KEATING NAMED INDEPENDENT RUNNER OF THE WEEK AGAIN
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's top distance runner, junior Westly Keating (Pharr, Texas/PSJA North HS/Texas), has been honored again.

Keating has been named Independent Runner of the Week for the second time this season. Keating was chosen in a vote by the NCAA Division I Cross Country Coaches Association, which includes head coaches from Texas-Pan American, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, Savannah State, UC Davis, Northern Colorado and Utah Valley State.

Keating finished first at the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Splash last Friday, winning the five mile men's race with a time of 24:27. He was 1:08 in front of the next finisher, Stephen Magness of Rice. The field included Rice, Houston and Texas-Arlington along with the Broncs and the host Islanders. Keating was previously named Independent Runner of the Week for his performance at the Lobo Invitational September 13th, when he finished ninth. UTPA senior Hugo Cervantes (Weslaco, TX/Weslaco HS/Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) was named Independent Runner of the Week for his performance a week ago at the Whataburger Invitational.

"Westly ran a great race," said UTPA Head Coach Ricky Vaughn. "We ran against a good field, and he just totally dominated those other guys. Our ultimate goal is get better each week, get to the NCAAs, and run well there, but it's nice to get the accolades as we go along, not only for the team, but also the program and the school."

Texas-Pan American will return to action Saturday, October 18th at the Chili Pepper Invitational at Arkansas.

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