Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System
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August-September News1996 LOBO BASEBALL CHAMPS HAMMER HOME RUN MEMORIES by Steve Lang, News and Publications 1996 TIAA champs Members of the 1996 Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship baseball team were honored at Kokernot Field Saturday (July 21) during the Sul Ross All-Alumni reunion. Returning team members included: (kneeling, from left) David Gallegos, Shane Neumann; (standing) Jason Alvarado, Arturo "Chomper" Velázquez, Art Rincon, Jr., Eric Vidal, Issac Beard, coach Donnie Randell, Zivan Snively, Jason Youens. (Photo by Steve Lang) One by one, members of the Sul Ross State University's 1996 Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship baseball team stepped into the batting cage at Kokernot Field. After a few tentative swings, baseballs began disappearing over the distant outfield fences, reminiscent of a decade earlier.. "One more and I'm out-ta here!" announced Donnie Randell, who coached that contingent of Kokernot clouters. An instant later, his left-handed swing sent another ball over the right field wall. "I haven't swung at a ball in three years," he grinned. Current Sul Ross coach Mike Pallanez, whose son Tony was a member of the 1996 title team, and two of his players, Will Cazares and Richard Madrid, organized batting practice for the returning alumni. The team was honored Saturday (July 21) during the weekend's "Branding Together" reunion. Randell, a former University of Houston and minor league player, is now head baseball coach at New Caney High School and an associate scout for the Houston Astros. He shared many memories of his 1996 titlists. Three years later, Sul Ross, then an American Southwest Conference member, won the ASC title with a 30-9 mark, leading the nation in batting (.396) and doubles. Friendly debates emerged over which team was better. "The 1996 team had a lot of power and some solid pitchers," Randell recalled. "The '99 team had more finesse, a lot of consistency and more contact hitters." The '96 Lobos slugged over 50 homers en route to a 23-13 season record. "I still say the original is always better than the sequel," he added. "The 1996 team won the first championship, which was truly special. Winning in '99 was also great, kind of an exclamation point." Zivan Snively, Plano, a catcher on the 1996 team and a graduate assistant coach three years later, said, "It's tough to call. I coached on one and played on the other. I think the 1999 team had better athletes. "They actually ran," he laughed. "We just hit." And hit they did, including eight homers in a single game against McMurry. The last round-tripper, by Issac Beard, cleared the left-field light tower and was measured off at an estimated 501 feet. Beard, who earned the TIAA Most Valuable Player award and NAIA All-American honorable mention, slammed 21 homers and drove in 88 runs in less than 40 games. Stepping into the batting cage after the formal presentation of medals and T-shirts, Beard, now living in Las Vegas, Nev., wasted little time in finding the range. Neither did Jason Youens, Waco, who rocketed three straight pitches over the right-center-field wall. Pitcher Eric Vidal,Austin, who homered in one of his three at-bats in 1996, also started finding the fence with regularity. "I still play...a 30-game schedule. Pitch and play right-field," he added. Vidal and Jerry Dominguez handled most of the starting pitching in 1996, while their teammates supplied the power. "We were never out of a game," Beard said. "It didn't matter what part of the lineup was coming up, everybody was dangerous. If the pitchers were having an off-day, they didn't have to worry as much; the hitting would pick them up." "We had a lot of home runs, a lot of doubles and a lot of fun," Youens recalled. Randell coached the Lobos from 1995-1999, posting a 120-80 won-lost record with a pair of conference titles. He spent six years at Lufkin High School, finishing with a 142-47 mark and is 40-18 in his last two seasons at New Caney. Counting previous stops at Houston MacArthur and New Caney, his teams have won 387 games at the high school and collegiate levels. Players attending the reunion have also enjoyed divergent careers. * Snively, a catcher and the 1996 team MVP, serves as executive vice president for Odyssey Staffing, a physician recruiting service. * Third baseman Shane Neumann, Houston, is superintendent of Vaughn Construction and also helps coach baseball at Tomball High School. * Shortstop Arturo "Chomper" Velásquez, El Paso, played professionally for one season and still coaches during the summer in the Northwoods League, an independent league in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is also a teacher and assistant coach at El Paso