News

SUN BOWL ASSOCIATION INSTALLS NEW PRESIDENT AND HONORS VOLUNTEERS June 4, 2023

EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association hosted a new president installation and honored volunteers at TopGolf on Sunday, June 4, 2023, announcing Travis Hughes as the new SBA President.

Travis Hughes, who was raised in Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico, received a master’s degree in Financial Services from the American College in Pennsylvania and is board certified in Financial Planning. He’s been in practice for over 30 years and heads up Hughes Financial Group.

“We are all excited to have Travis Hughes lead the Board of Directors this year,” Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “We know the Sun Bowl Association means the world to him and his entire family.”

Along with being an active member of the Sun Bowl Association since 2014 and on the Sun Bowl Board of Advisors in 2013, Hughes has also joined several volunteer organizations. He’s past president of the El Paso Holocaust Museum, current president of the Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, which serves victims of human trafficking.

“It’s an honor to serve as the 2023-2024 Sun Bowl President and I look forward to working with Bernie Olivas, the Sun Bowl Staff and all the volunteers who help throughout the year,” Hughes said. said. “I would like to say, ‘THANK YOU’ to our amazing sponsors and over 700 volunteers, as this organization would not be sustained without them.”

The Sun Bowl Association has been a long-standing family tradition for Hughes. His wife, Nichole Ayoub, is a retired news anchor and was the Sun Queen in 1997. His father-in-law, Amen Ayoub, was the Sun Bowl Association Board President in 2010, when the SBA and the City of El Paso welcomed Notre Dame to Sun Bowl Stadium.

Travis and Nichole enjoy sports and traveling the world with their four children, their twins, Heaton (13) and Hampton (13), Heston (11) and Haven (5).

After installing a new board president, the Sun Bowl Association honored and thanked volunteers. A list of award winners is below.

Sun Bowl Most Valuable Volunteer Award winners (2022 events)
• Sun Bowl Adult Flag Football Tournament Devante Aguirre
• Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade Float Building Committee
• Maria Gonzales
• Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade Committee The Hayes Family
• WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Tony & Kristina Ruvalcaba
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Media Host Committee Adriana Ruiz
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Game Day Committee Ryan Stephenson
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl PAC-12 Team Host Committee Mark Lindell
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl PAC-12 Band Host Committee Jorge Acosta
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl ACC Team Host Committee Mike Neri
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl ACC Band Host Committee Tony Cooper
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Provisions Committee Marco Placencia
• CBS Host Committee Robert Spencer
• Koogler Award Jennifer Stroh Viescas & Raul Viescas (Most Outstanding Volunteer)
• Gary Del Palacio President’s Award Richard Dayoub (Given to board member)
• Special Recognition Jerry Stephenson

About the Sun Bowl Association:
The Sun Bowl Association is a volunteer based non-profit 501 © 3 organization. The Sun Bowl Association, with the help of over 700 volunteers, promotes and serves the El Paso community and features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl football game. Other Sun Bowl core events include the Sun Bowl Flag Football Tournament, the Peter Piper Pizza Sun Bowl Punt, Pass and Kick, Glasheen, Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade, the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Basketball Invitational, and the Fan Fiesta.

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SUN BOWL ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2023 PARADE THEME & GRAND MARSHAL May 23, 2023

EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers announced the 2023 Sun Bowl Parade theme and grand marshal on May 23 at the SBA offices.

The theme for the 87th Annual Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade is “Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza.” All floats must include a Rock ‘n’ Roll theme with a Rock artist in mind. The float can include mascots, characters or a spokesperson as a focal point and Rock music is a must.

“We are looking forward to another year of excitement at the 87th annual Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said partner Noe Valles of Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers. “The theme ‘Rock n Roll Extravaganza,’ harmonizes the power of thankfulness with the vibrant energy of music, creating a symphony of support for our community. Just as the beats of rock unite diverse melodies, the parade strives to unite El Pasoans. Together, let’s rock on and celebrate a harmonious Thanksgiving parade filled with joy, justice, and endless gratitude.”

This year’s parade will be on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. (MT) on Montana Ave. and will be televised on KTSM News Ch. 9.

“We are excited to see what everyone builds and produces for this year’s parade with the theme “Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza!” said Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas.

This will be the third parade with Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers as the title sponsor.

