total of 10 Pro Golf Association (PGA) players that have participated in the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic in the past. The 10 PGA members are on the teams as either captains, vice-captains or players.
Leading the United States team is All-America Classic alum Davis Love III, who is the team captain. Love III played and won in El Paso during the 1984 tournament. He also played in the 1983 Classic.
“It’s always great to see players that have come and played in El Paso compete in these big tournaments,” Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “I remember seeing players like Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Ricky Fowler walking the course at the El Paso Country Club as little known collegians.”
The 41st Ryder Cup is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota and team USA has a well-known field that includes Jim Furyk, J.B. Holmes, Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Ricky Fowler and Brandt Snedeker, all of whom are alumni to the All-America Classic. Joining the former All-America Classic participants on team USA are Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Ryan Moore, Patrick Reid and Jimmy Walker.
Team Europe, which has won eight of the last 10 and six of the last seven Ryder Cups, including the last three in a row, also has an alum from the College All-America Classic. Thomas Pieters, a 2012 player in the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic, joins newly crowned FedExCup champion Rory McIlroy. They are teamed up with Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, plus six rookies in Masters Champion Danny Willett, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan, and Chris Wood.
Play begins Friday morning.
Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic Alumni in Ryder Cup
Name (School Played For) Year Played in SBWRCAAGC Score at CAAGC Finish
Jim Furyk (Arizona) 1990 72-73-73—218 T16
Matt Kuchar (Georgia Tech) 1999 69-67-72—208 1
Davis Love III (North Carolina) 1983 77-75-69—221 T17
1984 70-72-70—212 1
Phil Mickelson (Arizona State) 1989 W/D 24
Tiger Woods (Stanford) 1995 68-71-72—211 1
Jordan Spieth(Texas) 2011 71-72-75—218 T15
Rickie Fowler (Oklahoma State) 2008 72-72-72—216 T16
Brandt Snedeker (Vanderbilt) 2002 74-70-71—215 5
J.B. Holmes (Kentucky) 2002 75-67-76—218 T8
Thomas Pieters (Illinois) 2012 70-67-65—202 4
Ryder Cup Tournament Page Link: http://www.rydercup.com/
PGA Tour Page Link: http://www.pgatour.com/
USA Roster:
Captain: Davis Love III
Vice-Captains: Jim Furyk, Tom Lehman, Steve Stricker, Bubba Watson, Tiger Woods
Players: Rickie Fowler, J.B. Holmes, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson, Ryan Moore, Patrick Reed, Brandt Snedeker, Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker
Europe Roster:
Captain: Darren Clarke
Vice-Captains: Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Ian Poulter, Sam Torrance
Players: Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, Thomas Pieters, Justin Rose, Henrick Stenson, Andy Sullivan, Lee Westwood, Danny Willett, Chris Wood
The 42nd edition of the All-America Classic is scheduled for Nov. 11-13, 2016 at the El Paso Country Club with 15 All-Americans already committed to participating.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Tickets for the 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Sun Bowl Association office. The 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Friday, Dec. 30 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off scheduled for noon. The game features select teams from the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and the Pac-12.
Fans have already been renewing their ticket plans and making new ticket purchases with the many options available.
“It seems like with the date of the game moving to Friday, December 30 the fans are excited to get back to their traditions,” Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association Bernie Olivas said. “With last year’s game the day after Christmas, it was hard for people to get here. But with the game on Friday, December 30 this year, we are seeing more fans buying early and anticipate more fans in attendance.”
Tickets for the game can be purchased online through the link available at www.sunbowl.org. Customers can call the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416) and are also invited to stop by the Sun Bowl Association office that is located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso to purchase tickets.
The Hyundai Sun Bowl also works with Ticketmaster and fans can buy tickets by going to their website at www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling the Ticketmaster toll free line at 800-745-3000 or by using the Ticketmaster apps, which are available for both Android and iPhone users. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will have additional handling and convenience fees attached to the price.
Ticket prices start at just $22 in the end zone as well as in the upper corners of the stadium. The other options are priced at $32, $47, $57 and $62. A map and layout of the Sun Bowl Stadium with ticket prices is available online at www.sunbowl.org. Tickets may be purchased and set up on an annually renewable account by calling the Sun Bowl Association office.
Fans may want to purchase of one of two ticket programs to help others attend the 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl: the “Salute a Soldier Program” and “Take a Child to the Game Program.”
With the “Salute a Soldier Program” fans and companies have the chance to give a Fort Bliss soldier a memory that will last a lifetime. As a sponsor you will give a soldier the opportunity to attend the game while your company will not only benefit out of goodwill, but will also be given recognition at the game.
If a fan or company would prefer to take part in the “Take a Child to the Game Program” that person or company gives a child the opportunity to attend the game, which would make for a great Christmas gift as the game falls only a five days after the holiday. Anyone who takes part in this program will not only benefit out of goodwill but will also be given recognition at the game. The goal is to send 3,000 children to the game and give them an experience that will last a lifetime. The Sun Bowl Association can provide a list of youth organizations that your company may choose from, if you do not already have a personal favorite you are connected to in the community.
Contact the Sun Bowl Association ticket or marketing office for details on the two programs.
In last year’s Hyundai Sun Bowl fans saw Washington State defeat Miami 20-14.
Outlets to choose from:
Sun Bowl Association
Website: www.sunbowl.org
Office Number: 915-533-4416
Ticketmaster
Website: www.ticketmaster.com
Toll Free Number: 800-745-3000
UTEP Ticket Office
Phone Number: 915-747-5234
Pan American Center Box Office
Phone Number: 575-646-1420
Listing of local and regional retailers to purchase tickets:
UTEP Ticket Center
In front of the Don Haskins Center
2901 N Mesa (12)
M-F 8-6, Sat 8-4
UTEP Miner Store
1455 N Zaragosa Ste A-500 (36)
747-8900
Tues – Sat 12-6
El Paso County Coliseum
Pan American Center Box Office on the campus of New Mexico State University (Las Cruces)
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Western Refining announced today the dates for the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic Friday through Sunday, Nov. 11-13 at the El Paso Country Club.
Invitations to the 42nd edition of the All-America Classic include 2016 PING All-America first team, second team, third team and honorable mention selections. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1974.
