Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

News Release for Sept. 8, 2009

KILLEEN'S BOWSER BROTHERS BOLSTER LOBO LINEUP, COACHING STAFF

by Jason Hennington, News Writer

Sul Ross State University football is often a family affair, and this year's team features brothers on the field and sideline.

Older brother Chase Bowser is serving as a student coach after four years as a Lobo offensive lineman. Younger brother Corey begins his first season as a linebacker. Both played for Killeen Shoemaker High School, but not at the same time, so this will be the first time they will be involved with football alongside each other.

"After the last game (in 2008), Coach (Wayne) Schroeder asked me is I would be around in the fall," Chase said. "I told him 'yes' and he said he would love to have me out here helping with the football team."

Corey, who a 2007 Shoemaker graduate, was ineligible last season, but quickly saw the difference between high school and collegiate football.

"It's much faster, and you have to know your stuff," he said.

A communication major, Corey said coming to Sul Ross was not influenced much by his brother.

"It was all my decision," Corey said. "I came because it was a good opportunity to play football."

According to Corey, a number of schools were interested in his abilities, not just Sul Ross.

"I had offers from Hardin-Simmons, Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania," he said. "I like it out here, though."

Although he did not convince his brother to choose Alpine, Chase believes Sul Ross was the best decision for Corey.

"It's getting him from back home," he said. "To come here and go to school is the best decision for him."

Knowing that Sul Ross was the best choice for his younger brother, Chase stresses that he does not have anything to do with Corey's playing time.

"I don't have anything to do with him playing at all, making the traveling team or anything like that," Chase said. "I just get to be a spectator for my brother. He has to earn his spot from the coaches on his own."

This is the closest the brothers have ever come to being on the same team. Chase is now getting to see his brother and his abilities as a football player.

"He's coming along real well," he said. "He's learning the defense and understands you can't just go out there (without preparation) or you'll get your head knocked off."

While playing at Sul Ross, Chase was never able to see his brother play in high school, but is definitely impressed with his talent level.

"I was impressed in what I saw at the scrimmage," he said. "He probably had about seven or so tackles."

Like all older brothers, Chase does criticize his brother, but as a motivational tool.

"I always talk about him," Chase laughed. "I do it as encouragement. I know he can play. His last name is Bowser, so of course he can play. I tell him to make sure he knows everything and to listen to the coaches."

Corey takes into account everything his brother tells him, and uses it to make himself a better player.

"I think he does it as encouragement. He's been on my case since we were little," Corey laughed. "It's good though, because he played his four years and he knows the game. He always gives me pointers."

Lobo head coach Schroeder feels this the program provides an excellent opportunity for both brothers. "This will give them a great relationship that builds lifetime memories for both guys," he said. Schroeder enjoyed having Chase as a player and is excited to have him on the sideline this season.

"We think having a guy that just finished is a great opportunity," Schroeder said. "He makes a great connection link between players and coaches. He and Coach Neil Trammel have done a great job with the offensive line. We're hoping after he graduates he will come back and do some graduate assistant work with us."

Schroeder is also impressed with Corey's work ethic as a student to allow himself to play this year.

"Corey was in an eligibility hole last season, so he wasn't able to play. But he worked his butt off this summer to become eligible so we're happy to have him out here with us," he said.

Corey explains that he wanted to play with his brother, but is content with having him on the sideline this season.

"I wanted to play with him," he said. "That would have been great to play with my brother. Especially at this level, that would have made our parents proud."

Chase, who plans to graduate in May 2010, is happy to be helping as a coach, not just for offensive linemen, but for his brother as well.

"I want him to go out and have fun, because that's what football is all about," he said. "But no matter what happens, he will always be my little brother."

Photo: Corey Bowser (left) and his brother Chase stop for a picture before practice. Photo by Steve Lang.

SUL ROSS' PLATT CONDUCTS RARE TURTLE RESEARCH IN MYANMAR

Dr. Steven Platt, Sul Ross State University assistant professor of Biology, conducted research on the rare Arakan forest turtle in western Myanmar (Burma) this summer.

Platt was part of an expedition sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo in New York) and the Turtle Survival Alliance to search for the Arakan forest turtle (Heosemys depressa), a critically endangered species that had never been observed in the wild by biologists.

Five living specimens were found, and Platt's study concludes that the Arakan forest turtle is common to the region (Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range, or RYER) surveyed. RYER is a wildlife sanctuary established to protect wild herds of Asian elephants.

"Owing to the extensive area encompassed by RYER and the lack of human activity, we conclude that RYER offers excellent prospects for the future conservation of H. depressa and other wildlife in western Myanmar," Platt's summary stated.

For more information, contact Platt, (432) 837-8084 or splatt@sulross.edu.

CINDY LOCKWOOD RECEIVES BAR-SR-BAR AWARD FOR EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

Cindy Lockwood, circulation supervisor at the Wildenthal Library, is the most recent recipient of the Bar-SR-Bar Award for Employee Excellence.