Leading the Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza on Thanksgiving morning will be Four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall-of-Fame Bull Rider, Tuff Hedeman. He is arguably the most recognized cowboy in the world and a living legend. Bull Riding can be seen as America’s original extreme sport.

Hedeman was born in El Paso, Texas, and won many junior rodeos in his youth. In 1980, he won the high school rodeo bull riding and All-Around titles in New Mexico. He won the team roping title and All-Around designation again in 1981. After high school, he attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. At Sul Ross, he was a member of the rodeo team, competing in bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, and bull riding.

“We have so many great individuals from El Paso and it is time we have the greatest Bull Rider there ever was to lead the Glasheen, Valles & Indernam Sun Bowl Parade,” said Olivas. “Hedeman has accomplished so much in the world of bull riding and beyond, it is only appropriate to have him as our 2023 Grand Marshal.”

Hedeman was instrumental in starting the Professional Bull Riders. In 1995, he won the PBR World Championship despite an encounter with Bodacious that resulted in numerous broken bones in his face.

Hedeman served as president of the PBR from 1992 to 2004 and was a commentator for televised PBR events from 1999 to 2004. In early 2005, Hedeman very briefly joined the PRCA Xtreme Bulls tour as a sideline reporter for televised events before joining CBR not long after. He was president of CBR from 2005 to 2011 and was a commentator for televised CBR events from 2005 to 2008. Hedeman left CBR In early 2018 to start his own organization: the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour (THBRT).

Hedeman’s hands-on approach has him coordinating every element of the events, which brings action packed performances that keep fans and competitors on the edge of their seats.

In addition to 27 years of producing great family friendly events, he is known for his historic clashes with the bucking bull Bodacious and his friendship with the late Lane Frost which was depicted in the 1994 film, 8 Seconds.

Hedeman lives on a ranch in Morgan Mill, Texas, outside of Fort Worth. His oldest son, Lane, is named after Lane Frost; his younger sons are Trevor, Ryker and Ripp. He spends his free time traveling to bull riding and team roping events. He married Elizabeth Ann in 2021.

For more information about Tuff Hedeman go to www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.

Hedeman Honors
1988 – Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame
1997 – ProRodeo Hall of Fame
1997 – El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame
1999 – PBR Ring of Honor
2002 – Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
2003 – Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame
2010 – Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame
2016 – Bull Riding Hall of Fame
2017 – Molalla Walk of Fame
2020 – Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

ABOUT GLASHEEN, VALLES & INDERMAN INJURY LAWYERS
Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers was recently voted the Best Law Firm in El Paso by The City Magazine readers. The injury attorneys in El Paso are here to protect your rights and get justice for those injured in El Paso and the surrounding areas. Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers have worked for years and gained the expertise, network, and resources to properly and effectively represent our clients who have been injured in an accident. The injury attorneys in El Paso work tirelessly for those they represent. Plus, throughout the legal process, the client will never pay one penny unless the case is settled, and the client gets the money deserved. Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers understand that every case is different; that is why the firm provides free consultations, so the injury lawyers can hear the client’s story and evaluate the case to see if Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers would be the right option to represent you. The injury and accident lawyers in El Paso, as well as the staff members, will lead clients through the legal process and work tirelessly to get justice.

If an injury has affected the lives of you or a loved one, no matter where you live, our accident lawyers in El Paso will gladly provide you with a free consultation and hear your story, so we can evaluate your case. For immediate contact, call Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers directly, 915-301-9441 or go to GVILAW.COM

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SUN BOWL ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 SUN COURT May 10, 2023

2023 Sun Court Application

EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 Sun Court.

Applications are available online at sunbowl.org or can be picked up at the Sun Bowl Association (SBA) office, located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso, Texas. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 16, 2023 by 3 p.m. (MT). All interviews will be held on Saturday, July 8 beginning at 9 a.m. at the SBA offices.

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 Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade on Thanksgiving morning and the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl football game on December 30, 2023.

“The Sun Court has been an integral part of the Sun Bowl Association for over 85 years and they serve the purpose of being ambassadors for the Sun Bowl Association and the City of El Paso.,” Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “We look forward to selecting the best possible candidates to fill the Sun Court and continuing this storied tradition.”

