“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 Texas State University, 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 David Bailiff 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.