Community College. * Beard, Las Vegas, the 1996 conference MVP, is a partner in Mr Haney Sports Inc. * Youens, Waco, works in commercial insurance. He and Beard alternated at first base and designated hitter. * Vidal, Austin, is the general manager of RSC Equipment Rental. * Catcher Art Rincon, Jr., Baytown, works as logistics manager for a transportation company. * Outfielder David Gallegos, Sonora, is the head baseball coach at Sonora High School and previously served in the same capacity at Junction. * Pitcher Jason Alvarado, San Antonio, also a member of the 1999 ASC champs, is communications director for TTC International, a business law firm. 10 TEAMS COMPETE IN "BRANDING TOGETHER" GOLF TOURNAMENT Ten teams competed in three flights of the Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament, held Saturday (July 21) at the Alpine Country Club. The tournament was part of Sul Ross State University's "Branding Together" All-Alumni reunion. Other events included a 5k run/walk and recognition of the 1996 Sul Ross baseball team, winners of the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association (TIAA) championship. A social, campus tour, downtown business treasure hunt, Saturday evening meal and social rounded out the activities. Championship flight winners were the team of Leo and Tommy Dominguez, Cesar Valenzuela and Ronnie Martinez (pictured below), with a net score of 53 in the 18-hole event. Championship Flight - First Place Finishing second were (left bottom photo) Cole Tarlton, James Stradley, John Tarlton, and Cesar Fuentes. Third place went to (right bottom photo) Jacob Scheel, Tonya Hutchinson, Chris Garcia and Jerry Carvajal. Championship Flight - Second Place | Championship Flight - Third Place President's Flight - First Place (Pictured above l-r) Issac Beard, Donnie Randell, Shane Neumann, and Jason Youens, claimed President's flight honors with a combined score of 60. President's Flight - Second Place | President's Flight - Third Place (Above left photo) Pictured l-r: Felipe Fierro, Danny and Michael Rios and Chris Martinez finished second. (Above right photo) Pictured l-r: Billy Jack, Magoo and Jo Jo Torres and Lando Leyva were third. First Flight - 1st Place Raymond and Bobby Richardson, Jim Curtsinger and Matt Sefcik won the First flight with a 63. (L-Photo) Pictured above l-r Eric Vidal, Zivan Snively, Bobby Mesker and Neil Trammell finished second. (R-Photo) Pictured above are: Pat Fogerson, Don Sugarek, Matt Keahon and Bon Attrans placed third. Kim and Danny Jackson, Alex Muratori and Jim Cawthron placed fourth. Highlights from All Alumni Branding Together Weekend! Medal Ceremony Donnie Randell, coach of Sul Ross' 1996 TIAA baseball champions, presents a medal to pitcher Eric Vidal during Saturday's recognition at Kokernot Field. (Photo by Steve Lang) For old time sake Issac Beard takes a big cut during batting practice following Saturday's recognition ceremony. The 1996 TIAA baseball champs were honored at Kokernot Field during the Sul Ross All-Alumni reunion. (Photo by Steve Lang) "I made it!" Ruth Allbright (left), 89 years young, celebrates her completion of the 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk during the Sul Ross All-Alumni reunion Saturday (July 21). Allbright was among 80 walkers and runners in the event. (Photo by Jason Hennington) 5K run/walk men's winner Saul Garza (right), director of Alumni Affairs, presents the winner's cup to Crispin Salais, El Paso, the first-place overall men's finisher, at the conclusion of Saturday's 5k run/walk. The event was part of Sul Ross' "Branding Together" All-Alumni reunion. (Photo by Jason Hennington) Women's race winner A. D. Ramirez, Odessa, holds the cup symbolizing the overall women's winner in Saturday's 5k run/walk. The event was part of Sul Ross' "Branding Together" All-Alumni reunion. (Photo by Jason Hennington) Father, son winners
Eighty runners and walkers participated in the fun run/walk. Crispin Salais, El Paso, was the men's overall run winner, while A.D. Ramirez, Odessa, captured women's honors. Walk winners were: Charles Dobbins, Alpine, and Patricia Benevich, Alpine. Complete results are posted on the Sul Ross website, www.sulross.edu/mybarsrbar."For a first-time effort, the results were extremely satisfying," said Saul Garza, Sul Ross Alumni Affairs director. "We hope to forge a strong bond between Sul Ross and the Alpine community with an active Alumni Association."A lot of folks were happy to be here, to socialize and reminisce about their Sul Ross and Alpine experiences," he added. "We're excited about the future growth of the Alumni Association. See 5k walk/run results "Branding Together corporate sponsors included: Big Bend Telephone, Alpine Medical Center and AMC Presidio; West Texas National Bank, Big Bend Regional Medical Center and the