For Immediate Release: Friday, April 18, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

LOPEZ WINS HAMMER AT BAYLOR


WACO, TX-Senior Robert Lopez (Mission, TX/Mission HS/Texas-El Paso) won his event, and The University of Texas-Pan American's track and field team turned in some solid performances on the first day of the Michael Johnson/Southwestern Bell Classic at the Hart-Patterson Track and Field Complex at Baylor University.

Lopez's throw of 166, feet, six inches was nearly 20 feet better than the throw of the second place finisher, Quint Melius of Angelo State, who threw 147-7. Junior J.C. Crosby (Pharr, TX/ PSJA HS) finished fourth in the hammer at 125-4.

Sophomore Jeff Martzall (Fort Wayne, IN/Northrop HS) tied for third in the pole vault with a leap of 15 feet, one inch. Freshman Manny Lopez (Pharr, TX/PSJA North HS) finished fourth in the 3000 meter steeplechase in 10:59.60, and freshman Angie Carrera (Laredo, TX/St. Augustine HS) was seventh in the hammer at 112 feet, seven inches.

"We had a solid performance for the first day," said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. "We have a few people with some aches and pains, and we just have to work through it. Robert won his event, and everybody else placed. We should have a good day tomorrow."

The meet will conclude Saturday evening.

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