“This tournament has become a pillar here in El Paso and in the golf community,” said Tournament Chairman Gary Hanson. “The rich history of this tournament is a testament to the quality of our alumni that seem to win a PGA Tour event every week, and we are excited about the potential participants for this year’s tournament. It will be another exciting conclusion to the fall college schedule.”
Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Ricky Barnes, Notah Begay and Jerry Pate are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. College All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 50 majors championships and have earned over $1.8 billion in career earnings.
To be eligible for competition student-athletes must have been named as an All-America team honoree during the previous year as well the US Amateur Champion or Runner Up who still have collegiate eligibility. The event is free and open to the public.
2016 Schedule
Friday (Nov. 11)
• 9 a.m. Titleist Long Drive
• 10 a.m. PING Putting Contest
Saturday (Nov. 12)
• 8 a.m. First & Second Rounds
Sunday (Nov. 13)
• 8 a.m. Final Round
Lee Trevino Trophy presentation to the winner immediately following final round.
Eligible Participants
• First Team
Beau Hossler (Texas)
Maverick McNealy (Stanford)
Sam Horsfield (Florida)
Matthias Schwab (Vanderbilt)
Robby Shelton (Alabama)
Aaron Wise (Oregon)
• Second Team
Doug Ghim (Texas)
Gavin Hall (Texas)
Rico Hoey (USC)
KK Limbhasut (California)
Nahum Mendoza III (San Diego State)
• Third Team
Derick Bard (Virginia)
Will Gordon (Vanderbilt)
Tyler McDaniel (Kentucky)
Max McGreevy (Oklahoma)
Collin Morikawa (California)
Greyson Sigg (Georgia)
Kristoffer Ventura (Oklahoma State)
• Honorable Mention
Sam Burns (LSU)
Chelso Barrett (TCU)
Jared duToit (Arizona State)
Luis Gagne (LSU)
Patrick Martin (Vanderbilt)
Dillion Myer (Illinois)
Gordon Neale (Florida)
Stratton Nolen (Oklahoma State)
John Oda (UNLV)
Jeremy Paul (Colorado)
Corey Pereira (Washington)
William Rainey (Charleston)
Davis Riley (Alabama)
Justin Suh (USC)
Lars van Meijel (Memphis)
Will Zalatoris (Wake Forest)
Michael Perras (Houston)
Charles Kim (Arkansas)
Franklin Huang (Stanford)
Ryan Cole James (James Madison)
• Division II
John Coultas (Florida Southern)
• US Amateur Runner-up
Brad Dalke (Oklahoma)
Editor’s Note: *another release will be sent out when the tournament field is finalized.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and the YMCA of El Paso is giving football fans around the country another chance to win a $1,500 Sun Bowl Game Package for the Hyundai Sun Bowl by participating in the YMCA of El Paso Hyundai Sun Bowl Challenge.
The contest starts this week as the 2016 college football season opens up. Each week contestants will attempt to predict the winners of 10 predetermined Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Pac-12 games, the Hyundai Sun Bowl conference affiliates. The first set of games for contestants to predict are set for Friday, Sept. 2.
“The YMCA has always enjoyed being a part of the events that the Sun Bowl Association puts on,” said Bill Coon, CEO/President of the El Paso YMCA. “The community has been very generous to us and other organizations such as ours, so we are more than happy to partner with the Sun Bowl Association to do this.”
With each game valued at one point, a weekly winner will be determined by the individual who accumulates the most points. In addition, contestants will be asked to estimate the total points scored by both teams of a predetermined game. In case of a tiebreaker, the contestant with the most accurate prediction of total points scored will be the weekly winner.
“Fans from around the country have had a great time with this promotion the last few years,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We want to continue to make the college football experience a fun and exciting experience so we decided to team up with the YMCA of El Paso to do this again. We would like to thank everyone who participates and makes this such a great promotion.”
The 13 weekly winners will win two 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl tickets along with one month free adult membership to the YMCA of El Paso. Weekly winners will automatically advance to “Championship Week,” in which they will once again predict the winners of each college football conference championship game. The contestant with the most correctly chosen conference title games will receive two Captain’s Club level tickets to the 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl, two VIP Pre-game tent party tickets, one parking pass and one year family membership to the YMCA of El Paso.
Football fans must register for the Hyundai Sun Bowl Challenge by logging into http://sunbowl.org/contest/register. For complete rules and regulations please visit http://sunbowl.org/contest/terms.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union are excited to announce the theme of the 80th annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade. This year attendants will have the chance to watch the parade themed “80 Years Around the World.”
Those interested in submitting an entry for a float should create their theme around a historical or monumental event from the past 80 years and will need to fill out and turn in a 2016 Float Packet to Sun Bowl Special Events Director Joe Daubach. The Float Packet can be found online at www.sunbowl.org and all forms can be emailed to Daubach at joe@sunbowl.org. The deadline to submit an application to enter a float is Sept. 8.
Any additional organizations interested in taking part in the parade can also download the applications from the Sun Bowl website. Categories that can participate in the parade are marching bands, JROTC units and specialty units. The deadline to submit an application for a marching band or specialty unit is Oct. 16.
“This year marks the 80th time this parade will flow down the streets of El Paso in what has become a city and family tradition,” said CEO/President of FirstLight Federal Credit Union Karl Murphy. “We invite everyone who can to join in the parade and hope that this evolves into the best parade to date.”
Held on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is the city’s largest attended event and is celebrating 80 years of parades. The annual event includes more than 100 different units including floats, marching bands, dignitaries, the Sun Court, as well as a various other specialty units such as Mexican-Indian dancers and military units.
“This is a special event that everyone in El Paso has enjoyed each and every year for the past 80 years,” Sun Bowl Association Executive Director said. “So many people are involved in putting this together, which shows the community we have here, and it’s always a great sight when over 250,000 people line the sidewalks Montana Avenue.”
The parade route runs on Montana Avenue from Ochoa to Copia. Tickets to sit in the review stands, located on Montana Avenue adjacent to the First Baptist Church, can be purchased beginning October at FirstLight Federal Credit Union branches, Circle K locations and the Sun Bowl Association office.
The parade is televised locally on the NBC affiliate, KTSM Channel 9.
For more information or questions about unit entry call 915-533-4416.
Parade History: The El Paso Downtown Lions Club organized the Parade in 1935. The parade was held on New Year’s Day from 1936 until 1978 when the event was rescheduled for Thanksgiving Day. The holiday pageant is planned, coordinated and produced by volunteer efforts and draws an annual crowd of over 250,000 spectators. The Sun Bowl Parade is the largest community event in the west Texas, New Mexico and Mexico area and brings together service clubs and civic organizations as well as all sectors of business and industries within the community.
