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EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association announced on Tuesday, Dec. 1 that the 2020 Tony the Tiger® Sun Bowl is canceled due to the ongoing issues with the COVID-19 Pandemic throughout the nation.
This is the first time in the 87-year history of the Sun Bowl football game that it has had to cancel. The decision, made by the Sun Bowl Association Board of Directors, was not an easy one but one that needed to be made.
“The Sun Bowl has historically been a way to expose our amazing City of El Paso to the rest of our country. A great way to share our culture, our community, our people, and our neighbors to the South,” said Football Committee Chairman and long-time Board Member John Folmer. “However, now is no time to expose players and their families to the Pandemic and being that I’ve been involved with Sun Bowl for almost 50 years, and it breaks my heart to do this. But it is the right thing to do.”
The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is the second oldest bowl game in the business with the first Sun Bowl game being played at El Paso High School’s Jones Stadium, with the El Paso All-Stars defeating Ranger 25-21. 2003 Legend of the Sun Bowl Ken Heineman accounted for every El Paso All-Star point.
Last year, Arizona State defeated Florida State 20-14.
STATEMENT FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BERNIE OLIVAS
“While it is a very sad decision to make, it was not a hard decision based on the current situation in El Paso and the nation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. The safety and well-being of everybody involved must be our priority, and our board unanimously approved the cancelation of the 2020 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. We look forward to bringing back El Paso’s long-standing tradition game 2021 and all the festivities associated with the game. I would like to thank CBS, Kellogg’s, the ACC and PAC-12 conferences, and all our sponsors and vendors for their understanding in this matter.”
STATEMENT FROM GAME SPONSOR KELLOGG’S FROSTED FLAKES
“Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes® and Tony the Tiger recognize the impact the game’s cancellation has on the entire El Paso community and the local game day workers who traditionally make the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl run. From the parking and stadium attendants to the concessions team and ushers, Tony the Tiger will ensure Sun Bowl staff receive their usual paycheck this holiday season,” said Brant Wheaton, marketing director of Kellogg U.S. ready-to-eat cereal segment. “Additionally, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes will donate 1 million meals to El Paso food banks, which continues our game’s historic commitment to the families and residents of this vibrant community.”
STATEMENT FROM BOARD PRESIDENT NATALIA FLORES
“Due to what is happening nationwide in the bowl industry, across the country and in El Paso, we had to make this difficult decision. The well-being of the people involved and that participate in the Sun Bowl game are of upmost importance to us. We are looking forward to 2021 and are exploring ideas on how to help the community impacted by the loss of the game.”
STATEMENT FROM ACC
“We empathize with the great people who work for the Sun Bowl and the fans in El Paso who have faithfully followed and attended this game for so many years,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “We understand this was a difficult decision to make, but one that is best for the health and safety of the Sun Bowl community and participating teams. We look forward to resuming our relationship with the Sun Bowl next season.”
STATEMENT FROM PAC-12
“We share our student-athletes and fans disappointment regarding today’s news of the Sun Bowl’s cancelation due to the pandemic. We are looking forward to witnessing a Pac-12 team compete in the 2021 edition of the Sun Bowl and to continuing the great excitement and tradition of this marquee event next year.”
TICKET INFORMATION (from Ticket Manager Ellen Hughes)
We thank our loyal ticket purchasers, partners and sponsors for their patience as we navigated through the difficult decisions brought on by the challenging circumstances facing us in 2020.
When we return for the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Game, our annual ticket account holders can rest assured they will be contacted and given priority options to renew their accounts. Any questions or concerns may be directed to Ellen Hughes, Sun Bowl Association Ticket Manager, at 915-533-4416 x200 or ticket@sunbowl.org
WATCH THE 2020 OSCAR LEESER’S HYUNDAI OF EL PASO SUN BOWL (VIRTUAL) PARADE HERE. Produced by KTSM.
Also available on YouTube. Click here>>> https://youtu.be/PnRufnRBdAA
Know who is next during the 2020 Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Virtual Parade with the official Virtual Parade Program. This digital program is courtesy of the East El Paso Rotary Club and the Sun Bowl Association. CLICK IMAGE BELOW.
Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Parade Program
Virtual Parade Program (click image to access program)
EL PASO, Texas –The Sun Bowl Association (SBA) and KTSM announced on Friday, Nov. 20 that Alvin and Aaron Jones, of El Paso, Texas will be the Grand Marshals for the Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Virtual Parade. The virtual parade is set to air on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. (MT) on KTSM TV as well as on the Internet at www.ktsm.com.