City of Alpine. Contributing sponsors were 6th Street Ice House, La Casita, Alexander's Cantina & Grill, Toby Cavness, Danny & Kim Jackson, Morrison's True Value, Fort Davis State Bank, Reata, Shotgun Grill, Alicia's Mexican Restaurant, Alpine Food Basket and Permian Distribution, Inc., Elidia Garza, Diamentina Espinoza, and Tanya Franco. ANRS & Rodeo Exes Association 31st Annual Summer Reunion Highlights Submitted by Rush Carter/Bill McAnally The Ag and Rodeo Exes kicked off their annual summer reunion this year on Friday July 27th with a social at The Crystal Bar. Mustang Field Services of Marathon provided the meal and refreshments were provided by Permian Distributing of Alpine. The Sul Ross Alumni Association and Campus Bookstore provided several door prizes. A good time was had by all as old friends reunited and new friendships were made. Saturday morning began with the Exes goat roping at the old rodeo arena. The day was filled with several different events including the open barrel race, Exes team roping, and the family team roping, breakaway roping and concluded with an open team roping. Richard Newsome and Tom Mangarim set up the Pitchfork wagon and served lunch and drinks to crowd. Saturday afternoon the first inaugural Texas Hold'em tournament was held at the Alpine Country Club. The field of thirteen players competed for a first place buckle by Broken Arrow Silversmiths and a 500 chip poker set for second. The evening concluded with an awards banquet at the Alpine Country Club where buckles were presented to the winners of the roping events and poker tournament. The evening ended with the conclusion of the silent auction and a live auction conducted by Mr. Tom Brown. Thirty-seven exes and family showed up Sunday morning for the annual golf tournament at the Alpine Country Club. The four man scramble ended with a three way tie for second, third and fourth place which was decided by a hole to hole playoff. Permian Distributing Company of Alpine provided refreshments. The reunion was a great success thanks to all of our sponsors, members and board members. Plans for next year's reunion and Hall of Fame inductions are already underway. Total scholarship monies in the amount of $8,000.00 were raised and presented to Sul Ross State University. ANRS & Rodeo Exes Board voted on August 9, 2007 to submit $4,000.00 to the ANRS & Rodeo Exes Association Academic Scholarship Fund and $4,000.00 to the ANRS & Rodeo Exes Association Rodeo Scholarship Fund pursuant to our existing agreements. An an additional $2,000.00 was raised to be placed in the scholarship fund that we established in 2006, which brings this fund to $9,000.00! Since 2001, the ANRS & Rodeo Exes Association has provided over $44,000.00 in scholarships to Sul Ross State University, and are holding $9,000.00 in our scholarship fund which they hope to provide additional scholarship monies when that principal amount reaches a point where interest income can be used for additional scholarships. Additionally, plans are inin place to increase donations to the Association in the near future. "We have a very dedicated group of officers, directors, and members who have Sul Ross at heart!" says Bill McAnally, Treasurer. Please feel free to call on any board members if they can assist in promoting Sul Ross, ANRS, or the rodeo program. The 2007/2008 Board are: President Rush Carter PO Box 902, Sanderson, TX 79848 817-528-2213 rush@htcomp.net Vice President Ryon Wash PO Box 1590, Alpine, TX 79831 432-837-3609 riobend@yahoo.com Secretary Melissa Wash PO Box 1590, Alpine, TX 79831 432-837-3609 riobend@yahoo.com Treasurer Bill McAnally PO Box 539, Fort Stockton, TX 79735 432-336-6943 bmcanally@hughes.net Director Brent Charlesworth PO Box 362, Marathon, TX 79842 432-386-6214 brent@paisanocattle.com Director Drew Leeton PO Box 60664, Midland, TX 79711 432-294-0144 bunton_1979@yahoo.com Director Henry Schwandner PO Box 225, Alpine, TX 79831 432-364-2505 burnthouseranch@yahoo.com Director Leslea Charlesworth PO Box 362, Marathon, TX 79842 432-386-6243 mustangfieldservice@yahoo.com Director Phil Francis 14195 Stringtown Road, Temple, TX 76501 254-983-1019 rockinpf@yahoo.com Director Shannon Blackwelder PO Box 86, Water Valley, TX 76958 325-484-3380 not_sharon@yahoo.com Director Wes Holmes PO Box 1203, Van Horn, TX 79855 432-386-7070 wesholmes4@hotmail.com Director Wiley Dabbs PO Box 894, Alpine, TX 79831 432-940-5233 como_coyote@hotmail.com MUSEUM OF BIG BEND GRAND OPENING HIGHLIGHTS FALL SEMESTER START by Steve Lang, News and Publications With clowns, horse soldiers, patent medicine peddlers and free refreshments, the Museum of the Big Bend highlighted the start of Sul Ross State University's 2007 fall semester. Grand opening of the renovated museum attracted hundreds of Alpine and Big Bend area residents, along with new