What: FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade
Theme: “80 Years Around the World”
When: Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016
Start Time: 10 a.m. (MT)
Where: Montana Ave. from Ochoa to Copia
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association hosted the Sun Court Coronation Friday, Aug. 5 at the El Paso Country Club inducting the 2016 Sun Queen, Lady-in-Waiting and Sun Princesses for the upcoming year.
The 2016 Sun Queen is Katherine Carroll-Miller, replacing Cassidy Daw. Joining Carroll-Miller on the court is 2016 Lady-in-Waiting Clarissa Gardea. Both Carroll-Miller and Gardea were on the 2015 Sun Court as Sun Princesses. There are a total of 12 members on the court, all from El Paso. These young role models attend college at the University of El Paso at Texas, Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, Tulane University and Tulsa University.
“We have a great court that is very diverse group of young ladies again this year,” Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “We are excited for these young ladies to represent El Paso and the Sun Bowl Association.”
Selection is based on poise, appearance, personality, communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of El Paso. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students.
The Sun Court serves as ambassadors for the city of El Paso. They volunteer at various community events and make appearances at the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic, FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, Hyundai Sun Bowl Game, Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, the Helen of Troy Sun Court Charm Camp and other events throughout the year.
Coronation has been part of the Sun Bowl since the first-ever college Sun Bowl game was played in 1936. Coronation played a huge social role in the “Sun Carnival,” the week-long pageantry associated with the Sun Bowl.
According to the 1938 Sun Bowl game program, “The social side of the Sun Carnival centers around the Coronation of the Sun Queen with Ladies-In-Waiting and her Royal Court of Princesses from all the cities of the Sun Empire and the Grand Ball tendered by the Association in honor of Her Majesty and Court.”
In the early years of the coronation, about 30 young women were part of the formal coronation, and each participant represented an organization.
Below are the bios of each member of the 2016 Sun Court and the ladies in the group photo are as follows: Ariana Martell, Stephanie Figueroa, Katie Gallegos, Hannah Legge, Queen Katherine Carroll-Miller, Lady-in-Waiting Clarissa Gardea, Emery Henschel, Lauren E. Pena, Claire Lazo-Kim, Kayla Quintero and Macy McBeth. (not pictured Sarah Elisabeth Medrano)
Lady-in-Waiting Clarissa Gardea
Clarissa Gardea, the daughter of Gloria Hinojos, is a student at the Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in El Paso. Clarissa attended the University of Texas at El Paso where she was a recipient of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation Scholarship along with an academic scholarship from UTEP. While attending UTEP she was a member of the Panhellenic Theta Xi Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Clarissa was also recognized as a 21st Century Scholar and worked as a Peer Career Advisor for the College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing. She currently volunteers with La Fe Care Center and the Special Olympics. Clarissa was also the Vice President of administration for the UTEP Panhellenic Council and the Vice President of Membership Education for Alpha Sigma Alpha. Even with an extensive work load and a full schedule, Clarissa has made the Dean’s List at UTEP from the fall of 2012 thru the spring of 2014 and was a top-ten percent scholarship recipient during those years. She is a graduate of Burges High School and was a great representative on the 2015 Sun Court.
Sun Queen Katherine Carroll-Miller
Katherine Carroll-Miller was a member of the 2015 Sun Court. She is the daughter of John and Jennifer Miller, and is a senior at Texas Tech University where she is majoring in Exercise and Sport Sciences with a minor in Biology and Spanish. Katherine was a top four-percent graduate of Franklin High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, the tennis team and first runner up in the “Texas Distinguished Young Women of America.” Katherine was recognized as a Who’s Who among American high school students and the winner of the Better Business Bureau Essay Contest on Ethics. Katherine is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society at Texas Tech and is also a part of the Texas Tech Honor Society. She is also a part of the Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Honor Society, the Phe Eta Sigma Honor Society, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and was on the Dean’s List from 2012-2015. She has volunteered her time for the Court Appointed Special Advocates known as CASA, Gift to the Mountains, the El Paso Food Bank, the Child Crisis Center and the Rescue Mission.
Sun Princess Stephanie Figueroa
Stephanie Figueroa is the daughter of Jesus Figueroa and Luz Moriel. She is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in computer science. A 2014 graduate of the Distinguished Plan at Clint High School and an attendee of El Paso Community College she was able to maintain a 3.80 GPA, while she is planning to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UTEP in May of 2018. Stephanie is a member and a Panhellenic Delegate Officer for Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity and helped the organization raise funds toward Breast Cancer Awareness. As a part of the National Panhellenic Council and the Greek community, she participated in UTEP’s Project Move. Stephanie is also a part of the Leadership Institute and Student Enrichment Experience where she participated in The University Honors Program’s spring course developing leadership, management and communication skills. Stephanie was also the Historian for the University Honors Council from August of 2014 through December of 2015. She is currently working for the Center for Civic Engagement and looks forward to showcasing how amazing El Paso truly is through the events put on by this association and is anticipating to serving as a great role model, representing this city with pride.
Sun Princess Katie Gallegos
Katie Gallegos is currently a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in marketing and is the daughter of Martin and Felicia Gallegos. She maintains a 3.0 grade point average at UTEP while interning for the athletics department and being a part of UTEP Student-Government Association as a Senator. Katie is also a peer educator for the UTEP Wellness Program where she is responsible for increasing awareness on sexual health related issues and handing out information throughout the campus. Katie, who attended the Most Holy Trinity Catholic School up until the eighth grade before attending Silva Health Magnet. Growing up and throughout her time at UTEP, Katie has seen the importance of the Hyundai Sun Bowl and knows what an honor it is to be a part of the Sun Court. She is excited to show love for her hometown and is ready to follow in the footsteps of past Sun Court members who represented the Sun Bowl and El Paso.
