Ten former Lobos will be honored at the 38th Annual Sul Ross State University Alumni Gala on Saturday, March 21, at the Gallego Center in Alpine.
Distinguished alumni, rodeo exes, athletes and friends will be inducted into the Hall of Honor. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the ceremony. Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Gold sponsorships include four seats for $1,000 while Platinum sponsorships include eight seats for $2,500.
Visit www.sulross.edu/alumni/lobo-night for tickets and more information or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 432.837.8443.
Inductees include the following:
Distinguished Alumni
Eric James (1999)
Eric James, Class of 1999, has built a life defined by courage, leadership and service to country and community. A graduate of Sul Ross State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, James distinguished himself academically, earning multiple semesters on the Dean’s List and graduating with a 3.75 GPA. He was also a member of the Sul Ross baseball team in the fall of 1995.
Following graduation, James enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1999. After three years of enlisted service, James was selected for Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Air Defense Artillery. Over a 21-year military career, James rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, commanding an Air Defense Battery and serving as Executive Officer for the Army’s largest and most deployed Air Defense Battalion and Brigade.
James deployed to Iraq, where he helped fight the insurgency in northern Baghdad as part of an 11-member team, planning and leading more than 150 combat missions. For wounds received in combat, James was awarded the Purple Heart and earned two Bronze Stars for leadership and actions under fire.
James also served as Executive Officer of the University of Utah Army ROTC program, where he developed a leadership program that contributed to the university’s first PAC-12 baseball championship.
Today, James supervises all Elevator Inspectors in Texas for ATIS, a vertical equipment inspection and consulting company based in St. Louis. He resides in New Braunfels with his wife, Rebecca, continuing a legacy of leadership shaped by his Sul Ross education.
Kevin Karnei (1985)
Kevin Karnei, Class of 1985, has built a career and a life rooted in stewardship, service and unwavering Lobo pride. A graduate of Sul Ross State University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Karnei was drawn to the natural beauty and geologic wonders of the Big Bend region, where his passion for the environment took shape.
After graduation, Karnei spent 17 years working in construction and the oil and gas industry, gaining firsthand knowledge of both production and environmental impact. Determined to make a difference, Karnei founded KTK Associates, Inc. and Clean Land Products in 2005, developing innovative, affordable solutions to remediate soil contamination, restore nutrients and improve environmental health in the oil, gas, agricultural and turf industries. His work has reached nationwide markets, including major agricultural operations and premier golf courses. In 2025, Karnei celebrated the 20th anniversary of his company.
Beyond business, Karnei has devoted decades to serving his community of Goliad,. An ordained chaplain and pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Weesatche, Karnei has led with compassion and creativity, including pioneering “drive-in church” services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also serves as president of the Goliad Senior Center, delivering meals and supporting vulnerable citizens.
A lifelong member of the Sul Ross Alumni Association, Karnei’s Lobo legacy extends to his children, including a daughter who graduated magna cum laude from Sul Ross. A proud husband, father, grandfather, beekeeper and community leader, Karnei embodies integrity, innovation and service inspired by his time at Sul Ross.
Young Alumnus: Manuel Martinez (2022)
Manuel Martinez, Class of 2022, represents the next generation of servant leaders shaped by the values of Sul Ross State University. A native of San Antonio and raised in Pearsall, Martinez moved to Alpine in 2018 to pursue his undergraduate education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies in 2022. He is currently completing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, continuing his commitment to educational leadership.
Deeply influenced by his parents, Jose and Laura Martinez, Martinez credits his foundation of patience, compassion, faith and service as guiding principles in both his personal and professional life. Today, Martinez serves as a paraprofessional at Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, where he works closely with students on credit recovery and academic success. Martinez views his Sul Ross education as a powerful example he can share with students, demonstrating that college is attainable regardless of circumstance.
While in Alpine, Martinez dedicated himself to community service and leadership. A Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Martinez served as Grand Knight and represented Alpine at the state and international levels. He also volunteered as a youth sports coach, First Holy Communion teacher, and community leader participating in organizations including Leadership Big Bend.
Martinez embodies the spirit of service, mentorship and Lobo pride, using his education to uplift others and invest in the communities he serves.
Rodeo Hall of Honor
Humberto “Beto” Hinojosa (1988)
Humberto “Beto” Hinojosa, Class of 1988, has remained a devoted and steadfast supporter of Sul Ross State University for more than four decades. After graduating from high school in 1982, he enrolled at Sul Ross in 1983, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Meat Technology in 1987 and a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988.
