For Immediate Release: Saturday, May 3, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

UTPA HAS SEVEN PERSONAL RECORDS AT TEXAS INVITATIONAL

AUSTIN, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's track and field team posted seven personal records in their penultimate regular season meet of the 2003 season Saturday at the Texas Invitational.

Junior Hugo Cervantes (Weslaco, TX/Weslaco HS/Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) finished the 3000 meter steeplechase in 9:12.11, a personal best and just two seconds off the NCAA regional qualifying mark. "Hugo ran a really good race," said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. "He showed a lot of improvement, and he's not far from qualifying for regionals."

Junior Rashaad Ben (Austin, TX/Sidney Lanier HS) finished fifth in the 110 meter high hurdles in 14.17, tying his own school record. Senior Robert Lopez (Mission, TX/Mission HS/Texas-El Paso) was sixth in the hammer throw with a toss of 167 feet, three inches; freshman Aaron Castro (McAllen, TX/McAllen Memorial HS) was seventh at 1500 meters with a personal best time of 3:55.98, and sophomore Marlin Manley (Hampton, VA/Bethel HS)was eighth in the high jump at 6-8 ¾.

Freshman Amy Torvik (Los Fresnos, TX./Los Fresnos HS) turned in a personal best time of 25.06 seconds at 200 meters; sophomore Angela Billups (Mercedes, TX/Mercedes HS) ran a personal best time of 59.27 seconds at 400 meters; freshman Jessica Ehimika (Harlingen, TX/South Texas School for Health Professions) ran a personal best of 59.77 seconds in the 400; and the Lady Bronc 4 x 400 meter relay team of sophomore Rowena Hamlet (Mississauga, ON/Lorne Park SS), Billups, Ehimika and freshman Margeaux McCarthy (Pharr, TX/PSJA North HS) ran a season best time of 3:57.92. Freshman Angie Carrera (Laredo, TX/St. Augustine HS) finished sixth in the hammer throw with a personal best toss of 117 feet, four inches.

"Overall, I was pretty pleased," said Vaughn. "We had seven personal records, and some season bests. We have a few people who can still qualify for regionals."

The Broncs and Lady Broncs will host the UTPA Open Thursday afternoon, May 15th.

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