Sam Houston A Great Name In Texas Education Sam Houston was founded in 1879 and stands today as the third-oldest public university in Texas and the state’s fifth oldest continuously operating institution of higher education. With nearly 100,000 graduates, SHSU has touched the lives of generations of Texans by helping to shape the economic, social and cultural development of this state and beyond. The establishment of Sam Houston Normal Institute was authorized by Texas Governor Oran M. Roberts on April 21, 1879. On October 10 of that year “the Normal” opened with 109 students, four faculty members and its first principal, Bernard Mallon.
General Sam Houston is the only man in U.S. history to be governor of two states (Tennessee and Texas). He led Texas to independence with the victory over Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto. He became the first president of the Republic of Texas, senator from the State of Texas and governor of the State of Texas. He is buried in Huntsville not far from the campus of the university named in his honor.
In the 21st century, Sam Houston State University has seen record growth, ranking as one of the fastest growing public institution in Texas the past four years.
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... And A Great Name In Intercollegiate Athletics
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE COMMISSIONER’S CUP Winners 2005, 2006, 2007 SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE MEN’S ALL-SPORTS CUP Winners 2000, 2007 NCAA NATIONAL PLAYOFFS Football 1986, 1991, 2001, 2004 Baseball 1987, 1989, 1996, 2007, 2008, 2009 Bowling 2011 Men’s Basketball 1986, 2003, 2010 Volleyball 1984, 1985, 1993, 1996 Softball 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2007 SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TITLES Baseball 1989 Men’s Basketball 2000, 2003, 2010 Football 1991, 2001, 2004 Men’s Golf 1990, 1994 Women’s Golf 2004, 2007 Softball 1988, 1990, 1993 Men’s Outdoor Track 2005, 2006 Women’s Outdoor Track 2005, 2006, 2008 Women’s Indoor Track 2007, 2008 Volleyball 1993, 1994 SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Men’s Basketball 2003, 2010 Volleyball 1996 Baseball 1996, 2007, 2008, 2009 Softball 1988, 2007
Dr. James Gaertner, president of Sam Houston State University from 2001 to 2010, and director of athletics Bobby Williams pose with the Bearkats’ three Commissioner’s Cup trophies, symbolic of the Southland Conference’s all-sports championships won in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
OTHER MAJOR NATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS Softball National Invitational Champions 1996 Softball NCAA Division II National Champions 1982 Softball NAIA National Champions 1981 Men’s Golf NAIA National Champions 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Football NAIA National Co-Champions 1964 Baseball NAIA National Champions 1963 Football Post Season Bowls 1952, 1953, 1955, 1958 Men’s Basketball NIT Season Tip-off quarterfinalist 2005
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REASONS TO CHOOSE
T A K R A E B TBALL O O F
Four NCAA Division I Playoff Appearances Ten Conference Team Championships 64 All America Honorees 381 All Conference Performers
AN IMPORTANT DECISION One of the most difficult decisions for any young person is the selection of a university at which to pursue a college degree. As a student-athlete with exceptional skills, choosing a university and a football program that is right for you takes on added importance. I urge you to evaluate carefully every facet of each university and football program you consider. Closely examine the head coach, his staff, the academic and athletic facilities, the academic reputation of the institution, the community and the total environment. You should feel comfortable knowing this is where you will live and experience some of the most exciting years of your life. Our philosophy at Sam Houston State University is that it is our responsibility to provide an environment that contributes to the successful development of both the student and the athlete. A positive, rewarding collegiate and football experience is our commitment to every player in the program. The Sam Houston football program is built upon a foundation of academic, athletic and personal integrity. I encourage you to closely examine what Sam Houston has to offer you. Willie Fritz Head Coach, Sam Houston State University
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ACADEMICS Sam Houston has a commitment to both academics and athletics More than 90 percent of Bearkat student-athletes who complete their eligibility earn their college degree More SHSU student-athletes have earned Southland Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll selection than any other university in the league four of the past six academic years Bearkat student-athletes produce a higher grade point average than the general student population at Sam Houston Academic programs such as the SHSU Learning Enhancement Center and the CHAMPS life skills development program ensure
FACILITIES The Bearkats play and practice in Elliott T. Bowers Stadium (14,000) All SHSU student-athletes train in one of the top conditioning facilities in the Southwest, the Ron Randleman Strength & Fitness Center
SCHEDULE Sam Houston competes as a member of the Southland Conference in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision
The Bearkats have played before capacity crowds against such teams as Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and SMU
EXPOSURE Bearkat sports teams have been featured on six national telecasts on CBS and ESPN2 and 16 regional cable telecasts since 2003
COMMITMENT Sam Houston State University is committed to its student-athletes and the Huntsville community with a coaching and athletic administration fueled with a passion for the game
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Sam Houston State University A Carnegie Classified Academic Institution Enrollment 17,214 with expected growth to 20,000 by 2015 272-acre main campus 79 undergraduate degree programs 54 master’s programs 5 doctoral programs Criminal Justice Educational Leadership Counselor Education Clinical Psychology Reading 72% of faculty members hold doctoral or terminal degrees 31 student average class size 1:19 faculty-student ratio
Sam Houston Today Created to train school teachers, today’s Sam Houston State University offers a broad range of academic programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Many of its academic programs and faculty have attained national and statewide recognition.