and returning Sul Ross students and their families. As balloons and music filled the air, free food and refreshments kept visitors well grounded. More than 1,500 hot dogs were given away, along with popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy and other refreshments. Turnout far exceeded expectations and capped several days of featuring Sul Ross' – and the Big Bend Region's – newest improved attraction. Following a five-year, $4.4 million fund-raising campaign, the Museum returned to its original quarters and opened to the public Saturday. The previous night, a dinner and tour was held for campaign donors, and earlier in the week, the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System toured the facilities. Regents and residents alike praised the 18,000-square foot facility, which includes a 5,000-square foot exhibit hall. The renovated Museum of the Big Bend features a scale model of a flying reptile, named "MOBBY" soaring from the Lamella Trussless ceiling, to the Marty and Yana Davis Map Collection on the lower level. In between, permanent exhibits depict archaeology, ranching, 19th-century military presence, mining, commerce and other aspects of Big Bend life. Panels, made from photos by area photographer Jim Bones, show the Santa Elena Canyon on the Rio Grande, Wild Rose Pass in the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis National Historic Site and Cibolo Creek Ranch. Masons fabricated the Tall Rock Shelter, the Window in Big Bend National Park, a pioneer home and a church. The barracks of old Fort Davis, and a model of a Southern Pacific Railroad car are among other exhibits, and mannequins and artifacts highlight each scene. Videos describe Big Bend as a national park, dinosaurs of the Big Bend, the Tall Rockshelter, Buffalo Soldiers, the Battle of Ojinaga and the region as favorite movie site. Local Alpine history is also depicted, with the sign and an exhibit describing the Green Café, long owned and operated by the Pete Gallego family. "Awesome!" "A really good mix of popular culture, science and history," and, "It has my seal of approval," were among the praises for the Museum. "I am absolutely thrilled with the turnout and level of interest that we saw yesterday," said Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan. "The new museum will educate people of all ages and exceeds our expectation of a tool to enhance the educational mission of Sul Ross. "I have to say that [Museum director] Larry Francell did a magnificent job of taking a vision and converting it to reality. The enthusiasm I saw from the community yesterday is evidence that the new museum will continue to expand Larry's dream," Morgan said. Francell added, "It went beyond our expectations. The response from the community was overwhelming." Dr. Charles Matthews, TSUS Chancellor, saluted a number of area residents for their contributions during Friday night's donors reception. He cited Marty and Yana Davis; Robie Golden, former Sul Ross Alumni Affairs director and chair of the Museum Support Group; State Rep. Pete P. Gallego; John Poindexter, chair of the fund-raising committee; and Morgan. "This project is not just the work and vision of Sul Ross State University," Matthews said. "It has been a collaborative effort involving many people in this community. "The outcome is beyond any of our expectations and worthy of the majestic history and culture of the Big Bend." Morgan, in turn, saluted Francell and his staff, including assistant to the director Liz Jackson and curators Mary Bridges and Matt Walters. He also praised building architect Jim Rhotenberry; Lou George, Druce Reiley and Jeff Courtman of Museumscapes, the exhibit designers; and Jerry Yarbrough and Glenn Moreland, who built the bulk of the infrastructure for the new exhibits. "Between the Museum, the Marty and Yana Davis Map Collection, the Archives and the Center for Big Bend Studies, we have one of the premier collections of research tools available in the nation to help better understand the culture and heritage of the Big Bend and surrounding regions," Morgan said. "The museum also, as you have seen, will be an exciting educational tool for the school age children of this region and indeed the state. It is a University gift to the region and will attract people from all over the world to spend a day or two learning of the history and culture of this wonderful place we call the Big Bend." Francell, who has designed two other museums during his career, also praised the collaborative effort. "The last week of the finish out was like an old fashioned barn raising; everyone we knew pitched in to help," he said. "That made the community response to the opening and our exhibits that much more rewarding."