The recognition, which includes a citation and cash award, recognizes exemplary service by a Sul Ross State University employee.

Lockwood, who began work at Sul Ross in March 2005, received several nominations for the Bar-SR-Bar award. Nominees said she "embodies the essence of great customer service and a student-centered philosophy that Sul Ross strives to achieve."

"Cindy Lockwood and the circulation students she manages are the 'face' of the university," the nomination said. "By placing importance on superior customer service and a willingness to help patrons, she makes the library an inviting, friendly place for students, faculty and staff to get access to the information they need when they need it."

Her rapport with student workers was also praised, as "many continue to work in the department for several semesters. This is a boon for the library because we retain the familiar faces and good workers who are empowered in their jobs to provide great service."

Lockwood, a native of El Paso, received a B.A. in Psychology from Sul Ross. Her previous work experience includes being the Kinney County Public librarian and later the operations supervisor for Tramex Travel, Austin.

"Others at Sul Ross may believe they have the best job on campus but I hate to break it to them, I have the best job on campus," she said.

"I strive to equip my employees with work place skills they will use for their entire working lives," Lockwood said. "I feel the library has been extremely fortunate in having some of the best and brightest students at Sul Ross working here, both past and present. They make my work appear effortless. "

Photo: Cindy Lockwood, circulation supervisor at the Wildenthal Library, received the Bar-SR-Bar Award for Employee Excellence Aug. 31 from Sul Ross State University President R. Vic Morgan. Also pictured are Dr. David Cockrum (left), Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; and Don Dowdey, Dean of Library and Information Technologies. Photo by Steve Lang

12TH DAY HEADCOUNT SHOWS 9.26% SUL ROSS ENROLLMENT INCREASE

Sul Ross State University's fall semester enrollment showed a 9.26 percent increase after the 12th class day, the official reporting date.

A total of 2,076 students were enrolled, 176 more than a year ago. Semester credit hours jumped 11.21 percent, from 20,375 in 2007 to 22,659.

Junior enrollment showed the largest gain, 27.55 percent, from 196 last year to 250. Freshman enrollment increased 17.9 percent, from 609 students in 2008 to 718. Sophomore numbers were up 10.55 percent, from 218 to 241, while graduate/post-baccalaureate totals showed a five-student gain, to 626.

The present headcount is the highest since Fall 2003, when 2,110 students were enrolled.

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE STAFF AT SEPT. 25-26 SUL ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY SYMPOSIUM

Three members from Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine's editorial staff will be participating in the "Shooting West Texas Photography Symposium," scheduled Sept. 25-26 at Sul Ross State University.

Earl Nottingham, chief photographer; Andres Carrasco, art director; and Brandon Jakobeit, assistant art Director; along with TPWD Photo Archivist and contributing photographer, Chase Fountain, will be in attendance at the symposium, to be held in the.Vic and Mary Jane Morgan University Center. As one of the event's sponsors, TPW Magazine has also been providing advertising for the event.

Nottingham will give a digital presentation of his work and an explanation of his techniques on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2:15-3:15 p.m. He and other staff members will be offering free portfolio reviews for symposium ticket holders on both Friday and Saturday.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine will also be selecting their top picks from the photography contest and awarding certificates to winners. The photo contest is open to all ticket holders. Each of the major speakers will also be awarding "Speaker's Choice" Awards.

Over 10 photographers will be presenting their work during the two-day symposium, including David Stoecklein, a "Canon Explorer of Light;" former Guggenheim Photography Fellow, Jay Dusard; Kathy Adams Clark, stock photographer for several books on Texas wildlife; Terry Nathan, professor of atmospheric science at the University of California, Davis; Keith Bowden, author of The Tecate Journals; Diana Doan-Crider, Rocky McBride, and others.

Stoecklein will present the Keynote Address for the symposium beginning at 8:45 on Friday, September 25. Stoecklein has published over 34 photography books with topics ranging through windmills, cow dogs, women, children, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and more. His stock photography work has appeared in advertisements for Coca-Cola, L.L. Bean, Ford, Jeep, Wrangler, Bayer, and the list goes on. His work has also appeared in magazines ranging from Ski Magazine to Scientific Angler to Outdoor Photographer.

Dusard will also present a Mary Thomas Marshall Lecture about his large-format black and white photography at 7:30pm on September 23. His lecture will be free to the SRSU community and held in the Morgan University Center.

The event is being sponsored by TPW Magazine, Sul Ross Continuing Education, Morrison's True Value, Texas Book Company, and Canon USA. Tickets for the symposium are $100 per person and available on line or through LeAndra Ramirez in the SRSU Cashier's Office (837-8047).

For more information, visit www.shootingwesttexas.com or call the Alpine Chamber of Commerce, (432) 837-2326.