The El Pasoans are children of two U.S. Army Sergeants Majors and have a knack for giving back to the community they grew up in and love so dearly. The Jones brothers started the A& A All the Way Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to making an impact in the lives of the nation’s youth through charitable giving and action. The foundation actively executes events that inspire, educate, and promote unity and diversity across multiple communities.
“In a very incredible year that we are living through, we have two incredible El Pasoans serving as the Grand Marshals of the Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Virtual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Twin brothers Aaron and Alvin Jones are not only accomplishing great things as professional football players, but they are also doing great things off the field by giving back through the A & A All the Way Foundation that they established, aiming to make an impact in the lives of our nation’s youth through charitable giving and action,” Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “It is a great honor to have two prominent members of our community lead our parade in the first ever virtual Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
Aaron and Alvin always joined their parents during volunteer opportunities and learned from a young age the importance of their contributions. Even at a young age, the two have shown support for the El Paso community by serving in soup kitchens on Thanksgiving Day, participating in community service throughout high school, assisting with fundraisers, and more. Aaron and Alvin are currently using their larger platform they now have to support children and families “All the Way.”
Aaron currently plays for the Green Bay Packers and Alvin previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and is a free agent.
QUOTES FROM AARON AND ALVIN JONES
“This is a great honor and I feel like we embody El Paso. We are continuing to grow and continuing to expand, just like El Paso and the hardworking people in El Paso are. I wish we could be there in person, on a float, but this is an honor and a blessing.” – Alvin Jones
“I grew up going to a couple of Sun Bowl games and there are so many other things going on that the Sun Bowl does in the community and that’s what we look to do, to give back to the community. We want to give back with our foundation into this as well and our foundation is A & A All the Way! Thank you and we miss you El Paso!” – Aaron Jones
For more information about the A & A All the Way Foundation, go to www.aaalltheway.org.
For updated information on other Sun Bowl Association events, go to www.sunbowl.org and follow along on Facebook by searching ‘Sun Bowl Association’ and on Twitter @TonyTheTigerSB.
WHAT: Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Parade
GRAND MARSHALS: Aaron and Alvin Jones (Founders of the A & A All the Way Foundation)
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)
TIME: 10 a.m. (MT)
WHERE: KTSM TV (Ch. 9 in El Paso/Las Cruces) and KTSM.com
Aaron Jones
Alvin Jones
EL PASO, Texas –The Sun Bowl Association (SBA) made the tough decision and announced on Monday, Nov. 16 that the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational will be canceled for the 2020 year.
In a bold move, the SBA Basketball Committee, which is led by Tournament Director Barry Kobren, along with SBA Executive Director Bernie Olivas, decided to cancel the long-standing tournament for this year because of concerns of the spreading coronavirus (COVID-19).
“The Sun Bowl [Association] was prepared to host one of its strongest fields featuring three defending conference champions,” Barry Kobren said. “Given the difficulties we are all experiencing, it became apparent that these three schools would not be able to participate next month, so we are looking forward to an even better event next year, that we can all attend.
It is only the second time the annual Holiday Tournament will not be held since it was first held in 1961. The 2020 Invitational was scheduled to be held on Dec. 21-22 with UTEP hoping to defend its title.
“I especially want to thank WestStar and the [basketball] staff at UTEP for their understanding and support throughout these trying times,” Kobren said.
The Sun Bowl Association has become known to start and run traditions in El Paso and this event has seen some great times with Don Haskins leading the way. 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.
“It is unfortunate that a 59-year-old tradition has to be canceled due to the issues the Covid-19 virus has presented,”said Olivas. “I would like to assure everybody that this is a one-year cancellation, and we will be back in 2021 with a strong and stellar field. I would like to thank WestStar and UTEP for their understanding in the decision to cancel the tournament in 2020.”
For updated information on other Sun Bowl Association events, go to www.sunbowl.org and follow along on Facebook by searching ‘Sun Bowl Association’ and on Twitter @TonyTheTigerSB.
DALLAS, TEXAS (October 23, 2020) — The Football Bowl Association is getting a new name and brand: Bowl Season. The debut of the name change, logo and website for the organization is part of a major brand overhaul announced today by Executive Director Nick Carparelli.
The new Bowl Season tagline, “A Celebration of College Football,” embraces the grand tradition of the bowl system and its enduring value to student-athletes. Highlighting the broader university community, including spirit squads, marching bands, student athletic staff and fans, Bowl Season will work with all existing bowls to promote the benefits of the entire bowl system.