Students from every walk of life come to Sam Houston in pursuit of a quality college education.
Sam Houston State University serves one of the most diverse populations of any education institution in Texas. Admission requirements were strengthened six years ago. In the fall of 2010, SHSU experienced another record enrollment, with a total of 17,214. The physical plant is undergoing significant expansion and improvements at a cost of more than $250 million.
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The classification as a “Doctoral Research University” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education places Sam Houston in the top 7% of all U.S. colleges and universities.
Carnegie Graduate Instructional Program Classifications: Doctoral Research University Community Engaged University Six colleges within the university: Business Administration Criminal Justice Education Humanities and Social Sciences Sciences Fine Arts and Mass Communication Capital project, construction, renovation, and improvement program totals more than $250 million A diverse student body with students from 53 countries Approximately 1,700 faculty and staff More than 70% of commuter students come from the North Houston area University is partner with Raven Nest Golf Club First teachers’ training school in the Southwest U.S. News & World Report “Growing Fast, Staying Friendly” Central to the university’s recent achievements is a dedicated faculty and staff who provide a caring education environment for students to learn and develop.
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Sam Houston State University
Traditional, yes. Stuck in the past, definitely not. At Sam Houston State University, you’ll step onto a beautiful campus of 17,000 active students and accomplished faculty who form an incredibly close-knit community.
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Willie Fritz Head Football Coach Willie Fritz became the 14th head football coach at Sam Houston State University on December 18, 2011. During his 29-year coaching career, Fritz has produced an overall record of 226 victories, 81 losses and five ties as both a head coach and an assistant. A proven motivator and recruiter, he has coached championship teams at NCAA Division I, Division II and junior college levels. In his first season as head coach at Sam Houston in 2010, Fritz took a young squad that was picked in preseason next to last in the Southland and directed them to a third place finish. The “winningest” coach in the University of Central Missouri’s 113-year football history, Fritz rolled up a 97-47 record in 13 seasons as Mules head coach. He is the only Central Missouri head coach to produce eight consecutive seasons of seven or more wins. When hired as head coach, Fritz was no stranger to Sam Houston. He served as a graduate assistant for Bearkat squads that went 16-6 in 1984-85 and won the 1985 Gulf Star Conference championship He was the secondary and special teams coach for the Bearkats in 1991 and 1992, helping lead Sam Houston to a Southland Conference championship and starting a special teams success tradition that lasted more than a decade. The “block party” saw Kat special teams block 80 punts, field goals and extra points in the 14 seasons from 1991 to 2004. “Willie Fritz has a proven track record as someone who can come in and turn a program around,” Sam Houston director of athletics Bobby Williams said. “He has been successful everywhere he has worked. He recruits quality student-athletes who are motivated to excel both on the field and academically.” From 1993 to 1996, Fritz was head coach at Blinn College where turned around a program that had gone 5-24-1 in its three previous seasons. He produced a 39-5-1 record and two national junior college championships. In both his final two seasons at Blinn, the Pirates rolled up perfect 12-0 records. For his efforts at Blinn, Fritz has been inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame. As head coach at Central Missouri, Fritz led the Mules to their first post-season berth in 32 years when they defeated Minnesota-Duluth in the 2001 Mineral Water Bowl and its first NCAA Division II playoff berth after winning the Mid-America Athletic Association (MIAA) championship. Fritz coached 152 All-MIAA performers including 41 first team selections and 24 All-Americans. Fritz ranks No. 15 among active NCAA Division II head coach in victories. In his 13 years, the Mules enjoyed an 84 percent graduation rate with three Academic AllAmericans, 14 Academic All-Region and 144 MIAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll selections. Central Missouri ranked No. 11 in NCAA Division II football attendance. Fritz played college football at Pittsburg State University where he was a four-year starter as a defensive back and played on two conference championship teams. He was a student assistant coach for the Gorillas in 1982. He served as an assistant football coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas in 1983 and at Willis High School in Texas in 1986 and was defensive coordinator at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas from 1987 to 1990. Fritz and his wife Susan have three children, Wesley, Elaine and Brooke.
