For Immediate Release: Tuesday, 9 December 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

CHICK-FIL-A INCREASES UTPA ATHLETICS COMMITMENT TO $63,000

EDINBURG, TX-An established fast food restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley area has increased and extended an agreement to sponsor athletics at The University of Texas-Pan American. The new agreement is worth a total of $63,000.

Chick-Fil-A presented a check to Texas-Pan American Director of Athletics William J. Weidner. Speaking on behalf of himself and fellow owner-operator Rudy Martinez, Norman Kober, one of the two owner-operators of Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the upper Rio Grande Valley, cited the athletic department's strong reputation and solid relationships with Weidner, Head Men's Basketball Coach Bob Hoffman, and Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach Robert Davenport as major influences in Chick-Fil-A's decision to sponsor Bronc athletics.

"We feel that of all the things we can possibly do in the Rio Grande Valley, this is probably at the top of the list as far as community benefit," said Kober. "This is one of the things that will have the biggest impact on the most people as a positive thing for the community. The reputation that the program has had since the current administration has been there has been really something, and we're proud to be associated with people like Mr. Weidner and Coach Hoffman and Coach Davenport. We're happy to see our business expanding in the Rio Grande Valley and that means we can increase our support."

"Chick-Fil-A, Incorporated has made quite a commitment to education, and we're just following in the way that they have directed us," Kober continued. "We hope that through athletics, area young people will be inspired to attend college. We want to be a part of anything that can impact young lives."

Chick-Fil-A has operated restaurants in the Rio Grande Valley for the past 25 years. Its restaurant at North 10th Street in McAllen is the franchise's newest location.

"On behalf of The University of Texas-Pan American and our entire athletic program, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Norm Kober, Rudy Martinez and Chick-Fil-A for their outstanding support," said Weidner upon accepting the check. "We are extremely proud to be associated with Chick-Fil-A because of their rich history in the Valley and their continued growth. As our program builds upon its own traditions, it is inspiring for our student-athletes to know they have the support of our community. Chick-Fil-A is certainly a leader in demonstrating that commitment."

GE-11-04120903