by Ray Sanchez 12.23.13
As followers of this column know, each year at Christmas I ask Santa Claus what not to bring to people in sports. I see no sense in asking Santa to bring folks something they already have.
UTEP will receive most of this year’s non-gifts and, as you’ll see, for good reason. Following is what
Santa should not bring El Pasoans this Christmas:
UTEP – A new president. Santa, Dr. Diana Natalicio has improved the university to heights never before imagined, not only in physical structures but in quality of education. UTEP was ranked as high as seventh in the country this year by at least one publication.
UTEP – A new athletic director. Yes, I know. The football team had a disastrous season but what Mr. Stull has done for sports at the university as a whole is amazing, Santa. He has improved not only facilities but graduation rates of athletes. And really, his hiring of coaches has been outstanding. Every coach he’s hired for the two biggest sports, football and basketball, has been hailed at the time of their hiring by fans and the general population as a whole. That some of them haven’t delivered is not his fault, Santa.
UTEP – A new women’s basketball coach. Keitha Adams has raised that team to levels never seen before, Santa, and we certainly don’t want to see her replaced or whisked away by some other school.
UTEP – Another losing football season. Gosh, we’ve had so many it’s hard to remember the last winning season. But we’re not blaming coach Sean Kugler, who took over the reins this year. Not yet, Santa. Many successful coaches have had losing first seasons while they rebuild and then become successful so we’re waiting to see what happens. We wish him the best.
THE CITY OF EL PASO – A Triple A baseball team. We finally got one this year, Santa, and we can’t wait to see it in action. Yes, I said, Triple A, Santa. Who would have thought we’d ever see it? Oh, yes, and we got a big, beautiful new stadium to go with it, too, Santa. I’m still shaking my head in wonder.
GOLFERS – A course on the west side of El Paso where folks in that area of the city can play for a decent price in a friendly place, especially since Santa Teresa Country Club closed, Santa. We found one at Dos Lagos Golf Course just a few minutes up the valley, and it’s become so busy it can afford to make itself even more inviting.
SUNLAND PARK Racetrack and Casino – A new general manager. It got a new one in Rick Baugh this year, Santa, and like with Kugler, we’re waiting to see how he does. He has had a lot of experience at other New Mexico racetracks and we wish him the best, too, Santa.
THE SUN BOWL – A new media relations director. It’s got a dandy in Ana Chavez, Santa. She was formerly at UTEP. If there was any doubt that such a pretty young lady could step in and handle such a difficult position it was quickly put to rest. Things have been running just as smooth as silk, and with a softer touch.
THE CHIHUAHAS – See Sun Bowl. El Paso’s Triple A baseball team also hired itself a young lady to handle marketing, community relations and public relations and Angela Olivas has filled the spot just as competently as Ms Chavez has filled hers. After dealing with only men in those positions for decades, it’s been a pleasant change, Santa.