July 7, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Former Red Raider greats Zach Thomas and Herschel "Red" Ramsey were selected to the 75th Anniversary All-Sun Bowl Team, commemorating the bowl's Diamond Anniversary, Sun Bowl President Joe Valenzuela announced. Seventy-five players were selected to the team.

An All-American in 1935 and the first Tech player such honored, Ramsey led Texas Tech to its first-ever bowl appearance Jan. 1, 1938, at the Sun Bowl in El Paso. Ramsey made his mark in the history of the event, catching seven passes for 74 yards and setting up Tech's only touchdown. He holds the distinction of being the only player on either team to catch a pass.

Thomas showed at the conclusion of his sophomore season what Red Raider fans could expect from the future two-time All-American and NFL All-Pro linebacker. Thomas recorded eight tackles, including a Sun Bowl-record seven for loss, and two sacks in the 1993 Sun Bowl (John Hancock Bowl) against Oklahoma.

"The Sun Bowl Association has a long history of providing a quality postseason bowl game experience for players, coaches, administrators and fans," said Valenzuela. "These 75 players reflect that experience and those memories. This is a way for the Sun Bowl to honor those who have left those lasting memories for El Pasoans, as well as fans everywhere."

Texas Tech is tied with Mississippi and Miami (Fla.) in 17th place with 31 all-time bowl appearances, nine of those coming in El Paso at the Sun Bowl. The Red Raiders' last appearance in the game was the John Hancock Bowl in 1993.