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, personality, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of El Paso and all Sun Bowl Association events. 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) that has 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 ONE-PAGE 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 part of the Sun Court. Applications can be submitted electronically or can be dropped off at the Sun Bowl Association office (4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100, El Paso, Texas).

Electronic Submissions: office@sunbowl.org; bolivas@sunbowl.org; macosta@sunbowl.org; emorelos@sunbowl.org;.

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THIRD ANNUAL SUN BOWL ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT SET March 29, 2023

EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and the Southwest Flag Football League have teamed up again to host the Third Annual Sun Bowl Adult Flag Football tournament in El Paso, Texas, Friday-Sunday, August 18-20. The three-day event features monetary prizes awarded to the champions.

The tournament will be played at the Westside Sports Complex in El Paso and with various levels to play in. The tournament levels are as follows:

• Men’s D-Division (family & friends)
• Men’s C-Division (recreational)
• Men’s B-Division (intermediate)
• Men’s A-Division (competitive)

• Women’s A-Division (competitive)

• Coed (recreational) Division

“It’s amazing that this will be the third year of this tournament and working with the Southwest Flag Football League has really been a blessing,” said SBA Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We saw the event grow from year one to year two and anticipate this year’s tournament to have even more participants.”

Rosters will consist of 14 members, who are ready to compete in this 8-on-8 flag football tournament. All participants will receive a tournament gift bag with various commemorative items. The first-place teams in all divisions will receive a tournament championship belt and championship cups.

The winner of the Men’s A – Competitive Division & Women’s A – Competitive Division
will receive a money payout. Monetary prizes awarded will be based on the size of the bracket: up
to 16 teams will receive a $2,500 payout and 32 teams+ bracket will receive a $4,000 payout.

The winner of the Men’s B – Intermediate Division, Men’s C – Recreations Division Men’s D-
Division and Coed C –Recreational Division will receive a $1,000 payout.

The deadline to register for the tournament is Monday, July 31 or until the bracket is full, whichever comes first. All entry fees are $300, which includes all referee fees.

“We are super excited as this event continues to grow and it’s been amazing working with the Southwest Flag Football League. Teaming up with that organization really adds to the event,” Sun Bowl Association Special Events Director Joe Daubach said. “It’s always exciting to be part of another Sun Bowl Association event that brings so many people together to showcase El Paso and our community’s hospitality.”

Tournament Chairman Adrian Morales said, “It is a huge honor for me to be part of such a great organization like the Sun Bowl Association while at the same time strengthening our local flag football community. Giving them an opportunity to compete against teams from California to East Texas and from Colorado to interior Mexico, is energizing. This tournament will give them that opportunity.”

WHAT: Third Annual Sun Bowl Flag Football Tournament
WHEN: Aug. 18-20, 2023 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
WHERE: Westside Sports Complex (201 Isela Rubalcava Boulevard, El Paso, TX 79932)
WEBSITE: http://sunbowl.org/events/flag_football

About the Sun Bowl Association:
The Sun Bowl Association is a volunteer based non-profit 501 © 3 organization. The Sun Bowl Association, with the help of over 700 volunteers, promotes and serves the El Paso community and features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl football game. Other Sun Bowl core events include the Sun Bowl Flag Football Tournament, the Peter Piper Pizza Sun Bowl Punt, Pass and Kick, Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade, the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Basketball Invitational, and the Fan Fiesta.

About Southwest Flag Football League
• Flag Football League in El Paso, Texas
• Players: 18-years-of-age and up; six different divisions
• http://southwestflagfootball.com/
• Phone: (915) 253-9853
• Email: swflagfootball@yahoo.com

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The Aftermath of The Game February 22, 2023

EL PASO, Texas – The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is more than just a game for those attending, it is a yearlong production put on by the Sun Bowl Associations (SBA) office staff. For them, this is the game that never ends and constantly changes.

Sun Bowl Executive Director, Bernie Olivas, is well known throughout El Paso for his involvement in the community and collegiate sports. He spends this time of year in meetings with all the schools associated with the Sun Bowl and the various host committees during the month following the game. Discussions take place to find out what changes can be made to improve next year’s game.

“Bowl meetings start now, not just our bowl, but all the bowl. We go over what went well with all the bowls and what went wrong with all the bowls. We try to make the bowl experience for the players the best there is,” said Olivas.