Sun Princess Emery Henschel
Emery Henschel, the daughter of Sean and Monica Henschel, is a sophomore at Tulane University in New Orleans majoring in Art History and Political Economy. A graduate of El Paso High School in 2015 and the president for the National Honor Society there, she was the recipient of the Tulane Founders Scholarship. She was named to the Dean’s list for the 2016 Spring Semester. Emery is the Vice President of the Student Alumni Ambassadors and helps to coordinate and plan events for about 60 members. She is also a member of the Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity, Delta Chapter and sites on the membership committee. Emery is a committee member for the Tulane Class Challenge and helps to raise awareness about the importance of alumni donations. As a native of the Sun City, Emery is excited to spread enthusiasm and knowledge of her hometown. She is aware that the Hyundai Sun Bowl is a city-wide tradition and provides a great way to showcase the city and is ready to be a great ambassador for the Sun Bowl Association and El Paso.
Sun Princess Claire Lazo-Kim
Claire Elise Lazo-Kim is the daughter of Dr. Glenn and Ileana Kim and is a junior majoring in Speech Pathology at Baylor University holding a 3.45 grade point average. She is a graduate of Coronado High School. Claire worked at the El Paso Children’s Hospital last summer where she helped in the Developmental and Rehabilitative Services. She is a member of the National Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a member of Baylor University Stepping Out. Clair was a tutor at La Fe Preparatory School where she helps Spanish-speaking elementary students. She volunteers at the Mustard Seed Cafe and helps the St. Clement’s Church as a Vacation Bible School Leader preparing weekly lessons for classes and teaching on a regular basis. The El Paso native is part of Zeta Tau Alpha and is the Programs Council Chairperson while also being a part of the Big Man on Campus Committee and the Legacy Event Coordinator. She has earned many honors, which include being on the Dean’s List at Baylor, earning the Baylor University Provost’s Gold Scholarship, as well as the El Paso Panhellenic Award of Scholars. She was also honored on the National Society of Collegiate of Scholars. Claire mentioned that she loves the people of El Paso and is proud of how the city is growing. She is honored to be on the 2016 Sun Court and plans to brag about the loving city she calls home.
Sun Princess Hannah Legge
Hannah Legge is the daughter of Douglas and Deanna Legge and is a sophomore at Texas State majoring in Political Science and minoring Sociology. She was a part of the National Honor Society at Americas High School before graduating in 2015. Hannah is the President, Historian and Floor Representative for the Lantana Hall Council. She helped organize events such as Breath of Hope, Communities in Schools and the Semi-Colon Project to benefit the San Marcos Community. Hannah furthered her community service projects when she was elected as a Texas State Bobcat Preview Representative, where she was tasked with leading groups throughout freshman orientation. She mentioned that growing up in El Paso has helped her find her identity and is proud of it. In her essay, Hannah quoted Eleanor Roosevelt stating “The influence you exert is through your own life and what you’ve become yourself.” She went on to mention that El Paso has helped build her cultural identity and is ready to represent El Paso as a Sun Princess not only here, but throughout Texas.
Sun Princess Ariana Martell
Ariana Martell is a graduate of Eastwood High School and is the daughter of Dr. Gustavo and Diana Martell. She is currently a senior at Texas Tech University majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Legal Studies and Spanish. While at Texas Tech Ariana has been a part of many organizations including Raider Sisters for Christ, TechPR and the College of Media and Communication Dean’s Student Ambassadors. She was also a part of the President’s Select and was the Member of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. Ariana represented Texas Tech at the University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Hong Kong where she spoke to more than 850 students from around the world. She has also worked at Texas Tech as an undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy teaching students about the anatomy of the human body. She is an intern for the Office of the President at Texas Tech and helps organize events for donors, alumni and VIP guests while in that position. Ariana is the co-founder of SisterHoodies where she helps to collect coats and donates them to the less fortunate in an El Paso. SisterHoodies has collected more than 2,100 coats to date and assists Dame La Mano, The Rescue Mission and the Reynolds Home all year long. Ariana quoted Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz stating “There’s no place like home” and is proud, honored and humbled to represent her hometown as a Sun Princess.
Sun Princess Macy McBeth
Macy McBeth, a senior attending the University of Oklahoma, is the daughter of Mitch and Jill McBeth. She is majoring in English Literature and minoring in Spanish expecting to graduate in May of 2017. Currently hold a 3.65 grade point average, Macy has been on the Dean’s List at OU from 2013-2015 and was an El Paso Panhellenic Scholarship Recipient and PITF Travel Scholarship Recipient in 2016. She is very active with many organizations including the following: the Delta Gamma Director of House Management, Delta Gamma Director of Rituals, a Peer Teaching Assistant, Campus Activities Council (CAC) Film Series Executive Committee, CAC Film Series Executive Vice Chair, Delta Gamma Bible Study Leader, Alpha Lambda Delta Scholarship Director, the CAC Winter Welcome Week Executive Committee, Alpha Lambda Delta, Delta Gamma House Corporation and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Macy mentioned that as a child she looked up to the Sun Princesses and remembers seeing them at different events. She admired the fact that these ladies represented El Paso and understands that she has the opportunity to be a positive role model for young girls throughout the El Paso area. Macy is ready and excited to be an ambassador for both the Sun Bowl and the City of El Paso.
Sun Princess Sarah Medrano
Sarah Elisabeth Medrano is a junior majoring in International Studies with a focus in Communications and Media. The graduate of Eastwood High School is the daughter of Ruly and Debbie Medrano. Sarah is currently the Media and Communication Officer for the Lone Survivor Foundation, Texas A&M Chapter and also works as a receptionist and facility attendant for Texas A&M Recreational Sports Department. Sarah is involved with Aggie Sisters for Christ and helps the organization with outreach programs and several community service projects. She also volunteered with Bridge Ministries Pantry and Brazos Valley Food Bank as well as the AgSpire Kids Carnival in College Station, Texas. Sarah studied abroad in Mexico this past summer and is ready to use her communication skills to spread excitement about her hometown as a Sun Princess.
Sun Princess Lauren Pena
Lauren Elizabeth Pena is the daughter of Lisa and Dr. Andrew Pena. She is a graduate of Eastwood High School and is currently a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in English. She is a Presidential Excellence Award recipient and maintains a 3.85 grade point average. Lauren worked for the Office of Accounting at UTEP and is also a teacher’s assistant for the UTEP Dinner Theater and performs in the five full-length, professional shows. She is very proud of her faith and was selected to serve as the Director for a Teen’s Retreat in 2014 with St. Pius X Church. Lauren credits her parents for always pushing here to do her very best even when she felt she couldn’t. She loves El Paso, the culture and community is thrilled to represent the city and the Sun Bowl as best as possible.