A family examines (right) one of the numerous permanent exhibits during Saturday's (Aug. 18) grand opening of the Museum of the Big Bend. An estimated 1,500 visitors toured the museum and enjoyed other activities on the Sul Ross State University Mall. (Photo by Barbara Richerson) For more information, contact Francell, (432) 837-8145. COWBOYS, CHEFS AND CHILI HEADS: PHOTO EXHIBIT OPENS SEPT. 8 AT MUSEUM "Cowboys, Chefs and Chili Heads," featuring the photographs of Chris Regas and Andy Reisberg and celebrating the Terlingua Chili Cook-off, opens Sept. 8 at the Museum of the Big Bend. The exhibition continues through Feb. 17, 2008 at the Museum, located on the Sul Ross State University camps. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. This photography exhibition pays tribute to the "Original Terlingua International Frank X. Tolbert – Wick Fowler Memorial Championship Chili Cook-off," founded in 1967 by Frank X. Tolbert. This two-person exhibition is comprised of approximately one hundred color and black & white photographs created between 1968 and 2006. Chris Regas presents a cross section of his best work from 1968-2005, and Andy Reisberg presents contemporary imagery in black & white and color taken since first attending the Cook-off in 2003. The exhibit has three distinct sections; "Old Town," "Behind the Store" and "Cowboy Camp." Regas presents some of his vintage black & white photographs from the early years of this tradition. Andy Reisberg presents medium and large format black & white photographs of Cowboy Camp taken over the past three years. The rich textures of the south Texas landscape and romantic qualities of a bygone era are evident in this section of the exhibit. Regas (b.1926) is a fine art photographer, commercial photographer and teacher residing in Dallas, Texas. Regas' career in photography spans five decades in Texas. His first artistic foray into fine art photography occurred in 1968 while traveling in and around the Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park, with fellow photographer Bank Langmore. His "Dust Storm" portfolio from this period has proved to be his signature work. He has earned 12 gold medals in international photography salons, and his work is in the permanent collections of museum and corporations throughout the state. Regas has been a Judge at the Terlingua Chili Cook-off for more than 22 years, and has accumulated nearly 1,000 images on film during this time. Reisberg (b.1956), a photographic conservator and gallery director in Dallas, founded Photographic Archives Lab & Gallery in 1981. Reisberg specializes in the repair and reproduction of historical photography, and provides custom black & white darkroom services as well as state-of-the-art digital restorations. He was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant in 1979 for his photographic project, 'Texas Neon, An Historical Survey of Our Cultural Artifacts', a visual and oral history documentation of neon sign making in Texas. And in 1990, he received a grant from the Friends of the Dallas Public Library to conduct a rephotography survey of the city, which resulted in a publication entitled 'Dallas, Then & Now.' In 2006, Reisberg was appointed the "Official Photographer" of the 40th Anniversary of the Terlingua Chili Cook-off. For more information, contact Liz Jackson, Museum of the Big Bend, (432) 837-8143; Reisberg, (214) 352-3167; Regas, (972) 247-2312; or Kathleen Tolbert Ryan, (817) 251-1287. SPOTTED OWL RESEARCH IS A HOOT FOR SUL ROSS GRADUATE STUDENT TIM MULLET by Jason Hennington, News Writer Hooting into the darkness, awaiting a response is a typical evening's activity for Sul Ross State University Biology graduate research assistant Tim Mullet. Mullet, originally from "We are trying to find out as much as we can about these birds," Mullet said. Mullet uses information provided by the Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network and the National Park Service to learn the habitats and necessities of the Mexican Spotted Owl. Once he has retrieved enough information he then puts it into the Geographic Information System (GIS) and a map is created, which shows areas that have these characteristics for the owls' survival. "GIS allows us to create and utilize maps all over the world," Mullet said. "We can use certain variables of information to predict distribution of wildlife." These maps help predict where the owls are located. The maps generated show areas that are more likely to be a habitat and which areas are not likely to have any owls. Since owls are nocturnal animals, Mullet spends his nights trying to communicate with the birds. He settles in an area from the map and hoots to see if he gets a response. "I validate the information and then go out into the field and find the owls," Mullet said. "I hoot three times and wait for a response. I don't always get one, but sometimes I might get two or