The Skyline Newspaper

Photo: Mike Flynt at his "Rome Is Burning" interview. Photo by Jason Hennington<

Senior Flynt Cleared to Play Saturday

By Steve Lang
News and Publications

Mike Flynt, the 59-year-old Sul Ross State University senior -- and grandfather -- is slated to see action in special teams duty Saturday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m., against Texas Lutheran University.

The Lobos, 3-2, 1-2 in the American Southwest Conference, edged the Bulldogs 33-31 in a season-opening non-conference tilt Sept. 1. TLU, 1-5, 1-3 edged Howard Payne University 55-48 for its first win last week.

"We are planning for Mike to see some limited action on special teams this week," said Sul Ross head coach Steve Wright. "He was in our scheme against Howard Payne (a 34-31 double-overtime win Sept. 29), but he re-aggravated an injury in warm-ups.

"As Mike's health improves, he will likely see more extended playing time in the second half of the season," Wright added.

Flynt, who was interviewed via satellite on ESPN's "Rome is Burning" on Friday, Oct. 5, told commentator Jim Rome "Coach Wright...wants me to be on a level playing field and be 100 percent playing against other athletes.

"My teammates have really accepted me, and I am now in much better shape than I was before because of the recovery time," he said.

Flynt had scrimmaged in full contact drills for two days prior to the Howard Payne contest. In an Associated Press report, he said, "I'm happy to report I went full-speed through a scrimmage and came out of it feeling good. It was the first time since two-a-days that I was able to go and the guys were real excited."

He notes that the size, speed and strength of athletes have increased significantly since his last on-field competition, as a Lobo linebacker in 1970. He noted that actual game competition will be at another level than practice time. "Full-game speed is different than full-practice speed."

Wright, who cites the unique nature of the Lobo football program, spent considerable flying time during the off-week to visit family members. While heading to Palo Alto, Calif. to visit daughter Stephanie, a freshman at Stanford University, the pilot on the flight to San Diego noticed Wright's Sul Ross visor.

"Do you know that 59-year-old football player?" the pilot asked, perching himself on the edge of a seat across from Wright after the plane landed.

Wright nodded in the affirmative.

"Do you know the coach? What kind of guy is he?"

"I know him a little. He's crazy as a goat," Wright replied.

"Well, do you work at Sul Ross? What do you do?"

"I'm that crazy coach," Wright replied.

The surprised pilot fell off his perch.

This Year's Homecoming Theme Set

Sul Ross State University alumni, students, staff, faculty and friends will be "Livin' La Vida Lobo" during Homecoming 2007, scheduled Oct. 22-28.

The annual celebration includes the parade, daily student events, induction of four new members into the athletic Hall of Honor and presentation of two Distinguished Alumni Awards and the Slingin' Sammy Baugh Award for Outstanding Service.

Former faculty member and Alumni Association director Robie Golden, Alpine, and Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter, Midland, will receive Sul Ross State University Distinguished Alumni Awards, and John Martin "Marty" Davis, Dallas/Fort Davis, will receive the Slingin' Sammy Baugh Award for Outstanding Service to Sul Ross. The Hall of Honor/Distinguished Alumni banquet will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. in the University Center.

Joining the Hall of Honor will be Joe George, Belton, who coached the Lobo football team to a 28-12 record during his four seasons; women's volleyball standout Ruth Roman McWilliams, Marfa; Dana Souter Pannell, San Saba, who excelled in women's basketball and tennis; and John Curry, Monahans, the current Sul Ross basketball announcer.

Tickets for Distinguished Alumni/Hall of Honor Banquet will cost $17 per person.

Homecoming/Reunion registration fee is $25, which includes admission to the football game, T-shirt, tailgate meal and Sunday brunch buffet.

Activities will be launched Monday, Oct. 22, with the introduction of Homecoming Queen and King candidates during a performance by comedian Pete Holmes. The 7:30 p.m. event will be held in Marshall Auditorium. Candidates will be introduced and finalists announced throughout the concert.

Coronation of the 2007 royalty will be held at halftime of the Lobo-Hardin-Simmons University football game Saturday, Oct. 27, at Jackson Field.

Tuesday, Oct. 23, events will include a student organization Homecoming derby, starting at 5:30 p.m. Student organizations will paint the Bar-SR-Bar Wednesday, Oct. 24, beginning at 5 p.m.

