“The noblest search is the search for excellence” “T” ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Issue 5 Summer 2009 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Let me take this opportunity to thank the “T” Association Board for their support during the past two years in serving as your President. It has been a great two years, and together, things have been accomplished. When I was elected to serve as your President, I established the following goals:

Improving communication with “T” Association Athletic Alumni. We have published three newsletters each of the past two years, our e-mail and address list has been updated, a website has been established, and our Board members have improved communication links with the Head Coaches of all sports.

The second goal was to increase fundraising activities to a financial level that would support our annual operational costs. I am pleased to report that over the past two years donations to the “T” Association along with funds received from the Strahan Foundation have increased and covered the operational cost of our annual events. This Joddie W. Witte could not have happened without the financial support and donations from our Athletic Alumni. Our Board Members are President very grateful for your generosity, especially at a time when we are experiencing a very difficult and challenging economy. Newsletter Editor [email protected] The third goal was to begin a process that improves representation and participation of our female Athletic Alumni. Over the past two years we have added additional female members to our Board of Directors, increased the amount of female representation on our Hall of Honor ballot, and increased overall attendance of our female letter winners at our Kyle Harrell annual events. Vice-President

The most enriching and rewarding experiences during my career has been my association with Southwest Texas State Don Coryell University- now , and my association and involvement with the “T” Association which dates back Executive Director to 1958.I would be remiss if I did not give thanks and credit to some key people. First of all, our board is very thankful (512) 245-2220 for the leadership and untiring support and efforts provided by Don Coryell, Executive Director. If your “T” Association [email protected] had a heart, Don Coryell would be the heart beat. Don was very instrumental in the success of all of our goals. Second, a special thanks to your Board of Directors who are a very progressive group and are always open to new ideas that will sustain and improve the “T” Association. Finally, your “T” Association would only be a vehicle without an engine if not for your financial donations. Our annual fundraising drive begins again this June. Each of you will receive information in regards to how to assist financially for the 2009-2010 year. Included in this newsletter is a copy of the form to indicate your donation. Names of all donors will be published in future newsletters.

If your have a topic that you would like the board to discuss, please contact Don Coryell at 512-245-2114 or e-mail at [email protected]

Joddie Witte INSIDE THIS EDITION “T” Association President Hall of Honor - 1994 PAGE 2 Mark Your Calendar, Future Projects Men’s Baseball and Men’s PAGE 3 “T” Association News Basketball- 1956-1958 PAGE 4 Vernon McDonald Roast PAGE 5 Features Continued PAGE 6 Bobcat Stadium Update PAGE 7 Q&A with Dr. Celestino Avila PAGE 8 1963 undefeated football team PAGE 9 Bobcat Pictures PAGE 10 “T” Association Donors 1 2009 “T” ASSOCIATION MARK YOUR CALENDAR HALL OF HONOR BALLOT 1940-1949 Nominees 2009 Bobcat Football Schedule Bob Hackney

Texas State vs. Angelo State 1950-1959 Nominees September 5th at Bobcat Stadium, 6pm Gene Hanks Aubrey Horner Texas State vs. Texas Southern 1960-1969 Nominees September 26th at Bobcat Stadium, 6pm Rudy Bowles Bobby Cornelius Texas State vs. Southeastern Louisiana Fred Frieling October 10th at Bobcat Stadium, 2pm Dennis C. Gorka (Family Weekend and Strutters 50-Year Reunion) Cliff Mitchell Macon E Roemer Richard Suffel Texas State vs. Stephen F. Austin Clyde Cockrum October 31st at Bobcat Stadium, 2pm (Homecoming Weekend) 1970-1979 Nominees Paul Borreson Texas State vs. McNeese State Floyd Campbell November 14th at Bobcat Stadium, 6pm Jeff Frnka Patrick Graham (1963 Football Team Reunion) Kay KinsalaPogue Bill Thornton TEXAS STATE VS. SAM HOUSTON David A. Williams, Sr NOVEMBER 21st AT BOBCAT STADIUM, 2PM Bill Woodley ( “T” ASSOCIATION WEEKEND) David Wuest

1980-1989 Nominees Friday: Hall of Honor Event Benjamin Jessie Saturday: Tailgate party and half-time recognition Gary Peoples TIm Staskus

1990-1999 Nominees “T” ASSOCIATION FUTURE PROJECTS Kristy Rioux Braun Our next “T” Association Board Meeting is scheduled for August 1st. The items that will be discussed include voting for the 2009 Hall of Honor Class, the “T” Association Election of 2009 President and Vice President, and “T” Association member benefits.