Sun Princess Kayla Quintero
Kayla Quintero is the daughter of Norma Madrid-Martinez and is graduate of El Dorado High School. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Pre-Pharmacy and maintains a 3.6 grade point average while holding a job and remaining active in many organizations. Kayla is part of Alpha Sigma Alpha and has volunteered with the Special Olympics since 2014 and the Rescue Mission of El Paso for two years. She is the recipient of the UTEP President’s Scholarship and has been named to the Dean’s List multiple times. Kayla is also part of the Pre-Pharmacy Organization and the University Honor’s Program. She mentioned that one of her goals is to be a positive influence in the El Paso community and has done that by being a part of organizations such as Adopt-a-Highway, the S. June Smith Center and Girls on the Run. Through all the activities and experiences Kayla is prepared to represent the Sun Bowl Association as a Sun Princess and will do everything possible to contribute to making the City of El Paso the best place to visit.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and WestStar Bank are pleased to announce the teams coming to El Paso for the 55th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, which will be held in the Don Haskins Center, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 21-22 with games being played at 5pm and 7pm each evening.
The four-team tournament includes two conference champions that also set school records for wins and has two teams with a top 65 RPI. The 2015 WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Champion UC-Irvine makes a return trip to El Paso this year, joining UTEP, Akron and Maryland Eastern Shore.
UC-Irvine returns to El Paso after posting a school-record 28 wins last season and winning a share of the Big West Conference regular-season title. It’s the program’s second conference title in three years. UCI was once again one of the top defensive teams in the nation, ranking third in the country in field-goal percentage defense at .383.
Led by Head Coach Russell Turner, the Anteaters have competed in postseason tournaments each of the last four seasons (2013 CIT, 2014 NIT, 2015 NCAA and 2016 CIT) and has won 93 games in that span.
Sun Bowl Tournament Most Valuable Player Luke Nelson headlines the returning players for UC-Irvine after he led the Anteaters in scoring with 13.7 points per game as a junior, en route to All-Big West Conference first team honors. He ranks fourth in UCI history with 204 threes, fifth with 361 assists, eighth with 115 steals and 17th with 1,226 points.
“We are excited to return to El Paso and the historic Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational,” Turner said. “The tournament environment is first class and the field is strong. We have seven newcomers on our roster who will be visiting El Paso for the first time. We appreciate the invitation and look forward to competing.”
UC-Irvine won the 2015 WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational defeating Norfolk State 80-62 in the championship game. UTEP won 87-68 in the consolation game over Sam Houston State for third place.
UTEP Head Coach Tim Floyd is always appreciative of the teams that come to compete in El Paso. “I think this will be the most talented field we have seen in the last seven years,” Floyd said. “I have heard really good things about Akron’s coach and their level of talent the last three years. We were all impressed with Irvine a year ago.”
UTEP, which had one of the best teams from an offensive standpoint in 2015-16, scored 80 points in 15 games, one shy of the school record. The Miners did, however, hit 223 three-pointers to set a new school record. Coach Tim Floyd and the Miners hope for great attendance at the 2016 Sun Bowl Invitational as UTEP led Conference USA in attendance (7,386) during the 2015-16 season and would like to achieve that again.
UTEP hopes to pick up where it left off as it won eight of the last 11 games to conclude the 2015-16 year. The Miners return three starters and seven letterwinners from last year’s 19-win squad. UTEP has a dynamic starting backcourt coming back in senior Dominic Artis (11.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.2 apg) and junior Omega Harris (12.3 ppg). Anchoring the frontcourt is Terry Winn, who was a member of the Conference USA All-Freshman Team a year ago (10.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg). UTEP is expected to get a major boost inside from the return of senior center Matt Willms, who missed most of last season with a foot injury.
The Akron Zips, under Head Coach Keith Dambrot had a stellar 2015-16 season finishing with a 26-9 overall record while falling to Ohio State in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) to close out the year before winning a Mid-American title. It was Akron’s sixth appearance in the NIT while it has made 11 Division I postseason appearances, including the eight of the last nine seasons.
Akron returns center Isaiah Johnson, who will be a senior, after he garnered several awards in 2015-16. He led the Zips’ offensive and rebounding efforts and was named the Mid-American Conference Sixth Man of the Year award while also earning All-MAC First Team honors. He was also named to the MAC All-Tournament team, and was a three-time MAC East Player of the Week recipient. In addition, he received the South Point Classic Most Valuable Player award and was named a collegesportsmadness.com Madness Mid-American Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.
Johnson earned the First Team NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) All-District 14 honors and Akron Head Coach Keith Dambrot was selected as District 14 Coach of the Year.
Maryland Eastern Shore led by head coach Bobby Collins, will be making its first ever appearance in the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational after going 10-22 in 2015-16. Three Hawks earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference awards, including senior forward Dominique Elliot, who was also named a First-Team NABC All-District 15 winner.
The Hawks recently added three junior college transfers to the roster, including Logan McIntosh and Tyler Williams come to the Hawks from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where they contributed to a 23-10 overall record for the Norsemen. The duo helped lead their team to the NJCAA Tournament with a 72-68 win against Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa in the Region 2 Championship. McIntosh started all 33 games for A&M and averaged a team high in minutes per game (29.3) and assists (4.4). The 6-foot-3, 190-pound he brings legitimate size to the point guard position and has the skill set to play off the ball as well.
Deven Dorsett, who most recently played at Lawson State but at one time was a redshirt-freshman at Norfolk State, also joins Maryland Eastern Shore in 2016-17. Dorsett helped lead the Cougars to a 17-12 record as a redshirt freshman averaging 9.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. At 6-6 and 190 pounds, he can also play and defend multiple positions.
In 2009 the tournament was renamed to honor former UTEP head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins. “The Bear” coached at UTEP from 1961 to 1999, winning 719 games and making 14 postseason appearances. Haskins famously led the Miners to victory in the 1966 National Championship game over Adolph Rupp and the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats.
The Sun Bowl Association would like to thank WestStar Bank for supporting the nation’s oldest holiday basketball tournament as it has been the title sponsor for eight consecutive years.
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EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association teamed up with Academy Sports + Outdoors to host yet another successful international soccer tournament in El Paso, Texas, Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5.
