OGDEN, Utah (July 7, 2017) – The Big Sky Conference has unveiled several updates to the conference’s Football Kickoff event, including the addition of a notable alumnus to the programming.
Oakland Raiders linebacker James Cowser, who won multiple league awards in a successful tenure at Southern Utah, will be a highlighted speaker during the event’s Monday Morning Breakfast and Commissioner’s Address. Cowser is scheduled to speak on how his time as a Big Sky student-athlete prepared him for a successful career both on-and-off the field.
Big Sky Conference commissioner Andrea Williams said the conference is excited Cowser has agreed to participate in the student-athlete programming at the Big Sky’s signature summer event.
“The Big Sky Conference is thrilled to have Oakland Raiders linebacker James Cowser participate in our signature media event,” said Williams. “As a successful graduate of Southern Utah University, James exemplified the principles of being a successful student-athlete, both on-and-off the field. We are excited to hear his story and experiences as a Big Sky football player.”
In addition to Cowser’s role in the morning program, the 2015 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year will also hold a player-only session with the student-athletes who will be attending the event. He plans to share advice with the attending Big Sky players on how to prepare one’s self for a successful career, as both a student-athlete and potential professional prospect.
Cowser said he was ecstatic at the opportunity to speak with the Big Sky players and contribute to the Big Sky Football Kickoff event.
“I’m honored to be able to share my story at the Big Sky Football Kickoff,” said the second-year pro. “As a former student-athlete representative at the Kickoff, I know the impact and relationships this event fosters. I’m humbled to be afforded the opportunity to discuss the impact my time at Southern Utah and in the Big Sky Conference have had on my life.”
Cowser played an integral part in the recent rise of Southern Utah football, serving as a captain for the 2015 team that won a Big Sky title. The former Davis High (UT.) product set the NCAA FCS record for career sacks, finishing with 43.5 sacks, and tackles-for-loss, finishing with 80 tackles-for-loss.
In other Kickoff-related news, the Big Sky Conference released the schedule for its annual streaming interviews on
www.watchbigsky.com. Jon Oglesby will interview each Big Sky head coach and student-athlete, discussing the 2017 season. Oglesby will also welcome Big Sky commissioner Andrea Williams and the athletic director of the institution that wins the league’s Presidents’ Cup award on July 17.
| #BigSkyFB Kickoff Streaming Interview Schedule |
| Monday, July 17 |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Andrea Williams, Big Sky Commissioner |
| 9:09 a.m. |
Cole Reyes, North Dakota |
| 9:18 a.m. |
Hakeem Deggs, Northern Colorado |
| 9:27 a.m. |
Taron Johnson, Weber State |
| 9:36 a.m. |
Mac Bignell, Montana State |
| 9:45 a.m. |
Mike Needham, Southern Utah |
| 9:54 a.m. |
Mario Jenkins, Idaho State |
| 10:03 a.m. |
Cooper Sprunk, Montana |
| 10:12 a.m. |
Stone Sander, Sacramento State |
| 10:21 a.m. |
Josh Kraght, Portland State |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Keleen Culberson, UC Davis |
| 10:39 a.m. |
Gage Gubrud, Eastern Washington |
| 10:48 a.m. |
Joe Protheroe, Cal Poly |
| 10:57 a.m. |
Emmanuel Butler, Northern Arizona |
| Tuesday, July 18 |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Bubba Schweigert, North Dakota |
| 9:09 a.m. |
Earnest Collins, Northern Colorado |
| 9:18 a.m. |
Jay Hill, Weber State |
| 9:27 a.m. |
Jeff Choate, Montana State |
| 9:36 a.m. |
Demario Warren, Southern Utah |
| 9:45 a.m. |
Rob Phenicie, Idaho State |
| 9:54 a.m. |
Bob Stitt, Montana |
| 10:03 a.m. |
Jody Sears, Sacramento State |
| 10:12 a.m. |
Bruce Barnum, Portland State |
| 10:21 a.m. |
Dan Hawkins, UC Davis |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Aaron Best, Eastern Washington |
| 10:39 a.m. |
Tim Walsh, Cal Poly |
| 10:48 a.m. |
Jerome Souers, Northern Arizona |
| 10:57 a.m. |
Athletic Director of Presidents' Cup Recipient |