HALL OF HONOR NOMINATIONS NEEDED FOR FUTURE CLASS If a “T” member would like to nominate another “T” member for the Hall of Honor, please contact: Mr. Don Coryell 512-245-2114 E-mail: [email protected]

Eligibility requirements: Athlete must have graduated and be at least 10 years removed from last year of NCAA athletic competition. 2 “T” ASSOCIATION NEWS Left: Elyse Wright played Basketball as a forward and is now graduated and working for the Texas State Athletic Department as an Assistant Director of Marketing. Right: James Ortiz ran track from 2002 to 2005. He is now the Head Coach for the University of the Southwest located in New Mexico.

Above: Dominic Ramos played Baseball from 2002-2006, and now plays for the Brockton Rox; in the Canadian American Asso- ciation League.

Above: Paul Thornton played Above: Amy Keel lettered two Football from 1977-1981 and years in Softball under head was recently promoted to Senior coach Ricci Woodard. She has VP of Sterling Bank and is cur- graduated and is now working rently living in San Antonio with for Elly Lilly and Company in his family. Woodlands, Texas. Four Bobcats Selected in 2009 MLB Draft Paul Goldschmidt Ben Theriot Kane Holbrooks Lance Loftin Arizona Diamondbacks Kansas City Royals Minnesota Twins Toronto Blue Jays

3 Roast of Vernon McDonald Fundraising

Vernon McDonald Vernon McDonald has been associated with Bobcat Athletics for over 60 years. A Bobcat legend and a San Marcos icon, Coach McDonald has been one of the most recognized and beloved figures in the history of BobcatAthletics. He was inducted into the “T”-Association Hall of Honor in 1980, and has been a member of the “T”-Association Board of Directors since 1977. On Saturday, May 9th, we hosted the “Roast of Coach Vernon McDonald” at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas. Recently, Coach Vernon McDonald has written a book covering the life of Milton Jowers and several decades of Texas State Basketball, titled “Playing For a Winner-Remembering Coach Milton Jowers”. We were excited to have the unveiling of his new book at the event, and so were all of his roasters! More than 250 people attended the event and we raised several thousand dollars for the “T” Association and The Vernon McDonald Men’s Basketball endoured Scholarship. Vernon McDonald The book may be ordered from the Alumni Association at 1-888-798-2586 or email at [email protected].

Roaster Paul Powell Master of Ceremonies Bill Thornton

Coach McDonald and his family Coach Milton Jowers Memorabilia 4 Bill Miller Room Food Request We are asking for assistance from our “T” Associ- aiton members to help us with providing food for our Bill Miller Room events at each home football game this sea- son. The Bill Miller Room has become a great gathering place for all of our athletic alumni. Over the past several years participation with our alumni has grown expoden- tially, and our crowds have significantly increased.

To continue to offer a great game atmosphere in the room, we are asking for donations of $300 or more to assist with food costs. Each donor will be recognized for their food contribution on game day.

The “T” Association would like to thank Dr. LaRue Miller, Coach and Mr. Bill Wilcox for already agree- ing to sponsor a game each. We still have three games re- maining that we are asking for your assistance. To donate please contact Don Coryell at 512-245-2114 or via email by [email protected]. 1963 Undefeated Football Team Recently our “T” Association Board of Directors met to discuss our 2009 events. With the recent success of our football team, the brand new stadium expansion, and the overall growth of our program, we wanted to take the time to reflect back on our program’s history and, in a very small way, say thank you to some of our athletic alumni who helped build the foundation for our program. It was unanimously decided that we would like to invite the members of the undefeated 1963 football team back to campus to recognize their accomplishments and give them the opportunity to get back together with their Bobcat teammates.

Danny Leinneweber, QB 1963 Football Team Reunion: Schedule

November 13th: Reception Event in San Marcos

November 14th: Pre-game party in the Bill Miller Room

Halftime at the football game: Introduction of the 1963 football team members

If you are interested in participating in this upcoming event or have any suggestions about the weekend please contact Don Coryell by email at [email protected] or at 512-245-2114.