A Proven Winner HEAD COACH Won 142, Lost 57, Tied 1 Blinn Junior College (39-5-1) 1993 6-3-1 1994 9-2 Mineral Water Bowl 1994 12-0 National Champions 1995 12-0 National Champions Central Missouri (97-47) 1997 5-6 1998 8-3 1999 7-4 2000 7-4 2001 10-2 Mineral Water Bowl 2002 10-2 NCAA Division II Playoffs 2003 9-2 MIAA Champions 2004 7-4 2005 7-3 2006 5-6 2007 7-4 2008 7-4 2009 8-3 Sam Houston State (6-5) 2010 6-5
ASSISTANT COACH Won 84, Lost 26, Tied 4 Pittsburg State ( Student assistant) 1982 7-2 Conference champions Shawnee Mission NW HS (Assistant) 1983 7-2 Sam Houston (Graduate assistant) 1984 8-3 1985 8-3 Gulf Star champions Willis High School (Assistant) 1986 6-4 Coffeyville C. C. (Defensive coordinator) 1987 8-2 Jayhawk Bowl 1988 9-1-1 Jayhawk Bowl 1989 6-3 1990 11-0 National Champions Sam Houston (Secondary/special teams) 1991 8-3-1 Southland Champions 1992 6-3-2 www.gobearkats.com 9
Meet the Bearkat Coaches JEFF CONWAY Assistant Head Coach, Wide Receivers Recruiting Area: Houston/South Central Texas Northwestern Missouri, 1981 Second year at Sam Houston Associate head coach and wide receivers coach at Central Missouri as the Mules rolled up a 41-24 record with 8-3 mark in 2009 and seven victory seasons in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 Assistant at University of New Mexico, Missouri Western and Lamar University Offensive offensive coordinator at Blinn Junior College for teams that rolled up a 39-5-1 record and won two NJCAA national championships Led Blinn to an 8-2 record as head coach in 1997 Graduate assistant at Sam Houston on teams that went 16-6 and won Gulf Star Conference championship. Wife, Jolene, and three daughters Callie, Patsy and Bobbi
BOB DeBESSE Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Recruiting Area: Austin / Central Texas Southwest Texas State, 1982 Second year at Sam Houston Head coach at Southwest Texas State from 1997 to 2002 Assistant coach at Texas A&M, Purdue, Minnesota and TCU Helped direct Aggies to the Holiday Bowl and Alamo Bowl. At Purdue tutored two receivers who signed with NFL teams and played in the Capital One Bowl and Sun Bowl. DeBesse’s 2000 Southwest Texas Bobcats rolled up the school’s best record in a decade (7-4) and earned a No. 25 national ranking Offensive coordinator at Minnesota from 1992 to 1996 where the Golden Gophers led the Big Ten in passing. At TCU, named Southwest Conference Offensive Coordinator of the Year honors in 1990. Wife, Janet, and three children: Brittney, Kaila and Cameron
SCOTT STOKER Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Recruiting Area: East Texas Northwestern State, 1990 Third year at Sam Houston Compiled a 43-38 record in seven seasons as head coach at Northwestern State Led Demons to 2004 Southland Conference title and to NCAA Division I playoffs in 2002 and 2004 Three of his Demon squads finished among the top 15 nationally in total defense and rushing defense including No. 2 national rankings in both categories in 2004 Assistant coach at McNeese State from 1994 to 2002 for teams that earned six national playoff berths All-Southland Conference quarterback for Northwestern State, leading Demons to 1988 league championship Wife Kim and three children Jennifer, Carlie and Zoe www.gobearkats.com 10
BEN BEASLEY Defensive Backs Recruiting Area: Houston / Southeast Texas McNeese State, 2002 Third year at Sam Houston, coaching four defensive backs who have earned All-Southland honors Assistant coach at Northwestern State from 2002 to 2008, helping the Demons to earn NCAA national statistics rankings in punt returns, rushing offense and scoring McNeese State student assistant coach for squads that made consecutive NCAA Division I playoff appearances and shared 2001 Southland championship with Sam Houston Wife Ellen and a daughter Sarah Jane.