Carparelli has collaborated over the last six months with leaders of the 44 bowl games, each of the 10 FBS conferences, media partners and other stakeholders to build consensus and solidify plans for the new brand.
“For four decades, the Football Bowl Association has served as a staunch advocate of the bowl system,” said Carparelli. “But until now, it’s been a behind-the-scenes organization designed to facilitate conversation among bowl leadership and stakeholders. Since joining the organization last spring, I’ve listened to our membership’s clear desire for a new identity— to rebrand the FBA to speak directly to those who love this sport.”
“The stretch from mid-December through the first week of January marks one of the most endlessly entertaining times on the sports calendar,” Carparelli continues. “Footballs are flying morning, noon and night. It creates an opportunity to honor teams that have put in the work and provides an unforgettable victory lap for student-athletes. We’re excited to build up ‘Bowl Season’ as a true celebration of college football.”
The Bowl Season logo consists of a centrally-placed, collegiate-style football inside an overhead view of a stadium or bowl, from which the term “bowl game” was derived. The logo is also evocative of the top of championship rings, which are often awarded to teams that play in bowl games. The stadium contains 10 sections, each representing a conference member of the Football Bowl Subdivision: American Athletic Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, Big 10, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, PAC 12, Southeastern Conference and Sun Belt Conference.
The new name and visual identity were developed by Connecticut-based 1919 Productions and Joe Bosack & Co. Tony Fay Public Relations, based in Dallas, was hired to oversee communications efforts for the organization.
“Our goal was to create a new brand that is distinctive, ownable and clearly defines what Bowl Season is,” said Marc Jacobson, Owner, 1919 Productions. “The new name and logo taps into the passion and emotion of college football, which we think will resonate well with all parties involved.”
More information can be found at www.bowlseason.com.
###
About Bowl Season
Bowl Season is the collective coalition of the 44 bowl games played in the traditional college football postseason. Dubbed “A Celebration of College Football,” Bowl Season promotes the grand tradition of the bowl system and its endearing value to student-athletes. It also highlights the broader university and college communities, including spirit squads, marching bands, athletic staff and fans. A nonprofit, Bowl Season spotlights the distinctiveness of each of the bowl games along with their histories and traditions, embracing and honoring the bowl experience for present and future generations.
EL PASO, Texas –The Sun Bowl Association made the official announcement on Friday, Oct. 2 that the Sun Bowl All-America golf Classic has been canceled for 2020 due to the current Pandemic situation across the country.
The tournament was scheduled for Nov. 22-24 at the El Paso Country Club, however, the fall season for college golf has been canceled and the number of COVID cases around the country are back on the rise, so the golf committee made the unfortunate decision of not holding the tournament this year.
“It seems like this is the way things are going all around the country and it’s very unfortunate,” Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “It would be a challenge to bring in golfers who are not currently playing and it would also be a challenge due to different COVID restrictions in different states and different regions.”
“While we are disappointed that we will not host the tournament in 2020, we are looking forward to showcasing El Paso and providing unapparelled hospitality for the best amateur golfers in 2021,” said Gary Hanson, Tournament Chairman.
For updated information on other Sun Bowl Association events, go to www.sunbowl.org and follow along on Facebook by searching ‘Sun Bowl Association’ and on Twitter @TonyTheTigerSB.
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Listen to Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas talk about what the organization is planning for in 2020. For complete information on all the Sun Bowl Association events go to www.sunbowl.org.
EL PASO, Texas – Boss Chicken rejoined the fun with the Sun Bowl Association to give football fans around the country a chance to win a Sun Bowl Game Package for the 2020 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl by participating in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Challenge presented by Boss Chicken.
The contest starts Thursday, Sept. 10 as the 2020 college football season is now underway. Each week contestants will attempt to predict the winners of predetermined college football games.
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 come to really enjoy this contest and we want to help to continue to make the college football experience a fun and exciting one,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We would like to thank Boss Chicken for renewing the relationship with the Sun Bowl Association and for supporting this contest.”
The 13 weekly winners will win two (2) Touchdown section tickets to the 2020 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Game along with one (1) Boss Chicken BOSS COMBO.
Weekly winners will automatically advance to “Championship Week,” in which they will once again predict the winners of each college football conference championship game.
Link to play: http://www.sunbowl.org/contest
A complete list of rules and prizes can be found at http://sunbowl.org/contest/terms.