Jerry Cole 5 Bobcat Stadium Update

This January Texas State Athletics broke ground on a brand new Press Box facility at Bobcat Stadium, this 47,000 square- foot project with a cost of $16.5 million is scheduled to be available for the first home game againstAngelo State on September 5th. The architects and engineers are O’Connell Robertson and Associates and the contractor is Austin Commercial. This initial phase adds 15 luxury suites and nearly 440 club-level seats in a two-level structure above the press box. In ad- dition, a new throwing area for the Bobcat men’s and women’s track and field teams is being constructed, new elevators servicing the existing concourse and new club and suite levels are being added and new lighting is being installed on the west side as well. To further enhance Bobcat fans experience at Texas State football games, new restrooms, concession stands and novelty stands being added. “Once we complete adding the luxury suites and club seats, we can bring back donors and people we need to help build this program in the future,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Larry Teis. “Adding these will be a big step in that direction.”

Each of the suites will contain 12 permanent seats and four bar stools with a cost of $30,000. Amenities include season tickets to home games, full kitchenettes, refrigerators and cabinet, a flat-screen television, operable windows that open and close for climate-controlled comfort, four VIP parking passes, and a suite attendant to ensure that Bobcat fans and their guests have the experi- ence of a lifetime. Each suite also contains an elegant plaque that recognizes the contributions to the Bobcat football program. The 440 club level seats include an indoor banquet-style club area with covered outdoor seats. Packages for each of the 440 club level seats are $1500 and $2000 per seat. These packages include pre-game food, game ticket and donation with pricing be- ing determined by seat location. The next step in expanding Bobcat Stadium is Phase 1B and will include renovating the press box, construction of a new track facility and adding approximately 8,500 new seats to the stadium to bring the stadium’s seating capacity to over 24,000. “This begins the first phase of what I have envisioned for Bobcat Stadium,”Teis said. “As our football program grows, obvi- ously the stadium will be a big part of that venture.” To this date 11 out of 15 suites have been sold! To view information on our suites and club seats please click here: http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/suite-club-amenities.html Club Level Suites

6 Q&A with Dr. Celestino Avila 1963 Texas State football team Q: What position did you play? CA: I played tight end on offense and defensive end on defense. The season of 1963 we were 10-0 (undefeated) and I made All-Conference 1st Team offense and All-Conference 1st Team defense.

Q: What do you currently do? CA: I am a Physician, (Family Practice) and have been practicing in my home town of Donna, Texas for the last 30 years. I’m still seeing patients in my clinic only in the mornings.

Q: What was one of your most memorable experiences at SWT? CA: My most memorable experience was when I almost lost my athletic scholarship. Since I was a biology major and chemistry minor and not a physical education major I did not get to see Coach Milton Jowers very often. I was not taking any P.E. classes at all when he took over as head football coach. He did not know me and wanted to take my scholarship away at the end of the second semester in 1961. About halfway through the second semester all freshman athletes had to box against other upperclassmen. I knocked out my opponent in the first round and that really impressed coach Jowers to the point where it saved my scholarship for the rest of my college career. Q: How has your experience on the SWT football team changed your life today? Celestino Avila CA: I am thankful to Coach Jack Henry who offered me the football scholarship in 1960. Coming Donna, TX from a family of fifteen I would not have been able to attend college at that point in my life. My high school coach, Bennie LaPrade, was actively involved in my getting a scholarship. So having taken advantage of my education at SWT (B.S. degree 1964) I went on to medical school in Mexico and did a three year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio from 1976 to Hall of honor 1979 in family practice. So the teachings of Coach Milton Jowers about sacrifices, responsibilities, 1986 and sense of pride in all you do carried over to my life away from football and helped me enjoy the success that I am having now.

Q: What was it like to play football as a Bobcat? SWT football CA: It was a fun experience for me especially when I played against my brother, Alfredo, and Luz 1960-1964 Pedraza at Sul Ross and other friends that were playing for then Texas A&I college in Kingsville.

Q: What are you looking foward to most about this upcoming reunion? CA: I am excited to see all my teammates and share new stories with them. Also to go over some of our old injuries and now with arthritic changes that keep us from walking straight, back injuries, knee surgeries, shoulder problems. Also to brag on our grandkids, last reunion was about our kids but now we graduated to our grand kids.

Q: Explain one of your funniest moments during your SWT football years? CA: The most memorable experience while at SWT was when we played a football game against Sul Ross. My brother Alfredo Avila was a defensive safety for the Lobos and I was playing tight end for the Bobcats. My responsibility on running plays was to go block him. After a few hits or blocks by me he said, “Hey take it easy. I’m your brother; you are hitting me too hard!” We won the game 9 to 7 in the season on 1963.

