Thank you El Paso for support of 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Opinion

On behalf of the Sun Bowl Association, a hearty thank you to El Paso for your valuable support of this year’s Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl football game in our 88th year. The Sun Bowl Football game being the second oldest bowl game in the United States and the only Bowl Game on CBS Network television once again brought national attention to our tremendous city, people and culture.

The Sun Bowl game is a culmination of the hard work and dedicated efforts of over 700 volunteers and a Sun Bowl Association staff that ranks #1 in being the best of the best in the bowl business. The Association is led by the longest-tenured Sun Bowl Association Executive Director in Bernie Olivas and his leadership was never more evident when the University of Miami football team was unable to play due to COVID-19. Kudos to the Washington State University Cougars for waiting patiently as the Sun Bowl Association worked to get an opponent.

More:Central Michigan ends wild week with Sun Bowl win over Washington State, 24-21

Without missing a beat Olivas, along with the outstanding Sun Bowl Football Committee headed up by John Folmer, secured another team after the Arizona Bowl in Tucson, Arizona lost one of their representative teams in Boise State University that was scheduled to play Central Michigan University.

After Boise State was unable to play due to COVID-19, Central Michigan of the Mid – American Conference was in limbo with no opponent and the Sun Bowl Association struck fast with the help of many partners to secure the Chippewas as Washington State’s opponent.

COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the college football bowl season. Of the 44 scheduled bowl games, five were canceled due to COVID-19. The Hawaii, Military, Fenway, Arizona, and later on the Holiday Bowl were unable to be played.

Washington State University of the PAC 12 Conference was a formidable foe for Central Michigan University, located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan about 150 miles from Detroit. The school, with notable alumni such as NFL Football star J.J. Watt, was ready and raring to go after their selection.

Central Michigan won the contest 24-21. Congratulations to both teams for putting on a great New Year’s Eve contest as a great way to usher in 2022. It was a true pleasure to be on stage for the Award Ceremonies along with Sun Bowl Queen Jaylene Placencia, Lady in Waiting, Paige Dorsey and the Sun Bowl Court and to stand proud as the 2021 – 2022 Sun Bowl President.

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Although the Fan Fiesta was unable to be a part of the festivities this past year, we look for a great return in December 2022, along with a return of the first time ever Sun Bowl Flag Football Tournament and the Thanksgiving Day Parade Slot Gacor Hari Ini with a new title sponsor Glasheen, Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers.

In December the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational celebrated a rich 60-year history as the oldest collegiate basketball tournament in the country and Fort Bliss continues to be a great backdrop for the visiting Sun Bowl teams. We say “Thank You” to the men and women who so proudly serve our country every day 24/7.

I have been honored to serve as president of the Sun Bowl Association as it has been an amazing experience and I will continue to have lasting memories along with my husband John, as we raise our two boys, Marco and Diego.

COVID-19 continues to be a surprise to all of us, but El Paso stayed strong in being the unique city it is and as a tremendous bowl host. My family and I have been able to stay safe and healthy and wish the same for all of you! Keep informed with events throughout the year on Facebook or Twitter @tonythetigersb or at sunbowl.org.

Natalia Flores is Sun Bowl president.