JOHNNY JERNIGAN Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Recruiting Area: Fort Worth Metro Northwestern State, 1994 Second year at Sam Houston, coaching defensive line that ranked 16th nationally in sacks and led the Southland in rush defense Assistant coach at Murray State and Tennessee-Martin, tutoring defenses that led the Ohio Valley Conference Began his career at Kilgore College before moving to Henderson State in Arkansas All-Southland Conference defensive lineman at Stephen F. Austin, leading Lumberjacks to the 1993 national playoffs Wife LaShunta and two sons, Davon and Amontae
DEREK WAREHIME Recruiting Area: Dallas Metro / East Texas Offensive Line Tulsa, 2006 Second year at Sam Houston, producing an offensive line that blocked for the league’s top rushing offense and tutoring two All-Southland selections Assistant coach at Arkansas-Monticello where the Boll Weevils led the Gulf South Conference in total offense and rushing offense Graduate assistant at Rice, helping direct the Owls to their first bowl game in 45 years at the New Orleans Bowl All-Western Athletic Conference selection and later student assistant coach for the Tulsa Hurricane, playing in the 2003 Humanitarian Bowl Wife Kelly and two daughters Kaysen and Kylie
ANTHONY JOHNSON Running Backs Recruiting Area: San Antonio / Central Texas Texas, 2005 Second year at Sam Houston, coaching first team All-Conference and Southland “Newcomer of the Year” Tim Flanders in 2010 Bearkats led the Southland Conference in rushing offense in 2010 Running back for University of Texas football teams that won the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl and two Holiday Bowls Worked with Longhorn NFL draft picks Cedric Benson, Jamal Charles and Chris Ogbonnaya as a member of UT coaching staff that rolled up 34-4 record, won the Fiesta Bowl and Holiday Bowl and played in the national championship game Wife Erica and daughter London www.gobearkats.com 11
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium Home of Bearkat Football
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium gives the Sam Houston State a great home field advantage. The Bearkats stand 88-42-1 on the turf at Bowers since the facility opened in 1986.
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The Ron Mafrige Field House in the south end zone of Bowers Stadium houses the football and athletic administration offices, the football dressing room, Bearkat athletic training facility and the SHSU Athletic Learning Enhancement Center. Sam Houston’s modern Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Center is located in the southeast corner of the stadium complex.
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24,685 The crowd of 24,685 for the 84th “Battle of the Piney Woods” at Reliant Stadium in Houston was the largest in SHSU-SFA series history. It also was the largest crowd for a Bearkat game versus an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision team. Game day started with a packed house at the pregame tailgate party in the Blue Lot south of Reliant.
Battle of the Piney Woods Reliant Stadium - Houston October 23, 2010
The event provided a stage for Sam Houston State to gain exposure in a city in which more than 65,000 university alumni call home. The Bearkats and Lumberjacks were featured in interviews on all of the city’s television, radio and newspaper media throughout the week.
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Bearkat Athletics Mission Sam Houston State University is committed to the concept that intercollegiate athletics is an integral part of the university’s educational enterprise. The department of athletics recognizes that the athletics program must be supportive of the university’s mission, which is to inspire learning through excellence in teaching, to stimulate creativity, to conduct scholarly research and to direct significant institutional resources to the community it serves. In keeping with these directives, the department of athletics understands that its primary mission is to develop student-athletes as complete individuals and educated citizens who are fully prepared to contribute positively to society. The department of athletics recognizes that it receives direction from the President of the university in the administration of the athletic program. The department of athletics will provide and support cultural diversity and provide for equitable opportunities for minorities and women. The department of athletics measures success in its ability to establish programs that support the mission of Sam Houston State University. Strategic Goals The Department of Athletics will provide the best possible entertainment and image for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community by competing on the Division I level through winning athletic teams. The Department of Athletics will provide an environment for studentathletes necessary to enhance graduation through classroom learning experiences that are conducive to a life skills learning experience on campus and in the community. The Department of Athletics will provide an environment for all staff necessary to attract, develop and retain quality personnel. The Department of Athletics will provide an environment for our alumni, community and friends of the university that encourages active participation in the department programs and development activities.
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Sports Sports excitement excitement at Sam Houston State Sam Houston State University competes at the NCAA Division I level in 17 sports as a member of the Southland Conference, bringing the fun and excitement of intercollegiate athletes to the Huntsville campus. Men’s intercollegiate sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field. Women’s sports are basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In the fall of 2010, Sam Houston begins competition in women’s bowling. Three of the past six years, the SHSU athletic program as ranked as the best in the Southland Conference, winning the SLC Commissioner’s Cup all-sports trophy. Sam Houston is the only league member to win the Commissioner’s Cup three consecutive seasons. The Kats also have won two men’s all-sports trophies. Since moving up to the NCAA Division I level in 1986, Sam Houston has participated in the national playoffs 15 times including the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball “Big Dance”. The Bearkats have won 23 Southland Conference team championships with 11 of those SLC trophies earned in the past seven years. In addition, SHSU has won nine Southland post-season tournament titles. While competing at a high level on the playing field, the Bearkats also have proven themselves tops in the Southland Conference in the classroom.
Sam Houston State has placed more individuals on the Southland Commissioner’s Honor Roll (student-athletes with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better) than any other league member during the past six sports seasons. For the last nine consecutive semesters, SHSU student-athletes have combined to produce a department grade point average (GPA) of 2.87 or above, a mark higher than the GPA of the university’s overall student population.
