For Immediate Release: April 5, 2002
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations, (956) 381-2240

PARTCH BREAKS UTPA RECORD AT TEXAS RELAYS

AUSTIN, TX–Sophomore Valerie Partch (Smithville, MO/Smithville HS) of The University of Texas-Pan American track and field team broke the school record for the high jump as the Broncs and Lady Broncs competed at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium. 

Partch finished fifth in the University “A” Division with a leap of five feet, 8 1/2  inches. She broke her own school record of 5-8, set earlier this season. 

In the 110 meter high hurdles, sophomore Rashaad Ben (Austin, TX./Sidney Lanier HS) finished fourth in his heat in 14.65 seconds, and freshman Matt Clinton (Raymondville, TX/Raymondville HS) finished seventh in his heat in 15.15 seconds. Sophomore Amy Moses (Edinburg, TX/ Edinburg North HS did not record a mark in the hammer throw.

“Valerie jumped really well,” said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. “She was jumping against the top people from all the Big 12 schools. For her to finish fifth is really a good showing on her part. Some of our other people didn’t do as well as they had hoped. With some more experience at bigger meets like this, they will become better accustomed to the level of competition.”

Freshman Marlin Manley (Hampton, VA/Bethel HS) will represent the Broncs in the high jump Saturday afternoon.

TFTEXASRELAYS1040502