As a student, Hinojosa was deeply involved in college rodeo, competing from 1984 to 1987. His commitment to the sport continued beyond graduation, culminating in his 1990 achievement as the PRCA Texas Circuit Finals Champion Team Roper. Professionally, he spent 25 years working in the oilfield industry across South and West Texas, building a career defined by hard work and perseverance.
Hinojosa has served 20 years with the ANRS/Rodeo Exes, eight years on the alumni board of directors, five years on the SRSU Foundation board of directors, and 20 years as president of the South Texas Alumni and Friends chapter. In 2016, he was honored with the prestigious Slingin’ Sammy Baugh Award for Outstanding Service.
A proud family man, Hinojosa has three children, including a Sul Ross graduate, continuing the Lobo tradition. He remains a constant presence at Homecoming, rodeos and the Exes Reunion, with his wife, Stephanie Lynn, embodying lifelong Lobo pride.
Todd Watkins (1989)
Todd Watkins, Class of 1989, turned a West Texas upbringing rooted in rodeo into a remarkable career of leadership and service at the highest levels of the U.S. military and private industry.
A graduate of Sul Ross State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications, Watkins attended Sul Ross on a rodeo scholarship and competed at both the collegiate and professional levels. A three-time College National Finals qualifier, he was Southwest Region Champion Bull Rider and All-Around Cowboy while also earning his PRCA card at age 18. His experience with discipline, resilience and composure under pressure would later define his leadership style.
In 1989, Watkins entered the U.S. Navy through Aviation Officer Candidate School and went on to earn his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator. Over a distinguished 28-year career, CAPT Todd M. Watkins, USN (Ret.), logged more than 6,800 flight hours, commanded multiple squadrons and served in critical leadership roles worldwide, including deployments supporting Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His final assignment was Military Director of NAVAIR Test Ranges, overseeing major aircraft and weapons testing operations.
His military honors include three Legions of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, seven Air Medals, and four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, including one with valor.
Today, Watkins serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Kent Companies in Midland. He and his wife, Sheralyn, have two sons, including one serving as a U.S. Marine Corps Captain. A proud Lobo, Watkins credits Sul Ross with shaping the communication and leadership skills that defined his extraordinary career.
Athletic Hall of Honor
Claudia Gallego Cain (2005)
Claudia Gallego Cain graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2005 and went on to earn an M.S. from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
Cain had a strong career in volleyball for the Lobos (2001-04). She was a four-time All-ASC West Division selection, four-time ASC All-Academic and four-time ASC West Division Setter of the Week.
Cain is the only Lobo to have two matches at 60-plus assists and has the school record at 66 vs. McMurry (Sept. 18, 2004). She holds the single-season school records for assists (1,118 in 2004) and assists per set (10.83 in 2003) and is the career record holder in assists (3,207).
Cain is a Medical Speech Pathologist at Encompass Rehab Hospital, Midland. She is married and has two children.
Brian Gibson (1999)
Brian Gibson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physical Education. He returned to Sul Ross in 2006 and completed his Master of Education-Principal degree in 2008.
Gibson earned four letters in football and two in track (1994-97) for the Lobos. He was a two-time ASC selection at tight end, including first team in 1996, and was ASC All-Academic (1997). Gibson helped the Lobos win a share of the ASC championship in 1996 and beat rival Hardin Simmons in back-to-back-seasons. Gibson was named Sul Ross Man of the Year in 1999.
Since graduation, Gibson has been a math teacher and varsity offensive line coach at Pecos High School (1999-2003) and served as the offensive coordinator and head softball coach at Eldorado High School (2003-05). He moved to Kermit in 2005, where he served as the offensive coordinator until 2011 when he became athletic director and head football coach at Van Horn High School. In Van Horn, Gibson won three bi-district championships, the first playoff victories for the Eagles in over 30 years, and all sports sustained unprecedented success.
In 2017, Gibson was named athletic director and head football coach at tradition-rich Wink High School. He is currently the longest-tenured A.D. in Wink High School history. The Wildcats have accumulated 85 wins in nine years and 18 playoff victories, both program records, and a record-tying five district championships. As athletic director, the Wildcat and LadyCat athletic programs have won the district title in nine of 12 sports over the last four years. Gibson was instrumental in helping grow the Wildcat athletic program by adding powerlifting, baseball and softball, and has helped oversee the construction of state of the art facilities.
