DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
MISSION —Midway through his collegiate athletic career in the late ’80’s and early ’90’s, Rene Guillen Sr. transferred from the University of Texas-San Antonio to UTPA.
It made a difference when the Brownsville native returned home to the Valley to finish his running career.
“You could tell with my times, I was just more comfortable,” Rene Sr. said. “That’s the big thing. Comfort.”
Now his son Rene Jr. is following in his footsteps, but with a head start. The Sharyland High senior standout signed a letter of intent Wednesday to run cross country and track for UTRGV next fall.
“Running collegiately was always a goal. I always had that in the back of my mind,” Rene Jr. said. “My father was a runner, so it was always in me. When I was little, I demonstrated some running talent, so I just went with it.”
Rene Jr. was a district champ and state qualifier in cross country this season for the Rattlers. He finished seventh overall in Class 5A at the state meet. In track and field, he was a district champ in the 1600-meter run and was a regional qualifier.
He had no shortage of schools pursuing his talent, but he also knew exactly where he was going to go.
“I was set on UTRGV,” Rene Jr. said. “I like that it’s here at home and I can focus on my academics. I hope to help give UTRGV a name and we’ll see how it goes.”
Rene Jr. said being comfortable is key. He liked the idea of being able to continue his career at home.
It’s something Rene Sr. eventually came to see, but it took a while longer. Rene Sr. is just happy that his son got it now.
“It’s a good opportunity to taste what the university life gives. It’s a great starting point,” Rene Sr. said. “If you want to eventually go off and leave after a while, good. Fine. It’s about being comfortable.
“UTRGV gives the chance for him to be close with the people who care about him while giving him a shot at doing what he loves.”
Though he introduced the sport of running to his son, Rene Sr. said he never forced it upon him.
“Running was in his heart,” Rene Sr. said.
Rene Jr. agreed. It was what running taught him that attracted him the most.
“The bottom line is you get out of it what you put in,” Rene Jr. said. “The sport teaches you discipline, self-control. It teaches a lot of life principles.
“It’s a really difficult sport. The last four years haven’t been easy, and it took a lot of faith and work.”
Now Rene Jr. can breathe easier. His mother Ruth said her son had been concerned about what lay ahead for him.
Indeed, as he signed his letter of intent, Rene Jr. looked relaxed and relieved.
“He’s following in his father’s steps. I know he’s happy now,” Ruth said. “He had been wondering what the next step was for him. Now he knows.”