This marked the 17th year for the Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, which took place at the West Side Soccer Complex. There were 145 teams that participated in the tournament with ages ranging from 6-years-old to 19-years-old. Of the 145 teams, 37 of them came from outside of El Paso, with 20 of them coming from New Mexico, two from Lubbock, one from Odessa and 14 from Mexico.
“This tournament continues to provide a great soccer experience, not only for El Paso youth, but also for teams that come from the Southwest and Mexico,” Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “We were able to host approximately 1,900 kids and allowed them to play the sport that so many in this region love. Seeing the kids having fun and their families out there showing their support is what makes this such an amazing event.”
There were 15 separate divisions on the boys’ side of the bracket and six divisions on the girls’ side. Bros Academy from Juarez, Mexico won the highest level bracket, U19, defeating High Noon United, which traveled to El Paso from New Mexico. El Paso’s Team Mexico defeated the Alameda Outlaws of New Mexico in the finals of the U18 bracket for the girls. A complete list of winners can be found below.
Head Coach of the Chivas Frausto U6 team, Jesus Frausto, sent an email to the Sun Bowl Association with high marks about the tournament.
“On behalf of the Chivas Frausto U6 players and parents, we want to thank you for a great soccer tournament weekend. All the staff and volunteers were always friendly and helpful,” Coach Frausto said. “The refs did an amazing job, even the people picking up the trash always had a smile. The volunteers that were at the games always attentive to see what we needed. There were great marks on the fields and overall, everything was great. For what our comment is worth, we were very happy with how well organized the tournament turned out.”
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Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament – Results/Standings
BOYS
U10 Gold
1. Altavista F.C. (Juárez, Mexico)
2. Paso Del Norte Real Madrid Vasquez (El Paso)
3. Northeast Soccer Atlas (El Paso)
U10 Silver
1. Paso Del Norte F.C. Black (El Paso)
2. EPCSL Man UTD YSC 2006 Red (El Paso)
3. Hot Shots (Las Cruces, N.M.)
U10 Boys Bronze
1. Paso Del Norte SC United 05/06 (El Paso)
2. EPCSL Elite ’06 Red (El Paso)
3. AYSO Trojans (El Paso)
U11 Gold
1. Dragones (Juárez, Mexico)
2. Northeast Soccer Atlético Español (El Paso)
3. EPCSL Man UTD 2005 Black (El Paso)
U11 Silver
1. Northeast Soccer United (El Paso)
2. Kaos FC (El Paso)
3. PMZ Toluca (New Mexico)
U12 Gold
1. Halcones (Juárez, Mexico)
2. Barcelona Texas Moran 02/03 (El Paso)
3. LBK FC Chelsea 04 (Lubbock)
U12 Silver
1. EP Santos FC (El Paso)
2. United FC Longhorns (El Paso)
3. Storm (El Paso)
U13 Gold
1. Dragones 23 (Juárez, Mexico)
2. Lobos FC (Juárez, Mexico)
3. FC Juarez Bravos Red 04 (El Paso)
U13 Silver
1. SC United M. (El Paso)
2. Northeast Soccer Atlas (El Paso)
3. NECAXA (El Paso)
U14 Gold
1. Indianas F.C. (El Paso)
2. Atlas (El Paso)
3. Bros Academy (Juárez, Mexico)
U14 Silver
1. Rush Sharks (El Paso)
2. Rio Rapids Strikers (Las Cruces)
3. Deportivo Atletico (El Paso)
U15
1. FC United (El Paso)
2. Indians F.C. (El Paso)
3. Knights (El Paso)
U16/17
1. Wizards F.C. (El Paso)
2. Manchester United Valenzuela (El Paso)
3. Mainz Club (El Paso)
U17/18/19
1. Bros Academy (Juárez, Mexico)
2. High Noon United (New Mexico)
3. FC Dallas (El Paso)
GIRLS
U10
1. Cosmos FC (El Paso)
2. Rush Predator (USA)
3. FC Dallas (El Paso)
U11/12
1. FC Dallas (El Paso)
2. Rush Predator (El Paso)
3. SW Rush Gunners (El Paso)
U14 Gold
1. Texas Outlaws (El Paso)
2. Southwest Rush Predator 02 (El Paso)
3. Vipers F.C. (New Mexico)
U14 Silver
1. Lady Titans (El Paso)
2. Rio Rapids Strikers (Las Cruces)
3. EP Rattlers (El Paso)
U15
1. SW Rush Barcelona (El Paso)
2. FC Dallas (El Paso)
3. Southwest Rush Lady United (El Paso)
U18
1. Team Mexico (El Paso)
2. Alameda Outlaws (New Mexico)
3. Vipers FC (Alamogordo, N.M.)
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association has elected Steve Beltran as President for the 2016-17 year.
Beltran, along with the 2016 Board of Directors and Advisors, will be officially introduced April 28 at the El Paso Convention Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. (MT).
Beltran is Principal, President and Chief Operating Officer of TVO Management Services, overseeing TVO’s entire portfolio of owned and fee managed properties. He has served as the Chief Acquisition Officer, which included market assessment, property identification, and purchase contract negotiation as well as due diligence coordination, financial review, and oversight of the closing process. This experience has led to his leadership role in the company’s property operations, which includes all facets of property and asset management, overseeing lease-up strategies, maximizing revenues and cost efficiencies, and positioning properties for sale. His experience includes Multifamily, Retail, Office, Hospitality, Industrial and Facilities Management.
Beltran, who joined TVO in 1992, is a lifelong El Pasoan. After graduating from Coronado High School in 1987 he received his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science in 1992 from Texas Christian University. He is a member of several national and regional professional and civic organizations including the National Multi-Housing Council, TransUnion Multifamily Advisory Board and the National Water & Power Advisory Committee. He has served as President of The El Paso Country Club and as a member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, Hospice of El Paso Board of Directors, UTEP Golf Century Club and Young Presidents’ Organization.
Beltran has been heavily involved with the Sun Bowl Association since he started to serve on the Board of Advisors in 2008-09 and was selected to join the Sun Bowl Association Board of Directors in 2010. He was the Board Treasurer from 2010-13. He was a player host from 2013-15 for the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic. Beltran was also a member of the Sun Bowl Association Football Selection Committee in 2014 and 2015 while also helping with the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational.
Mr. Beltran and his wife, Neisha have been married for 19 years and have 12-year-old twin boys, Cayle and Cullen.
