For Immediate Release: Friday, June 13, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

BRONCS ADD PHILIP RODRIGUEZ OF EDINBURG NORTH HS

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's baseball team has signed its first recruit this spring.

Pitcher/outfielder Philip Rodriguez of Edinburg, Texas and Edinburg North High School is the Broncs' sixth recruit for next fall. Rodriguez, who bats and throws righthanded, will join the Broncs as a freshman with four years of eligibility.

Rodriguez hit .430 with one home run and 30 runs batted in for Edinburg North HS last spring. He was named first team All-District, first team All-Rio Grande Valley, first team All-Area, and he was named to play in the South Texas All-Star Game. Rodriguez batted .440 with 37 RBIs as a junior, earning All-District, All-Valley and All-Area honors. As a sophomore, Rodriguez hit .443 with 30 RBIs and 20 runs scored while setting a school record for hits. He was named Newcomer of the Year, and earned All-District, All-Valley and All-Area honors.

A quarterback for the ENHS football team, Rodriguez earned second team All-District honors as a senior despite seeing limited playing time due to an injury. He was named first team All-District, All-Valley and All-Area as a junior.

"We're pleased to sign Philip," said UTPA Head Coach Willie Gawlik. "He's got a good arm, and he's got a chance to be a good hitter. He will play 60 games with a select team in New Mexico this summer, and that will be a big plus for him. He has the potential, but there will be an adjustment period between high school and college ball, and if he works hard, he should do well. (Former Edinburg North HS player) Louie Alamia is a prime example of someone who worked hard, and had a great year. We'll use Philip on the mound, and work him in the outfield, and see where he fits the best."

Rodriguez joins Zach Smith of Sanger High School in Sanger, Texas, Ricky Glazier of Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas, Ryan Grimet of Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas, Brian Ballew of Channelview High School in Channelview, Texas, and Ryne Foster of Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park, Texas in joining Texas-Pan American for next fall.

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