For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

MOSES MAKES HISTORY, FIRST UTPA ATHLETE TO QUALIFY INDOORS

EDINBURG, TX-Junior Amy Moses (Edinburg, TX/Edinburg North HS) of The University of Texas-Pan American's track and field team relaxed, and made history Friday night.

Moses threw the 20 pound weight 65 feet, one inch at the Alex Wilson Invitational at Notre Dame. Her throw broke the school record, and allowed her to become the first Texas-Pan American student-athlete to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Moses will throw the weight at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the University of Arkansas.

"It's been a long time coming," said Moses. "I've been doing well in practice, and not so well in meets."

UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn has been instrumental in helping Moses improve her technique, but it was assistant Coach Doug Molnar who accompanied Moses and sophomore distance runner Westly Keating (Pharr, TX/PSJA North HS/Texas) on their trip to Notre Dame.

"Coach Vaughn couldn't go to Notre Dame, so Coach Molnar went, and while he couldn't help me with technique, he helped me a lot as far as relaxing, and just being comfortable," said Moses. "I was relaxed, and enjoyed myself at the meet, and things went well."

Moses threw the weight 53 feet, nine inches last season to set a record for the Lady Broncs. She broke her own record three times this year before going to Notre Dame, where her latest record-setting mark allowed her to finish first at the meet as well as qualify for the NCAAs.

"This is what we've really been working for," said Vaughn. "Last year was the first year Amy ever threw the weight, and this year, she is throwing it 20 feet farther than she did when she started. When we go to the NCAAs, we will throw the weight in the Walker Fieldhouse, which is their indoor football arena. It will be a lot more relaxed, and it will be what we're used to seeing, as opposed to throwing in front of several thousand people. Amy will be able to go out there and throw, and I think if she does well, she can be in the top eight."

Moses can't wait to get started. "Coach Vaughn is an awesome coach, and Coach Molnar showed me something I'll be able to use for the rest of my life, just going out, relaxing, and being myself," said Moses. "I am going to go out, spend time getting to know people, enjoy the meet, and see what it's like to throw against great competition. I don't want to say I had a chance to do something, and then regret not doing it later."

Moses' competition marks the end of UTPA's indoor season. The Broncs and Lady Broncs will return to outdoor competition March 21st and 22nd at the Whataburger Invitational in San Antonio.

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