##www.sunbowl.org##
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE FOLLOWING PROMOTION IS INTENDED FOR VIEWING IN THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES ONLY AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND EVALUATED ACCORDING TO UNITED STATES LAW. DO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS PROMOTION IF YOU ARE NOT LOCATED IN THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES.
Objective of Contest
General. The objective of the Promotion is to correctly select the “winning team” for each U.S. college football game offered during the thirteen (13) weeks of the Promotion Period: Week fourteen (14) will be used to determine an overall contest winner. Each weekly winner will automatically be entered into the “Championship Week” where they will have to correctly select the “winning team” of the selected conference championship games.
• Week 1 (Thurs., Sept. 10)
• Week 2 (Thurs., Sept. 17)
• Week 3 (Thurs., Sept. 24)
• Week 4 (Thurs., Oct. 1)
• Week 5 (Thurs., Oct. 8)
• Week 6 (Thurs., Oct. 15)
• Week 7 (Thurs., Oct. 22)
• Week 8 (Thurs., Oct. 29)
• Week 9 (Thurs., Nov. 5)
• Week 10 (Thurs., Nov. 12)
• Week 11 (Thurs., Nov. 19)
• Week 12 (Thurs., Nov. 26)
• Week 13 (Thurs., Dec. 3)
• Week 14 Championship Week (Thurs., Dec. 10)
EL PASO, Texas – With the current situation of the Pandemic, the Sun Bowl Association has come up with a way to continue the 80-plus-year tradition of the Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Parade, which runs on Thanksgiving morning. The 84th edition of the Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Parade will be a “virtual parade” and will air on KTSM as well as on KTSM.com at 10 a.m. (MT) on Thanksgiving Day.
KTSM has partnered with the Sun Bowl Association to televise the annual parade for over 40 years and is excited to bring the family tradition to the homes of El Paso and beyond. Oscar Leeser and Hyundai of El Paso are excited to help continue the tradition by once again providing financial support.
Oscar Leeser said, “I consider the Sun Bowl parade an iconic El Paso event. I remember it as a kid and always loved it. This year, with COVID-19 most parades across the country have been cancelled. I’m making sure the Sun Bowl Parade tradition continues by sponsoring the first ever Oscar Leeser‘s Hyundai Of El Paso‘s Virtual Parade, so our kids and families will get to enjoy it in safety… it’s worth every penny.”
Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso became the title sponsor in 2019 after being the title sponsor the Sun Bowl football game for 10 years.
The theme for the 2020 parade is “Fan Favorites” and will feature units that will be invited from past parades. This year will be by invitation only for all parade units due to the limited time available on the broadcast. Units will include marching bands, floats and specialty units like Mariachis, Six Gun Shady Ladies, Sherriff’s Posse and the Shriners.
The Sun Bowl Association thanks KTSM and its Vice President and General Manager, David Candelaria for the continued support and loyalty to the community.
“Due to the uncertainty with COVID, we want to give the El Paso community something to look forward to and continue an 84-year-old El Paso tradition,” said Sun Bowl Association President Natalia Flores. “The parade will go on for all to view in the comfort of their own homes. Thanks to Oscar Leeser and KTSM that will help make this a reality.”
Quote from David Candelaira
“The Thanksgiving Day Parade has long fostered a sense community connection so often centered on in-person events, especially in El Paso. This year is obviously not like any year in the past not by a long shot. In light of the corona virus pandemic, traveling and getting together are not options for many of our friends and family. This should not get in the way of our annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. KTSM has been broadcasting the parade live since 1978. This year we are still going to broadcast the parade but with a different twist. We will be doing the first virtual Thanksgiving Day Parade ever. We feel that the show must go on with the long-standing tradition that our community really enjoys. We got together Bernie Olivas and the Terrific Sun Bowl Association and came together on this plan. Stay tuned to perhaps the most viewed parade in our history Nov. 26, 2020.”
About the Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl Parade
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: 84th Annual Oscar Leeser’s Hyundai of El Paso Sun Bowl ‘Virtual’ Parade
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26, 2020)
WHERE: KTSM-TV (Channel 9)/simulcast on KTSM.com (in-case you miss it: view it the next day online at www.sunbowl.org)
TIME: 10 a.m. (MT)
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association announced on Sunday, May 3, that Natalia Flores is the 87th President of the Sun Bowl Association Board of Directors, beginning her term immediately.
