2007 Sun Bowl Volunteers Honored

Jerry Ammerman (left) and Nancy Peters (right) were awarded the Ray Koogler Award as the Sun Bowl Association's top volunteers for 2007.

EL PASO, Texas (March 31, 2008) - The Sun Bowl Association has announced its annual awards for the organization's top volunteers.

Jerry Ammerman and Nancy Peters have been named the 2007 recipients of the Ray Koogler Award, given to the Association's top volunteer. For the second straight year two individuals share the award. Both Ammerman and Peters are members of the Game Day Committee. Ammerman spearheaded the North-South Shuttle, making sure people were transported from each end of the stadium. Peters spearheaded the addition of a new event to the Sun Bowl slate in 2007 with the Kiwanis Bowl Before the Bowl.

"Without volunteers like Jerry and Nancy, we would never be able to do what we do," said Bernie Olivas, executive director of the Sun Bowl Association. "We are known as the ‘Hospitality Bowl' because of the efforts of Jerry and Nancy and all of our volunteers."

Chris Mott, the SBA's Vice President of Legal Affairs was awarded the Gary Del Palacio Award, which is given to the outstanding board member. Mott has been instrumental in helping the Association secure sponsorships and preparing contracts. He also serves on the Football Committee.

In all, 11 individuals were named the most valuable volunteer in their respective categories - Luis Maldonado (Soccer), Monica Chavez (Parade), Troy Calhoun (Golf), Richard Parraz (Basketball), Jesse Venzor (Fan Fiesta/5K), Tomi Rystad (Provisions), Gene Almanzan (CBS), Joana Alfarez (Media), Chuck Ponce (Big East), Andrew Hagerty (Pac-10) and Tim Charron (Game Day).

In addition, Chris Lopez received a special recognition award for his overall support of the Association. Lopez served as a volunteer at seven different SBA events throughout the year.