The veteran of the Texas-Pan American Athletic Department, Jim Lancaster has seen thousands of UT-Pan American sporting events during his 22 years as the Broncs' head athletic trainer. In overseeing all functions and aspects of the athletic training department, Lancaster is responsible for helping each athlete be prepared to perform to his or her maximum potential through a comprehensive system of preventive medicine, treatment of injuries and rehabilitation.  During his tenure at UTPA -- which includes work under six athletic directors -- Lancaster has traveled thousands of miles with the Broncs and Lady Broncs, working with each of the university’s 14 intercollegiate sports.
    A San Antonio native, Lancaster has worked as an athletic trainer for three decades. He began his career as a student trainer under highly respected athletic trainers Frank Medina and Spanky Stevens, while an undergraduate at the University of Texas. At Texas, his primary responsibility was working with the Longhorn men’s basketball team, coached by former Bronc head coach Abe Lemons.
    After earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1980, Lancaster came to Edinburg, where he earned his master’s degree at UT-Pan American while working full-time as the head athletic trainer.
    Lancaster has also acted as the medical coordinator for the National Youth Sports Program, held at the Texas-Pan American campus, for the past 22 years. NYSP is a federally funded program of summer sports activities for local children.
    Lancaster is licensed as an athletic trainer by the Texas Department of Health. He is also a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
    Lancaster is married to the former Tencha Orta, who is a teacher at The Teacher Academy in Edinburg. The couple and their eleven-year old daughter, Lisa Leigh, live in Edinburg.