On Thursday, Oct. 25, a Homecoming Chili Cook-off will be held from 1:30-6:00 p.m. in the south parking lot of the Pete P. Gallego Center.

Entry fee is $10 for on-campus students, faculty and staff.

At 6:00 p.m., Sul Ross will host Howard Payne University in an American Southwest Conference volleyball match in the Gallego Center.

Texas blues legend Doyle Bramhall will be in concert at Marshall Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. General admission is $3 per person for "An Original Night With Doyle Bramhall."

Students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with Sul Ross ID. Proceeds from the concert go to the Ira Blanton Folklore Excellence Fund, which is used for folklore scholarships.

The annual pep rally and bonfire activities start at 8:00 p.m. at the field adjacent to Kokernot Park.

On Friday, Oct. 26, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Homecoming registration and a reception honoring the award recipients will be held in the University Center, followed by an alumni social gathering at the Museum of the Big Bend.

Campus tours will be conducted at 3:00 p.m.

At 6:00 p.m., Sul Ross will meet Concordia University in an ASC volleyball match in the Gallego Center.

At 8:15 p.m., the musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," will be performed in the Studio Theatre, Francois Fine Arts Building.

At 9:00 p.m., the lighting of the Bar-SR-Bar and a torch lighting ceremony in the Gallego Center parking lot will be held.

Wood collection for the bonfire begins Thursday, Oct. 18. Collections will be managed by the ANRS Range and Wildlife Club.

Call (432) 837-8488 to arrange for wood collection, and every effort will be made to pick up wood from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. from callers within a one-mile radius of the city limits. Wood donations may not include tires, pretreated wood, furniture, trees, branches, roofing materials or garbage.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, the annual Homecoming parade will be held at 10:00 a.m., proceeding from the Alpine Civic Center, east on Holland Ave. to Jackson Field.

Yana and Marty Davis will serve as Grand Marshals.

A tail-gate party will be held at Jackson Field starting at noon.

At 1:00 p.m., the Lobos will battle Hardin-Simmons University in an American Southwest Conference football game.
Coronation of the 2007 Homecoming Queen and King will be held at halftime.

At 6:30 p.m., an alumni gathering will be held at the home of President R. Vic and Mary Jane Morgan. The 7:30 p.m. Hall of Honor/Distinguished Alumni banquet will be followed by a Homecoming "Howl at the Moon" block party at Alexander's Cantina and Grill, on Holland Ave.

On Sunday, Oct. 28, a brunch buffet is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. in the UC Dining Services.

For more information, contact Saul Garza, (432) 837-8697 or visit www.sulross.edu/homecoming for registration and entry forms.

Forms may be emailed to sgarza@sulross.edu

Congress Helps Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sept. 13, Congressman Henry Cuellar voted on the final passage of the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007. The bill reduces the interest rates students pay on loans and authorizes a $20 billion investment, which will be cut from lender subsidies and used to fund aid to college students.

The conference report, which passed the House by a vote of 292-97, will now go to the President's desk for his signature.

"The congressional passage of the student loan bill is a significant step towards helping families and students pay for college. We've seen tuition rates increase, and government funding has not caught up with the financial demands our students face. I believe this legislation will encourage more students to pursue their college education though some face financial hardship," said Congressman Cuellar.

"Many of these provisions will alleviate students' financial situations and, therefore, put them on the track of success."

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 includes provisions that will drastically impact college students in the 28th District of Texas. It cuts interest rates in half on subsidized loans, from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent, over four years. It also boosts the Pell grant award by $1,090 over five years, and it offers debt forgiveness to certain public-sector workers after ten years of service.

The language within the conference report will enhance programs that are especially pertinent for students throughout Texas. Upward Bound, a program that will better prepare low-income students, or students whose parents did not go to college, for higher education will receive an additional $282 million. The TEACH program will provide $4,600 grants to students who wish to teach in high poverty schools or in high-need subjects. The bill also includes a $510 million grant program to help schools that serve minorities ensure their students graduate.

"Exemplary, qualified students in my district deserve the best education has to offer," said Congressman Cuellar.

"We must invest in America's students, and it is Congress' obligation to help relieve the financial burden placed upon those who cannot afford to attend college.

I am proud to have taken part in this groundbreaking bill-the largest investment since the G.I. Bill, and at no cost to taxpayers," said Congressman Cuellar.

The Senate passed this bill by a vote of 79 to 12.

It now travels to President Bush for his signature.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Majority Senior Whip.