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Ten times in the past five years, Bearkats have been recognized as the outstanding student-athlete in their individual sports. Winners of the SLC “Student-Athlete of the Year” honors have been Ryan Bright (2007 and 2008 men’s basketball), Stephen Prihoda (2007 baseball), Lata Assudani (2007 women’s tennis), Jennie Sewell (2007 women’s track and field), Jennifer Heinz (2008 women’s golf ), Barkley Falkner (2009 men’s basketball), Irina Sotnikova (2009 women’s tennis), Brittany Brooks (2010 women’s basketball) and Chris Cralle (2011 men’s indoor track and field). Sam Houston State University annually draws regional and national media attention through televised athletic contests. Bearkat football and basketball games have been featured in nationally televised games on ESPN2 and CBS. Each year, SHSU games are telecast on the Southland Conference TV network. The university boasts one of the finest athletic complexes in the Southwestern that serve as the site of both regular season competition and post-season tournament action. Home athletic events are held at Bowers Stadium (football), Johnson Coliseum (basketball and volleyball), Don Sanders Stadium (baseball), softball (Bearkat Softball Complex), tennis (McAdams Tennis Center), track and field (York Track Center) and soccer (Pritchett Field). News, schedules, ticket information and opportunities to watch live video of Bearkat sports events are available on the SHSU athletic web site at www.gobearkats.com.
One Great College Town Sam Houston State and the city of Huntsville give studentathletes the best of both worlds. Huntsville offers a community atmosphere that retains its small town friendliness while offering intellectual and cultural stimulation with the University’s proximity to a large metropolitan area. The community is an ideal college town with a population of 35,078 just 68 miles north of Houston and 171 miles south of Dallas. Huntsville is one of the oldest communities in Texas. The city was founded in 1835 by Pleasant Gray and grew quickly with prominent settlers moving here from Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia. From its inception, Huntsville was considered to be a center of education and law. It was the home of many military leaders during the years of the Republic of Texas. The city features such historical attractions as Austin Hall (the oldest functioning educational building in Texas); the home and burial place of Texas history legend, Sam Houston; and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.
Huntsville, Texas, offers students a small town community atmosphere with the excitement of Houston one hour’s drive to the south.
David Addick’s 67 feet high Sam Houston statue on Interstate 45 is the tallest statue of an American hero in the world
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What is a Bearkat? Sam Houston State’s athletic teams have been nicknamed “The Bearkats” since 1923 when the university’s name was changed by the Texas state legislature from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teachers College. Prior to 1923, the varsity sports teams were nicknamed “The Normals.” Early references to “Bearkats” spelled the name either “Bearcats,” “Bear Cats,” or “Bearkats.” A bearcat is said by some to be a kinkajou, a small, golden, carnivorous mammal that resides in the jungles of South America. It is doubtful those who coined the “Bearkat” nickname had either a kinkajou or a binturong in mind, however. More likely, the name came from a popular local saying of the time, “tough as a Bearkat!” Since the animal in the saying was thought more mythical than real, the spelling settled upon was “Bearkat.” In the late 1940s, then SHSU President Harmon Lowman attempted to change the Sam Houston mascot from Bearkats to “Ravens” (after General Sam Houston’s Cherokee nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported that the alumni were polled, she voted for the raven but that “all those old Bearkats beat us out!” The current Sammy Bearkat mascot character began appearing at Sam Houston State sports events in 1959.
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Paul Culp of the Sam Houston State University Library whose research made this article possible.
The cheer “Eat ‘em up Kats!” is a Sam Houston tradition.
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Sam Houston Notable Bearkats
DAVID ADICKES Designer of Sam Houston statue
ARNOLD A. ALLEMANG Board of Directors member Dow Chemical
LYNNE LIBERATO First women president Houston Bar Association
RICHARD LINKLATER Movie Director Academy Award Nominee
MICHAEL BANKSTON 9 year veteran National Football League
RON MAFRIGE Houston businessman Ron Mafrige Enterprises, Inc
KATIE CLARKE Star of Broadway touring company of “Wicked”
DAN RATHER Former Anchor CBS News
JOSEPH “BUD” HANEY Co-founder Profiles International
PRESTON JOHNSON, JR. Senior Vice President Center Point Energy, Inc
WILLIAM DAN WOMACK DON SANDERS Sanders Morris Group Inc National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ryan-Sanders Baseball (NASA)
Sam Houston State Undergraduate Degree Programs Academic Studies Accounting Agriculture Agriculture-Agricultural Business Agriculture-Agricultural Mechanization Agriculture-Animal Science Agriculture-Horticulture & Crop Science Applied Arts and Sciences Art-Advertising and Graphic Design Art-Computer Animation Art-Photography Art-Studio Art Banking and Financial Institutions Biology Chemistry Communication Studies Computing Science Criminal Justice Dance Economics English
Environmental Science Family and Consumer Sciences Fashion Merchandising Food Science and Nutrition Food Service Management Interior Design Finance Forensic Chemistry General Business Administration Geography Geology Health History Human Resource Management Industrial Technology Construction Management Design and Development Electronics Industrial Management Interdisciplinary Studies International Business
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Kinesiology Management Management Information Systems Marketing Mass Communication Mathematics Music Music Therapy Music Therapy-Correctional Musical Theatre Nursing Philosophy Photography Physics Political Science Psychology Sociology Spanish Speech Communication Theatre Victim Studies
Character Counts: We Care Bearkats involved in the Huntsville Community Bearkat student-athletes make an impact on the Huntsville community through programs organized by the Sam Houston State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. So successful have been the committee’s activities that other universities in the Southland Conference have used the group as a model for their own campus. Activities on the committee’s annual calendar include the NCAA Champs/Life Skills program; the annual homecoming parade; a mentor program with the Huntsville Independent School District (HISD); sports festivals at HISD elementary campuses; canned food drive benefiting The Good Shepherd Mission; Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter fundraiser; pop tab drive for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center / Ronald McDonald House; and Student Life Awareness Programs (alcohol, nutrition, time and stress management, diversity). Each academic year ends with the annual All-Sports Awards Banquet sponsored, planned and hosted by the committee. The leadership role played on campus by Sam Houston student-athletes has been recognized nationally by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Bearkat athletes have served on major NCAA committees including the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference held each June at Disney World in Orlando, FL.