“The Sun Bowl Association does such a tremendous job of attracting community volunteers for each of the events administered by the organization,” Beltran said. “As President, I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Sun Bowl Association staff and all of the aforementioned incredible volunteers that make the effort and take the time out of their busy work and family schedules to ensure that each event tied to the Sun Bowl is special and continues to instill a sense of pride within the El Paso community. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Neisha, my sons, Cayle and Cullen and the rest of my family for their support as I strive to augment the great work done by this organization.”
Joining the 83rd president of the association on the board of directors are Bill Coon (President Elect), Scott Mann (Executive Vice President), Marilyn Munden (Immediate Past President), Jimmy Rogers, Jr. (Chair Emeritus), Natalia Flores (Secretary), John Aranda (Treasurer), Bryan Crowe (VP Community Relations), Robert Dunlop (VP Marketing), Scott Mann (VP Legal Affairs), Wayne Thornton (VP Public Relations), Tamara Gladkowski (VP Volunteers), Linda Smith (Coronation), John Folmer (Football Chairman), Jim Lawrence (Parade Chairman), Art Muñoz (Special Events Chairman), Asher Feinberg (CBS Host Chairman), Mark Pelletier (Golf Chairman), Allen Rystad (Provisions), Michelle Kaip (member), Michael Guerra (member), Mary Kipp (member), Andre Miranda (member), Victor Rueda (member), James O. Stewart III (member), Victor Salazar (member), Stuart Sliva (member), Ernest Eisenberg (member), Travis Hughes (member) and Alice Chavez (member).
The 2016 Sun Bowl Association Board of Advisors is made up of past Presidents Amen Ayoub, Frank Bates, Walker Crowson, Linda East, Chris Mott, Joe Valenzuela, along with members Joana Alferez, Ruben Batista, Liz Perez Bellegarde, Gil Blancas, Edward Davis, Richard Dayoub, Celia Dubrule, Veronica Escobar, David Forti, Brian Kennedy, Tommy Lewis, Richard Limas, David Lindhuber, David Morales, Leila Melendez, Cindy Ramos Davidson, Terri Rangel, Jimmy Rogers III, Mike Rogers, Jeff Stevens, Bob Stull, Eric Swanson, Brad Taylor, Pat Valdez-Rios, Charles Vass and Mario Vega.
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EL PASO, Texas – Bernie Olivas, who has overseen the unprecedented growth and development of the Hyundai Sun Bowl since 2001, will take over as Football Bowl Association chairman this coming July 1. The announcement was made by FBA Executive Director Wright Waters.
“Bernie has been an integral member of the FBA’s executive committee,” Waters said. “That role has prepared him well in terms of this appointment, and I greatly anticipate working with Bernie and the committee to further the FBA’s work on behalf of the bowls and the student-athletes who play in them.”
A native El Pasoan, Olivas oversees 20 different special events in and around the Hyundai Sun Bowl, which matches teams from the Pac-12 and Atlantic Coast Conferences. Those include the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational college basketball tournament and the Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta.
“I am extremely humbled to be the chairman for the Football Bowl Association and I hope to continue the work that the previous chairmen have begun,” Olivas said. “I look forward to working with FBA Executive Director Wright Waters and all the member of the FBA. I’ve seen this association grow immensely over the years and it is great to be a part of an organization that is working hard to make the bowl experience better for everyone involved, especially for the student-athletes.”
The annual Hyundai Sun Bowl produces the largest economic impact in El Paso for a single event in the city. The Sun Bowl has also been aligned with CBS Sports since 1968, the longest running association between a bowl game and network in history.
Olivas was a Sun Bowl volunteer for more than 20 years. His involvement began when he joined one of the team host committees; he was named to the game’s board of directors in 1992 and continues to serve on the team selection committee.
Prior to joining the Sun Bowl Association fulltime, Olivas had a 13-year career with Merck Pharmaceutical Company.
The 2016-17 FBA Executive Committee includes Olivas as Chairman; Kevin McDonald [Famous Idaho Potato Bowl] as Vice Chair; Bill Flinn [Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual] as Treasurer; and David Fletcher [AdvoCareV100 Texas Bowl] as Secretary.
Past chairs serving on the Executive Committee are Paul Hoolahan [Allstate Sugar Bowl], Eric Poms [Capital One Orange Bowl], Steve Hogan [Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl/Russell Athletic Bowl] and Scott Ramsey [Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. As an at-large member, Olivas has added Pete Derzis [ESPN].
Olivas takes the reins from 2015-16 chairman Bruce Binkowski, recently-retired from service with the Holiday and Poinsettia Bowls. “I am extremely grateful for all the hard work Bruce put in on behalf of the FBA,” Waters said. “We will continue to call upon his expertise in the future.”
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association is teaming up with Academy Sports + Outdoors to put on the Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, June 3-5 at the Westside Sports Complex on 201 Isela Rubalcava.
The Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament plays host to over 150 teams from the Southwest and Mexico, making it one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the country. Boys’ and girls’ teams consisting of specified age groups participate in the tournament every year.
This summer marks the tournament’s 17th year, as thousands of players take to the pitch to play the world’s most popular sport under the bright West Texas sun. The tournament has grown into the premier youth soccer tournament in the region and will continue to be for years to come.
“This tournament is one of the biggest events the Sun Bowl Association puts on and it is always great to see the community come together for the youth,” Sun Bowl Association Special Events Director Joe Daubach said.
Teams can sign-up on the Internet at www.sunbowl.org and everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the early bird special fee that must be paid on or before May 12. The information on rules, roster information and a map for the Westside Sports Complex is also available at www.sunbowl.org. The tournament is sanctioned by STYSA (South Texas Youth Soccer Association).
This is an unrestricted tournament that is open to all Federation affiliated participants with youth non-competitive and competitive teams. Categories are: non-competitive coed U6 & U8; non-competitive & competitive coed U9: non-competitive & competitive boys & girls U10; competitive boys U11 – U19, competitive girls U12, U14 & U19. If there are not enough teams to field a complete bracket in a specific age category, teams will be moved up to the next highest age category.
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AUGUSTA, Ga. – Jordan Spieth, who played in the Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic in 2011 and won the 2015 Masters, leads a group of 24 players that are participating in the 2016 Masters.
Spieth is one of four alumni participants to have worn the green jacket as a Masters Champion. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and O’Meara have also won the tournament and Woods is the only to have multiple crowns with wins in 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2005.