Professionally, Gibson has been a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association for 25 years, served on the distinguished Board of Directors (2018-22) and was a member of the Football Advisory Committee (2015-17). He has been a member of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association since 2015 serving on various committees.
Gibson and his wife, Kittie, have two sons.
Kim Alcorn Kershner (2005)
Kim Alcorn Kershner graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education (2005) and went on to earn an M.S. from Midwestern State (2007).
Kershner is one of the most decorated volleyball players in program history (2001-04). She was a two-time All-American for the ASC and four-time All-ASC West Division selection, three-time ASC All-Academic and three time ASC West Division Player of the Week. She was named the ASC Sportswoman of the Year in 2004-05.
On Oct. 9, 2004, Kershner recorded 28 kills against UT Dallas, which remained the school record until Oct. 18, 2019, where it remains in second place. She holds single-season school records for hitting attempts (1,133 in 2003), kills (443 in 2004), kills per set (4.37 in 2003) and solo blocks (70 in 2002). Kershner is ranked among the top five in seven categories and is the all-time leader in block assists (174), kills (1,443), solo blocks (189) and total blocks (363).She is one of only two players to have 400 sets played, 1,000 kills and 300 blocks.
Kershner was an adjunct professor and assistant volleyball coach at Midwestern State (2005-10). She helped the Mustangs to qualify for the Lone Star Conference Tournament four times and the NCAA Division II Regionals in 2007.
Kershner transitioned to sales after leaving MSU. She has been Sales Manager for Gulf Marine Products since 2016.
Hugh Morrissey (2004, 2006)
Hugh Morrissey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Science with a Minor in Biology (2004) and an M.Ed. in Physical Education (2006). He went on to earn a Doctor of Education in Sports Management from the U.S. Sports Academy (2020).
Morrissey had a strong career in men’s basketball for the Lobos (2000-04). He was a four-time ASC All-Academic selection and two-time team captain (2002-03, 2003-04). Morrissey helped take the team from 3-21 as a freshman to an ASC West Division championship as a junior, culminating with a 21-9 record, ASC Tournament Championship and an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance as a senior.
Morrissey ranks as arguably the best point guard in Lobo history. He had five games with at least 10 assists, the highest being 15 against Howard Payne on Dec. 14, 2002, still the school record. Morrissey is the single-season (140 in 2002-03, 2003-04) and career (441) record holder. He is also the season (79, 2003-04) and career record holder (221) in steals and is one of only four Lobos to have played in at least 100 games.
Academic accomplishments include the W.H. Perryman Award and Scholarship for top physical education student (2002), Dean’s List all four years, and USSA Dean’s List for his doctorate.
After graduation, Morrissey taught and coached at the public school level (2004-22). At Alpine High School, he led the boys basketball team to two district championships out of only four total since 1990. In 2017-18, the Bucks won their first game in the Bi-District tournament since 1990. The Bucks would go on to win Bi-District in 2018-19 and 2021-22. Morrissey was the 3-3A District Coach of the Year (2017–2018, 2020–2021). He was named AHS Teacher of the Year for 2015-16.
Morrissey has been a professor at Sul Ross State since 2022. In 2025, he was named Undergraduate Program Director for Kinesiology.
Zack Roberson (2017)
Zack Roberson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (2017) with a biology minor.
Roberson was a two-sport star for the Lobos in football and track and field. In football, he was a two-time All-American Southwest Conference first team selection and a two-time ASC Defensive Player of the Week.
In 2016, Roberson had an outstanding season. He recorded 67 tackles with 22 for a loss – still the season record – and 12.5 quarterback sacks, the second best in program history. Roberson led the ASC in sacks per game (1.25) and tackles for a loss per game (2.20) and was fifth and eighth, respectively in NCAA Division III. He was named ASC Defensive Lineman of the Year and earned D3football.com All-South Region first team and d3football.com All-American third team honors.
In track, Roberson placed among the top eight at the ASC Championship five times (discus, javelin, shot put). He ranks among the top 10 in the shot put.
Following graduation, Roberson has been in education for eight years and is currently working in Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD. He met his wife, Darrian, while attending SRSU and they have a son, Jordan.
For more information, email alumni@sulross.edu.