Beark community service activities have included “Jump Rope for Heart,” mentor programs with area schools, collecting school supplies for low income families, city park clean-up and fund-raisers for the Huntsville Safe House, Good Shepherd Mission and the Ronald McDonald House of Houston.
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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a special group of representatives from each varsity sports team who work to insure a quality academic and athletic experience that will culminate in graduation from the university. SAAC provides a voice for student-athletes at all levels of the university. Members assist the athletic department in establishing policies, seeking methods to develop professional skills and work habits, to facilitate peer involvement, to fulfill the responsibilities that are part of the privilege of being a student-athlete and to express pride in team achievements. Among the various SAAC projects are the Student-Athlete Welfare Committee; NCAA exit exam development Committee; Southland Conference “Twelve Days of Christmas” project; Bearkat Mentor Program; the Hall of Honor Dinner; pop tab collection for the Ronald McDonald House M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; CHAMPS/Life Skills Advisory Board, “Think Pink” breast cancer awareness drive; SAAFE House Program; Saturday’s At Sam; National Student Athlete Day and National Alcohol Awareness Week.
Dallas Cowboy NFL legend Tony Dorsett meets with SHSU President Dr. Dana Gibson and Bearkat student-athletes Jenny Zoch (track), Brian Bell (football), Tim Flanders (football), Courtney Schoenemann (softball), Jessica Fisher (track) and J. T. Cleveland (football).
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Unparalled Unparalled Student Student Services Services
Sam Houston State athletics student services offers Bearkat student-athletes an outstanding academic support system. The staff ’s goal is to help each student-athlete success in the classroom, in his or her sport and in overall life experiences at Sam Houston and beyond.
The Enterprise Car Rental Corporation offers seminars each semester with hands-on advice for Sam Houston State student-athletes to prepare them for the job market.
The student services staff works with each student-athlete individually. Among the many resources offered student-athletes are tutoring sessions; supervised studey halls; assistance in selecting majors, degree plans and courses; mandatory academic advisement (class scheduling) and use of the Sam Houston State Athletics Learning Enhancement Center (LEC). Located in the Ron Mafrige Fieldhouse, the LEC features study and work areas, 24 computers, printed and hosts the tutorial program strictly for student-athlete use. Also in the LEC is the Enterprise Career Center which offers career advice on resume writing, interviewing skills and assistance for the job market. The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program provides a mandatory class for incoming freshmen student-athletes to enhance their opportuni-
The Sam Houston student-athlete academic planner is utilized by all Bearkats varsity sports participants to help them organize their time and explain support programs, policies, resources, study and test-taking tips and skills.
ties for success at Sam Houston. Additionally, the university offers the SAM Center which provides academic advising, study skills sessions, graduate school seminars and additional academic support.
