For Immediate Release: September 4, 2001
Contact: UTPA Sports Information Office, 956.381.2240 

Rios-Handy Finishes Second at TAMUCC Cross Country Event

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The University of Texas-Pan American cross-country teams opened their seasons at the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islander Opening Splash, Friday night at West Guth Park.

In the women’s race the Lady Broncs were led by senior Perla Rios-Handy, who covered the two-mile course in 12:18 to place 2^nd overall.  Rios-Handy shaved an amazing 1:02 off her time in the same race a year ago.  Bronc freshman Claudia Rosas finished 13th overall in a time of 13:27.  Patty Villarreal was 18^th in 13:48 while Maria Gonzalez and Millie Martinez finished 24^th and 33^rd respectively.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi took the team title scoring 22 points while Trinity finished in second place with a 70 point total.  UTPA finished 4^th.  Taking the individual title was Bree Wilson of TAMUCC who covered the two-mile course in 12:08, beating Rios-Handy by a little more than 10 seconds.

UTPA sophomore Esteban Reyna led the way for the men taking 16^th place overall in a time of 23:45 for the four mile race.  Israel Arroyo finished 21^st covering the course in 24:03.  Martin Longoria finished 27^th and Roosevelt Campbell finished 41^st for the Broncs.