For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 1, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

UTPA TRACK TEAM TO TEXAS, HOME FINALE RESCHEDULED

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's track and field team will try to make their penultimate competition of the regular season their best one when they travel to Austin, Texas for the Texas Invitational Saturday. Competition will begin Saturday morning, with the final event, the 4 X 400 meter relay, scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m.

"This is another real good, high quality meet," said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. "Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor will be among the schools there, and it gives us another good quality chance to qualify for the NCAA Regionals."

While sophomore Westly Keating (Pharr, TX/PSJA North HS/Texas) will not run this weekend, Vaughn said that most of the team will compete. "Westly will rest, while we're taking most everyone, except a few people who have minor injuries," said Vaughn. "Since most of the team was off last week, I expect us to have some really good performances this week. It's a good chance for a few more people to qualify, since we're fresh and we'll be facing good competition. (Sophomores) Rowena (Hamlet, Mississauga, ON/Lorne Park SS) and Jeff (Martzall, Fort Wayne, IN/Northrop HS) are the closest to the qualifying marks, and they have the best chance of anyone to qualify."

Hamlet will attempt to qualify in the 400 meter hurdles, Martzall in the pole vault.

The UTPA Open, the final regular season meet for the Broncs and Lady Broncs, has been rescheduled. It will take place Thursday afternoon, May 15th at 4:00 p.m. at the UTPA Track and Field Complex. The meet was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 17th.

"It will work out better for us, (Texas A&M) Corpus Christi, and (Texas A&M) Kingsville," said Vaughn. "That way, it won't conflict with graduation, which is May 17th."

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