Natalia Flores Zesati, a native of El Paso, is the Business Development Manager for Allergan Aesthetics and AbbVie Company. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Texas at El Paso and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
“It’s an honor to serve as the 2020-2021 Sun Bowl President and look forward to working with Bernie Olivas,” Flores said. “I would like to thank the Sun Bowl staff and Board, our amazing Sponsors and over 700 volunteers, as this organization would not be sustained without them.”
Flores is a high-caliber sales and marketing professional with over 15 years of outstanding marketing, sales, customer service and management experience with many achievements. Through a series of increasingly responsible positions, Flores has eagerly accepted challenges presented with outstanding results.
Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas mentioned, “Natalia has been with us for many years and understands what this organization truly means to the community. I cannot wait to see what is in store with her leading the way.”
Flores has been very involved with and throughout the community and previous to this had been a member of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Committee, the VP of Marketing with the Association of the United States Army, and a part of the International Relations Committee of Texas Credit Union League.
“The Sun Bowl Association is such an outstanding organization that helps promote economic development for our Sun City by hosting a myriad of events for our community to enjoy,” Flores said.
Before taking on her current position with Allergan Aesthetics and AbbVie Company Flores leadership, Flores was with the FirstLight Federal Credit Union for 13 years and the company received several recognitions and awards under her guidance and leadership, such as: the Honorable Order of Saint George Medallion (United States Army), the Distinguished Credit Union of the Year in 2006 and 2014 (from the Department of the Army), Corporate Sponsor of the Year 2007 (from the Association of the United States Army-Bradley Chapter), as well as many community awards. Flores was also part of Leadership El Paso, Class XXXII and was awarded the President’s Award at FirstLight Federal Credit Union for her tremendous dedication. She is married to John C. Flores and they have two children, Marco and Diego.
A message from SBA Board President Natalia Flores
##www.sunbowl.org##
EL PASO, Texas – Tony The Tiger teamed up with Sun Bowl Association outgoing board president Stuart Sliva, incoming president Natalia Flores and Executive Director Bernie Olivas to help distribute boxes of cereal at the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Center on Thursday, April 30 in El Paso, Texas.
Kellogg’s, who sponsors the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, donated 25,000 pounds (44 pallets) of cereal to be distributed to those in need. According to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger organization, approximately 2,000 vehicles drive through each day to pick up food since the COVID-pandemic started.
Sun Bowl Association 2019-20 president Stuart Sliva said, “What a great-humbling day to finish off my year with the Sun Bowl.”
Tony the Tiger was out in the warm weather from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. bringing cheer to, not only those picking up food, but also to those distributing it.
“In all the years of being with the Sun Bowl Association, this has to be one of the most humbling,” Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “El Paso is everything to me so it is an honor to be out here helping out.”
A photo album of Tony The Tiger distributing food will be available on the Sun Bowl Association Facebook (TonyTheTigerSunBowl), as well as some photos on Instagram (tonythetigersunbowl).
For more information on the Sun Bowl Association and the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl go to www.sunbowl.org.
EL PASO, Texas – Tony The Tiger and the Sun Bowl Association are looking to make some friends on the Borderland! The Sun Bowl Association is open to any events you would like to schedule but prefers to put smiles on kids’ faces.
“We want to get Tony the Tiger out in the community to help bring smiles on faces and to help make the events a bit more enjoyable,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “He has already made appearances at local hospitals and even joined Spike the Rhino during an El Paso Rhinos game.”
“The Sun Bowl staff will take all applications into consideration,” Olivas said. “But we cannot guarantee that Tony the Tiger will be available for all events.”
If you want to see where Tony The Tiger has visited recently, or if you want photo examples of what he can do at your event, follow The Sun Bowl Association on Facebook (TonyTheTigerSunBowl), Twitter (TonyTheTiger_SB), and Instagram (@tonythetigersunbowl).
Tony The Tiger can be booked for your events at www.sunbowl.org.
By Monika Chavez-Valtierra-On behalf of the Sun Bowl Association
##www.sunbowl.org##
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association is now accepting applications for the 2020-21
Sun Court. Applications are available online at sunbowl.org and due to the national COVID situation, the deadline to apply has been extended to July 11. All interviews will be held July 25 beginning at 9 a.m.
The El Paso area will be represented by the city’s young women to serve as community ambassadors during all Sun Bowl events including the Sun Bowl Parade on Thanksgiving morning and the Tony the Tiger football game on December 31, 2020.