For Olivas, the game never ends. Throughout the years, there have been many changes in college football, collegiate sports, and El Paso, and Olivas has found ways to adjust as needed. “You’d think that after 24 years, that all of this would be routine. It’s different every year. I think that’s what makes it fun for me. It doesn’t get boring. No matter how many years you do the events, it’s never the same.”

With a schedule as busy as Mr. Olivas’, an Executive Assistant like Monika (Moni) Acosta is much appreciated. In addition to joining Olivas in his meetings, Acosta’s main tasks during bowl season include the handling of the mascot Tony the Tiger. Acosta is also in charge of coordinating the Sun Court’s schedule during the months of August through January.

The 2022 game was Acosta’s first year as a full-time employee with the SBA, although she had spent some time interning with the association in the years prior.

Acosta said, “This was my very first one. [Sun Bowl game she’s worked] I started during the pandemic and helped with different kind of canceled events when I was interning. I finished right before the 2021 Sun Bowl.”

Because of her experience as an intern, she was able to hit the ground running and adjusted to the quick pace of the bowl game quickly.

Sun Bowl Marketing Director, Jay Pritchard spends his year coordinating marketing deals and sponsorships in preparation for the game. Throughout the year, he makes sure the image and the name of the bowl is shared.

On game day, Pritchard enjoys watching everything fall into place. “You have to be on your toes but if you have a good game plan going in, a good timeline, and have everything laid out the way you anticipate it, it makes it easier to adjust when random things come up.”

Pritchard’s bowl season ends about a month following the game. He’s tasked with making sure sponsorship agreements get fulfilled and immediately follows with starting on next year’s image.

Special Events Director Joe Daubach runs and coordinates the Glasheen, Valles, and Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade. He also ensures the filed paint is removed and repainted for UTEP. When speaking of organizing the parade, Daubach is appreciative of all the connections he’s made in the community throughout the years.

“The coolest part of my job is working with so many people,” Daubach said, “They’re more than just volunteers. They’re friends and family.”

Ticket Manager Ellen Hughes who has been working at the Sun Bowl for 31 years. She has made many connections with reoccurring ticket buyers over the years, and many have mentioned that her service is second to none.

Hughes said, “When it’s all done, it’s so great to walk out there and look at it all. I love that feeling of going, once the stadiums fill, looking out and thinking, ‘Wow, you’ve touched almost every ticket here.’”

Hughes pace of work changes drastically after the game in comparison to the month before. With her bowl season officially ending about a month later as she finishes off with reports.

While Hughes spends her time with plenty of contact with customers and the public, Media Relations Director Eddie Morelos is the main source of contact between the Sun Bowl and the media—local, regional, and national.

Morelos spends his time before the game coordinating press conferences and ensuring all media outlets know where to report and how to get information regarding the game. For Morelos, what made the 2022 Sun Bowl stand out from the rest was the game itself.

“The ending was spectacular. It really wrapped things up and put a bow on it for us,” Morelos said.

Post-game is spent handling statistic corrections from the game as well as collecting a media survey that would help with improving their services for next year’s game. Overall, Morelos favorite par working with the SBA, other than the game, is working with interns throughout the year.

Unlike the rest of the office, the month following the game is Financial Manager Pam Carter’s time to shine. January is her busiest time of the year, her “game day”. Financially, Carter is the primary contact between the SBA and the teams who participate in the game, as well as vendors.

Carter has been employed with the SBA for 19 years and is still impressed by the amazing event that she gets to help on every year.

Carter said, “The organization is well known throughout the community, the camaraderie that we all have, and how much we rely on each other to get things done. That’s what’s crazy, seven people with hundreds of volunteers putting on a bowl game. It’s impressive!”

She further added, “85% of our support and ticket holders is out community. So, this is truly a game for our community.”

The Sun Bowl is the second oldest bowl game in the county and has outlasted so many other bowl games due to the hard work that the staff, volunteers and committee do in the organization. Like Bernie Olivas always says, “We have one of the best staffs in the bowl business.”

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SUN BOWL WRAP UP & THANK YOU - Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas January 27, 2023

THANK YOU TO ALL!!

We had a GR-R-REAT time and could not do any of this without our sponsors, partners, ticket buyers and volunteers! We appreciate ALL OF THE BORDERLAND!

#BowlSeason #3TSB

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