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Academic Success
The Bearkat Learning Enhancement Center
Academic All-Southland Bearkat Football Players In Sam Houston State’s 24 seasons of football in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference, 81 Bearkat football players have been named as Academic All-Conference a total of 137 times.To be eligible to be selected as Academic All-Southland Conference, student-athletes must have compiled an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be a starter or front line reserve. Ayo Akindona Blake Anderson Eric Anderson Elmore Armstrong Stacey Arrambide Brad Atkeisson Michael Bankston Chris Batten Ryan Bisetti Kenneth Black Dan Bowen Jordan Bowersox Charles Boyce David Branch Matt Buss Nolan Bucek Craig Carpenter Jason Carr Alberto Castillo Brandon Closner Damon Cobb Steve Conner Gerald Dasbach Broderick Davis Richard Deming David Elam Brian Gloden Marcus Hajdik Lance Hancock Jeff Hayes Jed Henke Jeff Herford Brett Hicks Greenwood Horn Averil Houston Rodney Howerton Aaron Ivey Eric January Steve Jeter Kevin Johnson Chad Junell
2005, 2006 1991 1994 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 1997, 1998 1991 1991 2001 1997 1997, 1998 2008, 2009 1990 2007 1999, 2000, 2001 2007, 2008 1995, 1996, 1997 2000, 2001, 2002 1997 2010 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 1997 1991 1991 1997 1990 1991 1995 2004, 2005, 2006 1997, 1998 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 1997 2007 1991 1997 1990, 1991 2004, 2005, 2006 1990, 1991 1992 1991, 1992, 1993 1994
Ryan Klaus Ryan Kleiber Ryan Labay Kregg Lunsford Murrah Mayberry Andre Mayeaux Eric Mikolajchak Todd Moebes Kevin Mohr Kevin Murphy John Norman Curtis Parks Wade Pate Troy Phipps Joe Rauls Kevin Riley Davy Roberts Brandon Sandefur Jalani Sanders Michael Saumell-Baston Chad Schramek Chad Scott Davy Smith Jeff Sparks Robert Stephenson Randy Stewart Scott Stewart Ryan Tedford Danny Thomas Ronnie Thomas Robbie Thompson Todd Thompson Tom Tomesko Ashley Van Meter Aaron Walters Travis Watson Jartis Watts Billy Williams Bennie Wylie Murphy Yates
1996 2001 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 1991 1992 1997 2006, 2007 1998, 1999, 2000 1999 1997 1994 2004 2004 2002 2001 1991, 1992, 1993 1992, 1993 1991 1997 2001, 2002, 2004 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 1993 2008 2001 2010 1995 1992 1991 2000, 2001 1996, 1997, 1998 1992 1997 1992 1997 2010 1997, 1998, 1999 2000, 2001, 2002 1997 1991
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While winning three Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cups (symbolic of the SLC’s All-Sports championship) and 11 SLC championship trophies in the past six years, Sam Houston athletes also have led the league in performance in the classroom. More Sam Houston student-athletes have earned recognition on the SLC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll than any of the 12 universities in the league during the past six years. To be recognized, a student-athlete must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA. For nine consecutive semesters, Bearkat student-athletes have produced a grade point average higher than 2.87. That includes a record high GPA of 2.94 during the 2008 fall semester. These GPAs are marks better than the university’s general student population. Sam Houston student-athletes have posted overall GPAs of 2.30 or higher for 37 consecutive semesters. “We are extremely proud of our athletes’ achievements in the classroom and commend our coaching staff for the tremendous job they do in recruiting quality student-athletes,” Williams said. “The No. 1 goal for each of our sports teams is to have our athletes earn their Sam Houston State degrees. We are proud that 90 percent of student athletes who complete their eligibility at Sam Houston earn their degree.”
Bearkat Grade Point Averages For The Past 34 Semesters 1992-93 Fall 2.53
Spring 2.41
1993-94 Fall 2.30
Spring 2.57
1994-95 Fall 2.47
Spring 2.48
1995-96 Fall 2.39
Spring 2.54
1996-97 Fall 2.55
Spring 2.59
1997-98 Fall 2.59
Spring 2.59
1998-99 Fall 2.74
Spring 2.62
1999-00 Fall 2.59
Spring 2.69
2000-01 Fall 2.66
Spring 2.60
2001-02 Fall 2.60
Spring 2.59
2002-03 Fall 2.69
Spring 2.58
2003-04 Fall 2.63
Spring 2.78
2004-05 Fall 2.75
Spring 2.76
2005-06 Fall 2.76
Spring 2.79
2006-07 Fall 2.90
Spring 2.90
2007-08 Fall 2.89
Spring 2.93
2008-09 Fall 2.94
Spring 2.91
2009-10 Fall 2.93
Spring 2.87
2010-11 Fall 2.88
Spring 2.89
BEARKAT ATHLETICS Sam Houston State accomplishments as a member of the NCAA Division I Southland Conference: 7 NCAA Division I Academic All-Region honorees 8 Southland Conference tournament “Most Valuable Players” 9 Southland Conference tournament championships 10 Southland individual sport “Student Athletes of the Year” 15 NCAA Division I tournament appearances 23 Southland regular season team championships 44 All-Americans 624 All-Southland Conference selections in 16 sports
Jordan Bowersox 2009
Barkley Falkner 2009 Jennie Sewell 2007
Ryan Bright 2007 2008 Luke Prihoda 2007
Irina Sotnikova 2009
Chris Cralle 2011
Seven Bearkats who have earned “Student-Athlete of the Year” or NCAA Academic All-Region honors in their individual sports.