three. After the response, I can determine whether the area is a good habitat or not." The historical information for this area is provided by Part of the research is also protection of the threatened species. "Once we find where the owls are, we can have them protected," Mullet said. There are 20 protected activity centers and about 40 owls in the The Mexican Spotted Owl is one of three sub-species, along with the Northern Spotted Owl and the California Spotted Owl. The Mexican Spotted Owl is usually found in Mullet's research is funded by the Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network and Fish and Wildlife Service. He does the ground work for these two organizations. A biology major advised by Dr. Chris Ritzi, Mullet has always had a passion for conservation and saving endangered species, and he was able to apply that interest with his research. "I've always had a love for saving endangered species and always had a love for wildlife," Mullet said. "I liked playing with computers too, and this was a way to put them all together." Mullet supervises and works with two other students hired by Sul Ross to assist with the research; Daniel Reed, "I will need volunteers at the end to help," Mullet said. Mullet will be taking interested students out to sites of research to engage in hooting and trying to communicate with the owls. "It's important that people are aware of the wildlife in this part of the world," Mullet said. "Not a lot of people know much about the species. If people are interested I'd like to have the research carried on through the university." Mullet explains this as a "real cool experience" and says that the success rate has been just over 40 percent. "This is real gratifying work," Mullet said. "Sul Ross has enabled me as a graduate student to find the venues to network into conservation of threatened and endangered species." For more information, contact Mullet, (432) 837-1287 or timullet@yahoo.com CONVOCATION INTRODUCES NEW STUDENTS TO SUL ROSS TRADITIONS by Steve Lang, News & Publications, Photo by Justin Ruthstrom One tradition led to many others for new Sul Ross State University students. Nearly 400 new students, joined by faculty and staff, attended the ninth annual new student convocation, held Aug. 30in Marshall Auditorium. The yearly event is designed to introduce students to the traditions of Sul Ross and encourage commitment and participation in the university community. President R. Vic Morgan welcomed the Class of 2011 by urging them to become a part of the Sul Ross tradition and serious investors in their education. "You made the right choice in choosing Sul Ross," said Morgan. "I hope you choose to set as a goal a degree in four years and truly be a member of the Class of 2011." Student Government Association president Jaime Rios, Roma, also addressed the new students, urging them to make the most of their university experience. Morgan emphasized the importance of Sul Ross traditions and academic traditions in general as a means to build continuity, cohesiveness and pride in the culture and heritage of university life. He referred to the new student convocation, painting and lighting the Bar-SR-Bar at Homecoming and hiking to the desk at the top of Hancock Mountain as some of the Sul Ross traditions. "Traditions can be a vital part of an institution and the traditional part of your experience should become a vital part of your memories of your alma mater," he said. "Get involved in campus life. Be a part of the Bar-SR-Bar tradition, and start your own traditions, too," Morgan said. "Start things that are worthwhile." He closed his remarks to the Class of 2011 with questions: "Will this be the best year of your life? Will you achieve the goals you set? If you compete in athletics or perform on stage, will you strive to do the best you can in any endeavor? Can you accomplish all your goals? Can you make a difference?" he asked. "As students, you have the opportunity to succeed or fail. As former Secretary of Education [Richard] Riley said, "it is also to insist that you become a serious investor in your own education." "You made the right choice, and you're about to become part of the tradition and culture that is Sul Ross," he concluded. "You made the right choice, so plan to get involved and to get a degree in four years. "Dr. David Cockrum, Provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, gave a brief history of Sul Ross and its namesake, Lawrence Sullivan Ross, who was Texas Ranger, Civil War hero, Governor and Texas A&M University president. Gregory Schwab, associate vice president of Enrollment Management, welcomed new students to the campus and presented the class to Dr. Morgan. The convocation included a charge to the entering class and the passing of the spirit stick from Luke "Spike" Miller, to Leobardo