In an article posted on masters.com, Spieth said, “It’s a different feeling on the grounds having won the Tournament.”
The most recent alum on the list of invitees is Bryson DeChambeau, who is playing in the Masters as an amateur. DeChambeau played in the 2014 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic and is one of only four amateurs in the field for the Masters this year.
Golf Central Live said of DeChambeau in a press release sent out on April 4, 2016: “2015 U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau – making his Masters debut this week – has proven himself capable of handling pressure situations even as an amateur. While it’s clear that a physics degree from Southern Methodist University sets DeChambeau apart and helps him to assess his strengths and weaknesses in greater statistical and scientific detail than his contemporaries, Notah Begay helps illustrate how DeChambeau is just as much an artist as he is scientist.”
Other notable alumni who have played in El Paso the past 10 years include Rickie Folwer (2008), Harris English (2009, 2010), Billy Horschel (2006, 2007, 2008), Dustin Johnson (2006), Chris Kirk (2006), Russell Knox (2006), David Lingmerth (2009), Webb Simpson (2007) and Justin Thomas (2012).
The Masters is strictly an invitation Tournament.
2016 Masters Tournament Invitees/Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic Alumni
Participant - School - Year(s) in SBWRCAAGC
Paul Casey - Arizona State - 1998
Bryson DeChambeau - Southern Methodist - 2014
Jason Dufner - Auburn - 1997
Harris English - Georgia - 2009, 2010
Rickie Fowler - Oklahoma State - 2008
Jim Furyk - Arizona - 1990
Bill Haas - Wake Forest - 2001
J.B. Holmes - Kentucky – 2002
Billy Horschel - Florida - 2006, 2007, 2008
Dustin Johnson - Coastal Carolina - 2005, 2006
Chris Kirk - Georgia - 2005, 2006
Kevin Kisner - Georgia – 2004
Russell Knox - Jacksonville - 2006
Matt Kuchar - Georgia Tech - 1999
David Lingmerth - Arkansas – 2009
Davis Love III - North Carolina - 1983, 1984
Graeme McDowell - UAB - 2001
Phil Mickelson - Arizona State - 1989
Ryan Moore - UNLV - 2002, 2003
Mark O’Meara - Long Beach State - 1976
Webb Simpson - Wake Forest - 2005, 2007
Brandt Snedeker - Vanderbilt - 2002
Jordan Spieth - Texas - 2011
Justin Thomas - Alabama - 2012
Past Masters Champions not playing in 2016:
Craig Stadler - USC - 1974
Tiger Woods - Stanford - 1995
Additional Player/SBWRCAAGC Alumni Notes
• Tiger Woods has made 11 top-5 finishes
• Dustin Johnson hit four eagles during the 2009 tournament; most for anyone in a Masters
• Jordan Spieth made 28 birdies during the 2015 Masters; holds the record for most in a Masters
• Mark O’Meara birdied the No. 17 and the No. 18 in 1998 to win the Masters
• Craig Stadler, who has played in 118 rounds at the Masters, is averaging 73.94 strokes per round
• Jim Furyk, has played in 70 rounds heading into the 2016 Masters and averages 72.33 stokes per round there
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EL PASO, Texas – With the Denver Broncos triumphing in Super Bowl 50 and the game now in the history books, we look back at former Sun Bowl participants who were among this year’s most elite NFL teams.
Perhaps the most impressive among the group is former Oregon running back Jonathon Stewart. Stewart was named the C.M. Hendricks Most Valuable Player in the 2007 Sun Bowl after setting the bowl’s record for rushing yards with 253, and all-purpose yards with 282. In Sunday’s Super Bowl, Stewart scored Carolina’s first touchdown of the game with a remarkable dive over Denver’s defense, finishing with 29 rushing yards in the loss.
Stewart’s former teammate at Oregon, strong safety T.J. Ward, also started in Sunday’s game, however, unlike Stewart, he was clad in orange and blue. He helped the Broncos ensure the Super Bowl title recording seven tackles, one interception and a crucial fumble recovery in the fourth quarter. When Ward wore the same uniform as Stewart in the 2007 Sun Bowl, he contributed to the victory with two solo tackles.
A third former Duck suited up for Super Bowl 50 as 6-foot-4-inch tight end Ed Dickson put on the Panther’s uniform. Dickson helped his previous teammates to the 2007 Sun Bowl championship by recording 16 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Carolina’s starting defensive lineman Star Lotulelei, who played for the Utah Utes in the 2011 Sun Bowl, posted four tackles against the Broncos last Sunday. Lotulelei was named the 2011 Jimmy Rogers Jr. winner, which goes to the most valuable lineman in the Sun Bowl. He helped the Utes to an overtime win over Georgia Tech.
Backup Bronco center Sam Brenner, was alongside Lotulelei on the Utah 2011 Sun Bowl championship team. In 2011, Brenner was a starter in all 13 games for the Utes, only allowing one sack throughout the season. Brenner experienced a neck injury in a late season game against Colorado and had to be taken to the hospital. The junior center didn’t allow that to stop him however, and he returned to the field to help his team to a Sun Bowl Championship.
Brenner, Lotulelei and the Utes were joined in the 2011 Sun Bowl victory by Brian Blechen, a member of Carolina’s practice squad. Blechen contributed to the 30-27 Sun Bowl victory with six tackles.
Panther wide receiver Stephen Hill played for Georgia Tech in the 2011 Sun Bowl. The wide receiver contributed 35 receiving yards and one touchdown in their 2011 loss to The University of Utah.
Joining Hill on the Panthers’ roster was his former teammate Lou Young. Young played for Georgia Tech in 2011 and 2012, when they appeared in the Sun Bowl back to back. Young could not play in the Sun Bowl in 2011, but helped Georgia Tech to victory over USC in 2012 by executing four tackles and breaking up a pass.
Defensive end George Uko, a member of the Broncos’ practice squad, played opposite Hill in the 2012 Sun Bowl matchup between USC and Georgia Tech. Uko, the Trojan All-American, had six tackles in the loss, one of which was a sack.
The 2009 Sun Bowl featured Carolina Panthers’ reserve player, Frank Alexander. Alexander had two tackles to help the Oklahoma Sooners to a 31-27 victory over Stanford.
The 83rd Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 in El Paso, Texas featuring a team from the ACC taking on an opponent out of the Pac-12.
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