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Sam Houston in the Media Spotlight Sam Houston State is the only Southland Conference member to be featured in an ABC-TV regular season regional football telecast (Sept. 24, 1994 vs. Alcorn State). Bearkat athletic events have been televised nationally on ESPN2, CBS and CSTV including Sam Houston’s NCAA Division I appearances in football (2001 and 2004) and men’s basketball (2003 and 2010). In March, 2007, Sam Houston State football was featured on “Outside the Lines - First Report” on ESPN. Sam Houston’s 24-21 victory over Stephen F. Austin in 2001 drew the largest regional TV audience ever for a Southland football game. Since 2008, Bearkat football and basketball games are televised regionally as part of the Southland Conference TV network in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Sam Houston games draw the top ratings for the network in the Greater Houston area.
ESPN2 gives a sideline report behind the Bearkat bench at Montana
Bearkats Ashton Mitchell and Corey Allmond face the NCAA media
SHSU head football coach Willie Fritz and president Dr. Dana Gibson are familiar faces on area news and sports telecasts.
Houston area media cover the news conference announcing the “Battle of the Piney Woods” at Reliant Stadium in 2010.
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First Class Facilities The athletic facilities at Sam Houston State University rival any in the Southland Conference, giving studentathletes optimal opportunities to succeed in their sport.
FOOTBALL Elliott T. Bowers Stadium
TENNIS McAdams Tennis Center
GOLF Raven Nest Golf Course
ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Ron Mafrige Field House
GOLF Michael McIver Golf Training Center
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BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
BASEBALL Don Sanders Stadium
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SOFTBALL Bearkat Softball Complex
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Ron Randleman Strength & Fitness Center
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SOCCER Pritchett Field
TRACK & FIELD Meredith & Miriam York Track Complex
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Training the Elite Athlete
The Bearkat athletic program gets a winning edge from its nationally recognized strength and conditioning program. Kyle Speer and his conditioning program have been honored by American Football Magazine for their part in preparing the more than 390 athletes who compete in 17 sports for Sam Houston State, winners of three Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup All-Sports titles and 10 Southland sports championships in the past seven years. The 11,000 square foot Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Center opened in 2006. The center consists of coaches’ offices, dressing rooms and a 9,000 square foot area for weights. “The preparation for all championships begins with a great work ethic and commitment in weight training and conditioning,” Bearkat football head coach Willie Fritz said. “At Sam Houston, we have state-of-the-art training facilities and an outstanding staff to help us accomplish our goals.”
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Kyle Speer
The Strength and Fitness Center is named for Ron Randleman (right), who compiled a 132-124-3 record as Sam Houston head football coach from 1982 to 2004. The center was made possible by a gift from Houston businessman and Bearkat alum Ron Mafrige (left).
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The Texas State University System Board of Regents
The Texas State University System has a long and illustrious history in Texas. It is the oldest and third largest higher education system in Texas. Beginning as an administrative means to consolidate the support and management of state teacher colleges, the System has evolved into a network of higher education institutions stretching from the Texas–Louisiana border to the Big Bend region of far West Texas. Today eight System components offer a broad range of academic and career pathways. Throughout the System, you will find professionals committed to preparing students for working and contributing to an increasingly global society. The academic and professional programs offered will help them learn to make sound decisions in life and become contributors in their communities.
Charlie Amato Chairman San Antonio
Donna N. Williams Vice Chairman Arlington
Each university, college and institute within The Texas State University System is unique in its own way and is highlighted within this website. Additional literature is available from each institution, and contact information is referenced within each section featured. The Texas State University System is governed by an nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the Governor. In addition, a nonvoting student regent is appointed annually to the Board. The administration, which is headed by a board-appointed Chancellor, is based in Austin.
Kevin J. Lilly Regent Houston
Jaime R. Garza Regent San Antonio
Ron Mitchell Regent Horseshoe Bay
David Montagne Regent Beaumont
System enrollment: 72,000 System total operating budget for fiscal year 2010: $822 million System total state appropriation for fiscal year 2010: $344 million Trisha S. Pollard Regent Bellaire
Rossanna Salazar Regent Austin
Michael Truncale Regent Beaumont
Ryan Bridges Student Regent Huntsville
Sam Houston State University Administration
Dr. Dana Gibson University President
Dr. Jaime Hebert Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Randall Powell Interim Vice President for Finance & Operations
Mr. Frank Holmes Vice President for University Advancement
Dr. Heather Thielemann Vice President for Enrollment Management
Mr. Frank Parker Vice President for Student Services
Sam Houston Athletic Administration
Bobby Williams Athletic Director
Bobbie Hilliard Associate A.D. Finance
Chris Thompson Associate A.D. Student Services
Greg Hinze Associate A.D. Operations
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David Paitson Associate A.D. External Operations
Brian McCall Chancellor