Nunez, a Class of 2011 member. The convocation concluded with singing the "Alma Mater," led by Dr. Donald Freed, associate professor of Music. Dr. Justin Badgerow, assistant professor of Music, played the Processional and Recessional. Annual Fall on the Mall activities followed on the University Mall. 59-YEAR-OLD FLYNT STEELS FOR SUL ROSS GRIDIRON CHALLENGE by Steve Lang, News and Publications When Mike Flynt rediscovered Sul Ross State University, nearly every major media outlet but the Discovery Channel soon followed him to Alpine. Fifty-nine-year-old students returning to college are not unheard of, but until August 2007, 59-year-old collegiate football players were. Flynt, 59, seeks to complete his final year of eligibility as a Lobo football player. The newest darling of the AARP crowd last wore a Sul Ross uniform in 1970. Dismissed from the team prior to the 1971 season because of a rules infraction, he welcomed the opportunity to compete again. "There are not many times in life when you have an opportunity to go back and right a wrong," he told a Monday (Sept. 3) press conference of local, regional and national media. "I want to play, but at the same time, I want to help these young men; to make up for some young men I let down 36 years ago." Flynt, an Odessa native and a member of the Permian High School 1965 state champions, transferred to Sul Ross in 1969 with three seasons of eligibility remaining. During the 1970 campaign, he was named team captain and co-defensive player of the year. He recorded 24 tackles in one game; recovered four fumbles and intercepted a pass in another as the Lobos enjoyed a 7-3 season. The following year, a dormitory incident turned into a fight and Flynt was dismissed from the team. Life continued, and Flynt finished his undergraduate degree. He has worked in the physical fitness field for many years, as a strength and fitness coach at several universities, as a trainer for branches of the military, and six years ago, he invented a piece of strength training equipment and now has his own company. Finishing that final year of eligibility remained an on-again, off-again dream. Last summer, he contacted Lobo head coach Steve Wright, met with him in Alpine and asked for a try-out. Flynt passed muster in strength, speed and agility, and when the season-opening roster was announced, the grandfather was listed as a senior linebacker. "Coach Wright and his staff evaluated me fairly," Flynt said, and his coach told the audience this was not a publicity stunt. "I made a decision that Mike could come and we would take a look at him making our football team," Wright said. "I'm not limited by barriers; barriers such as gender, race, disability or economic status....If this had affected our team framework, Mike would not be here....If I did this for publicity, I would not be here [at the press conference]." Flynt noted that countless emails from fellow non-traditional students and senior citizens calling him an inspiration. "So many people have prayed for me, I've had letters and emails from people all over the country who say I have inspired them. Well, they've inspired me." Like Satchel Paige, who pitched three scoreless innings for the Kansas City A's in 1965 at the age of 59., Flynt ascribes to Satch's theory: "how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?" "Physically, I appreciate that I am able to take advantage of the opportunity," Flynt said. He added that being a positive influence on his much-younger teammates remains a goal. "If I can help them make some right decisions, that's a victory for me," he said. "One of the biggest victories for me thus far has been their acceptance of me. It's a whole new experience looking out from inside the helmet this time." Wright, 51, joked that Flynt has already been a positive influence on him. "I'm diabetic, and I've lost eight pounds just by watching Mike. He's already made an impact." A slight groin pull kept Flynt off the traveling squad for the season opener. It remains uncertain if he will travel in uniform to the Sept. 8 (against Southwest Assembly of God in Waxahachie) or Sept. 15 contests (in Belton against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor). But when the team plays its home opener Sept. 22 at Jackson Field against East Texas Baptist University, number 49 at 59 will be on the sidelines awaiting his chance after a 37-year hiatus. In Memoriam: Odessa Frank James Krhut passed peacefully at his home Sunday, July 15, 2007, in Odessa. He was born and raised in Voda, Kansas. He loved working on the farm as a young boy and loved the wheat fields of Kansas. His love of athletics started during his years at Trego County High School in WaKeeney, Kansas. Frank married his Alpine love Harriet Jean Carpenter on January 15, 1964. They had three daughters and have enjoyed