For Immediate Release: April 20, 2002
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

UTPA PERFORMS WELL AT BAYLOR’S SW BELL CLASSIC

WACO, TX–The University of Texas-Pan American track and field team turned in a solid performance at the Baylor’s Southwestern Bell Classic, at the Hart/Patterson Track and Field Complex Saturday.

Two Broncs posted personal best performances, while another finished first. Team scores were not kept.

Sophomore J.C. Crosby (Pharr, TX/PSJA HS) was fourth in the shot put with a throw of 49 feet, 3 ¾ inches, while freshman Matt Clinton (Raymondville, TX/Raymondville HS) was 6th in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 15.67 seconds. Both times were personal bests. Sophomore Rashaad Ben (Austin, TX/Sidney Lanier HS) finished fifth in the hurdles with a time of 14.40 secondS.

Sophomore Valerie Partch (Smithville, MO/Smithville HS) was victorious again. Partch placed first in the high jump, with a leap of five feet, 7 ½ inches.

Sophomore Isaac Ybarra (Edinburg, TX/Sharyland HS) and junior Robert Lopez (Mission, TX/Mission HS/Texas-El Paso) finished second and third, respectively, in the hammer throw. Ybarra’s toss was 168 feet, eight inches, while Lopez’ was 154-11. Freshman Marlin Manley (Hampton, VA/Bethel HS) was fifth in the high jump at 6-4 ¾, while sophomore Hugo Cervantes (Weslaco, TX/Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) was eighth at 800 meters in the University Division with a time of 1;58.72. He was fourth in the University Division at 1500 meters in 4:09.78..

Senior Lovie Mathis (Tucson, AZ/Sahuaro HS/Central Arizona College) was seventh in the long jump for the Lady Broncs, with a mark of 17 feet, six inches. Sophomore Amy Moses (Edinburg, TX/Edinburg North HS) was seventh in the discus at 131 feet, eight inches..

“I was really pleased with J.C. and Matt,” said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. “Both turned in PRs (personal records), and it was good to see them perform well and continue to improve. Rashaad Ben ran well in both the prelims and the finals. Valerie just missed making it at 5-10 ½, which is the NCAA provisional qualifying mark. Lovie jumped very well. Overall, we had a good meet.”

UTPA will visit the Drake Relays this weekend.

TFBAYLOR042002