7 REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR Board Members Thanks in large part to athletic alumni generosity last year, and David Bailiff our “T” Asssociation Board of Directors, we accomplished several “T” Association goals including the expansion of Julie Brooks our fall and spring weekend events. This included a fall tailgate bash for all athletic alumni centered around our Hall Karen Chisum of Honor Weekend and the Roast of Vernon McDonald this spring benefiting the “T” Association. We were also able to Jeramy Fikac replace the ceiling and blinds in the Bill Miller Room and add additional athletic alumni highlight items, including a new Wallace Dockall track and field history mural. Michael Ferris Additionally, our Athletics department has continued to grow in our quest to move to the FBS Level. This past year we captured the SLC Commisioner’s cup and won Jimmy Fife five Southland Conference Championships. We completed our brand new state of the art baseball and softball facilities, and we are wrapping up the completion of phase I of our Bobcat Stadium west side expansion project that will include 15 private suites Lewis Gilcrease and 450 club level seats. We are also continuing work on our new soccer lockerroom on west campus, and will begin shortly on renevations to our tennis facility. Kyle Harrell

This summer we again would like to encourage our Athletic Alumni to consider Darrell Hortness a financial donation directly to the “T”Association in return for several benefits. Areas these donations assist include continuing improvements to the Bill Miller Kenneth Huewitt Room, building upon our successful fall tailgating event, preserving athletic history through the Bobcat Hall of Honor, trophy cases and pictures of pride, and the annual Jim Bob Jackson operational cost to run our organization. Lloyd Little Any donation to the “T” Association is greatly appreciated and athletic alumni who donate $50 or more will receive a “T” Association membership card good for 50% Vernon McDonald off all season and individual game tickets for ALL regular season Bobcat Athletic events (Limit two tickets per donation) and donor recognition in our “T” Association Reece Morrison e-newsletter. All gifts are reported to the University for proper giving credit. To purchase tickets for this year’s football season, please go to www.txstatebobcats.com/ tickets/txst-tickets.html. Stephen Smith

In August we will be voting on our 2009 Hall of Honor class and our Board of David Williams Directors will also review our current benefit structure for athletic alumni and our fall and spring events. This year’s fall weekend is set for November 21st vs. Sam Joddie Witte Houston State, please mark your calendars early. If you have any questions please call me or visit our website for updates.

Sincerely,

Don Coryell Executive Director of the “T” Association

8 Tailgating and Vernon McDonald Roast Photos

Above: The T-Association gathers every year to celebrate the start of a new season. These pictures are from the Fall 2008 football tailgating party and Spring 2009 baseball tailgate party.

The Roast of Vernon McDonald held at the Coach McDonald enjoys getting roasted! Embassy Suites

Former Bobcat Athletic Alumni enjoying themselves at the roast Vernon McDonald and Pence Dackus roasts Coach Mac his wife Dolores Get your Football Season Tickets today!

The 2009 football season continues Texas State’s drive to the Football Bowl Subdivi- sion (FBS), paving the way for the Bobcats to play at the NCAA’s highest level of competi- tion. Texas State must meet NCAA attendance goals to move to the FBS. Pick your favorite seats and show your Bobcat pride. The season is gearing up to be ac- tion-packed and full of excitement. The more season tickets we sell, the closer the Bobcats get to competing against nationally recognized teams. All “T” Association Donors receive 50% off their season ticket purchase. To get your season tickets today, please call 512-245-2272.

2009-2010 “T” ASSOCIATION DONORS

Henry Armbruster Robert Gibbens Dennis Colvin Bruce Gregg Bill and Gene Barber Melinda Hieber Ron Kuhn Mike Wynn Wallace Dockall Walter Schulle Alan Moore Harry Dietzmann Keith Hoffmann David Howard Leon Westfall Danny Leinneweber William and Glenda Wilcox Alton Gattis Walter Dedeke O.C. Haley Bobby Patton Kyle Herman Joddie Witte Bill Soyars Bill Hollas Steve Smith Celestino Avila Michael Ferris Lloyd Little David Williams, Sr. Dr. LaRue Miller Mike Martin David Williams Glenn Peavy Gene Kosarek Allen Kiesling David Bailiff Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Davalos Mitch Davidson Robert Daigle Janet Groth

HOW YOU CAN HELP

To financially assist with any of our projects, please contact Don Coryell at (512) 245-2114, or at [email protected]. To donate directly to the “T” Association, we have also included a donation form that can be mailed to Don Coryell in the Athletic Department. 10 Order Taken By: Texas State T-Association 601 University Drive Date of San Marcos, TX 78666 Donation: Phone: (512) 245-2220 / Fax: (512) 245-8387 txstate.edu/tassociation

TEXAS STATE T-ASSOCIATION DONATION FORM Texas State Univeristy - San Marcos

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