a blessed life together. Frank attended Connors State Junior College in Warner, OK. He graduated in 1954 and then went to Sul Ross in Alpine, TX on a football scholarship and graduated in 1956. During his senior year he received the All Conference Tackle for the Lone Star Conference. After College he coached at Tulia and Post, TX, and then went back to coach at Sul Ross where he coached track and football from 1962 – 1976. He led the Sul Ross track team to the Lone Star Conference Championship in 1971. He was awarded the Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year in 1971. He was the first licensed athletic trainer at Sul Ross. In 1995 he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor at Sul Ross. In 1976 he moved his family to Monahans where he was athletic director, coach and teacher with the Monahans School District for 17 years. He really enjoyed cheering on the Lobos. Frank devoted many hours to volunteering and working with different organizations. He helped direct the Monahans Sandhills Quarter Horse Show for several years in the 1980s & '90s. Frank was a past member of the Optimist Club and the Wagonmasters in Monahans. He was also the referee for the West Texas Relays in Odessa for 20 years, but his greatest love was working with the Monahans Special Olympics. He coached and directed the team for many years from track meets to softball to bowling tournaments. He loved seeing his daughter Kandle compete and excel as well as many other athletes. Frank was an advocate for anyone with special needs especially his daughter for whom he spent countless hours with and made numerous sacrifices for. He loved the Monahans Special Olympics. Frank loved all sports. He also loved golfing with his seniors on Thursdays, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed many vacations with his family to Colorado and Kansas. He and Harriet have recently been enjoying going to their grandson's ball games and visiting with all of their longtime friends. He was a deeply caring person. Frank will be forever remembered and missed as a loving husband, father, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert & Clara Krhut of WaKeeney, KS, brother, Gifford, father-in-law, Harry Carpenter, and mother-in-law, Charlcie both of Alpine, and a niece, Tera Carpenter of Durant, OK. Frank is survived by his wife, Harriet Carpenter Krhut of Odessa; three daughters, Kandle Krhut of Odessa, Crystal Pena and husband Mike of Odessa, and Vicki Kutscherousky and husband Gerald of Frisco, TX; one brother-in-law, Johnny Carpenter and wife Fay of Alpine; two grandchildren, Colton and Braxton Pena; and nieces, Ki Krhut of California, Linda Krhut of California and Kell Hendricks of Oklahoma. Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine, TX. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Frank J. Krhut Memorial Scholarship Fund at Sul Ross University, P.O. Box C114, Alpine, TX 79832 or Monahans Special Olympics at West Texas State Bank, P.O. Box 410, Monahans, TX 79756. Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa. CAROLYN CLARKE BALL Carolyn Clarke Ball of Uvalde died Aug. 18, 2007, in Austin at the age of 80. She was born Feb. 6, 1927, in Waco to Lawrence Sullivan Ross Clarke and Lillian Caufield Clarke. The great-granddaughter of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, former governor of Texas and president of A&M College, she married Ruland “Tooter” Ball in 1946 in Uvalde. He preceded her in death in 1994. Ball was a well-known artist, having done numerous portraits of area residents in pastel and oil. She was also known for her paintings of Texas wildlife and landscapes and still lifes. Porcelain dolls, sculpture, wood carving, sewing, watercolor and many other artistic endeavors were also part of repertoire, according to family. Survivors are a son, Walter Clarke Ball of Wayland, Mich.; a daughter, Savanna Ball Winans of Uvalde; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Uvalde Cemetery with the Rev. Nick Mayer officiating. Arrangements by Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary. |
Sul Ross State University student David A. Johnson (left) and his dad, David H. Johnson, both of Odessa, claimed victories in their respective age groups at Saturday's (July 21) 5k run/walk at Sul Ross State University. David A. Johnson won the 20-29 men's division and David H. Johnson finished first in the 50-59 category. The event was part of Sul Ross' "Branding Together" reunion. (Submitted Photo)
Sul Ross faculty members Dr. Mark Saka (left) and Dr. Keith West were among numerous volunteers providing masks, balloons, T-shirts and other gifts during Saturday's (Aug. 18) grand opening of the Museum of the Big Bend.
The event, coupled with move-in day for Sul Ross students, attracted over 1,500. (Photo by Barbara Richerson)