For Immediate Release: Friday, 26 September 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

BRONCS FIRST, LADY BRONCS SECOND AT WHATABURGER INVITATIONAL

SAN ANTONIO, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's cross country team made their first scored meet of the season in the state of Texas a successful one Friday evening.

The Broncs finished first and the Lady Broncs finished second at the Whataburger Invitational at the University of Texas-San Antonio's cross country course.

Texas-Pan American's men had 33 points to 40 for the host Roadrunners, and 47 for Texas State-San Marcos. UTSA won the women's race with 18 points, Texas-Pan American was next with 47, and TSU was third at 67. Both races were 5000 meters long.

Senior Hugo Cervantes (Weslaco, TX/Weslaco HS/Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) led the Broncs, finishing fourth in 16:13. Sophomore Aaron Castro (McAllen, TX/McAllen Memorial HS) was seventh in 16:25, freshman Jason Tejada (Brownsville, TX/Hanna HS) was ninth in 16:39, junior Americo Ortiz (Wortham, TX/Wortham HS) was 11th in 16:45, and junior David Trevino (Mission, TX/Waelder HS) was 14th in 16:48. Freshman Loraine Garcia (Laredo, TX/Nixon HS) led the Lady Broncs by finishing third in 19:55. Freshman Maria Vargas (San Juan, TX/PSJA Memorial HS) was 11th in 20:39, freshman Ashley Perez (Falfurrias, TX/Falfurrias HS) was 12th in 20:40, sophomore Dannely Flores (Brownsville, TX/Hanna HS) was16th in 20:49, and sophomore Claudia Rosas (Mission, TX/Mission HS) was 19th in 21:00.

"I was very pleased with both teams," said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. "The men ran well in winning without (top runner junior) Westly (Keating, Pharr, TX/PSJA HS/Texas). Over the last two weeks, we've had guys step up and challenge themselves. We turned in a lot better effort than we had at New Mexico. Hugo and Aaron ran very well, and for us to win the race was big."

Vaughn said the Lady Broncs are improving. "Our freshmen continued to stand out," said Vaughn. "With half a mile to go, Loraine Garcia was up there with the leaders. Maria and Ashley were strong again. Come November, we're going to be much better."

Texas-Pan American will return to action at the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi splash next Friday, October 3rd.

XC-06-04-092603