“Each year the quality of contestants that apply to be a part of the Sun Bowl Sun Court rises,” Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “We are proud to have such amazing, talented and hard-working ambassadors to help showcase all our events and the City of El Paso. We are excited to start the process of looking for this year’s Sun Court and hope to receive many applicants.”
The Sun Court dates back to 1935 when organizers planned the event as a companion to the first Sun Bowl game. This is a great time for young women to promote their city and to volunteer as community ambassadors. Contestants are selected based on poise, appearance, personality, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of El Paso. Participants must be full-time students at a college or university and in good academic standing.
For questions, please contact the Sun Bowl Association Office at (915) 533-4416 or email office@sunbowl.org
Eligibility and Rules:
All Sun Princess Applicants must fit criteria in order to be eligible.
•A female between the ages of 18-22 (as of Sept. 1) and have completed one year of college
•Have not been married and have not had any children
•Must be enrolled as a full-time student taking a minimum of 12 academic hours or full time in a graduate program
•A cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (Transcript must be included with application)
•Sun Princesses may not hold any other title during the time they are members of the Sun Court (i.e. Miss El Paso, Miss Texas, etc…)
•Responsible for their own transportation costs to attend mandatory events
Application/Submission Process: Official application, an official transcript, a professional resume, a color head shot no larger than 5×7, and an essay (500 words or less) telling us about yourself; include school activities and awards, community involvement, employment and why you want to be a Sun Princess.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY>> http://sunbowl.org/about/sun_court_application_form
EL PASO, Texas – An opportunistic Arizona State defense made play after play and held on to edge Florida State 20-14 Tuesday afternoon, closing out the final day of 2019 with the victory in the 86th Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
Arizona State freshman defensive back Willie Harts struck like a lightning bolt in the final quarter, picking off a James Blackman pass and darting 25 yards untouched into the end zone for the game breaker, giving the Sun Devils their 20-14 final margin with 10:06 left.
Arizona State finished the season 8-5 with Tuesday’s win. Florida State closed out 2019 at 6-7.
A crowd of 42,412 turned out on a sun-swept 50 degree day for this old bowl bash.
The Sun Devils gifted freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels won the C.M. Hendricks Most Valuable Player trophy, completing 12-of-28 passes for 195 yards. The swarming Florida State defensive line hounded Daniels all afternoon, sacking him three times and giving him little time to throw and even less room to operate. Still, Daniels maintained his composure, completed key passes, ran for 36 yards and did not turn the ball over.
Seminole defensive lineman Robert Cooper was awarded the Jimmy Rogers Jr. Most Valuable Lineman Award and Arizona State’s Cristian Zendejas won the John Folmer Most Valuable Special Teams award by kicking four field goals – tying the Sun Bowl record shared by Paul Rogers of Nebraska in 1969, Drew Dunning of Washington State in 2001 and Conrad Ukropina of Stanford in 2016.
“You have to give credit to both defenses, I thought they both played really good and when you play in a game like that it becomes a defensive game. There were a couple scores but for the most part it was made by both defenses not allowing a lot of big plays,” said Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards. “I can’t say enough about our kicker and our defense, when you get 6 turnovers you should probably win a game. With that being said these guys (Florida State) kept fighting back, I give them a lot of credit. I’m happy for our seniors.”
The first half was defense, defense and a little more defense. Defense and Zendejas field goals. Arizona State led 3-0 after the first quarter off a 40-yard Zendejas kick. The Sun Devils led 9-0 at the half – thanks to a 26-yard Zendejas boot and a 24-yard Zendejas kick.
Florida State came roaring back in the second half. The Seminoles finally got on the scoreboard thanks to a three-yard run by Ontaria Wilson and a Ricky Aguayo extra point, narrowing the Arizona State lead to 12-7 with 3:17 left in the third quarter.
Florida State then dialed long distance to take the lead. Blackmon hit Tamorrion Terry streaking down the right sideline for a bowl record 91-yard touchdown pass with 1:04 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Seminoles a 14-9 edge.
The throw and catch and run broke the previous Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl record of 80-yards for longest pass play, a mark set by Purdue’s Kyle Orton, who connected with Brian Hare against Arizona State in 2004.
But the young Sun Devil defense would not yield again.
Zendejas connected on his fourth field goal, a 34-yarder with 12:02 left in the game to cut the Seminole lead to 14-12.
And then came the Harts lightning bolt. Harts read the play perfectly, darting in front of the receiver and then dashing to the end zone with what would ultimately be the game winner.
2019 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl – Final Stats
