By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
Brownsville Hanna runners Eduardo Garcia and Marcos Tellez both signed to continue their cross country and track & field careers with McMurry University on Tuesday.
The duo had a large group of family, friends, coaches and teammates present at the signing ceremony to celebrate their big moment, including fellow Hanna distance runner and McMurry signee Aaron Hinojosa.
Hinojosa encouraged Garcia and Tellez to pursue a career at McMurry, and now a trio of Golden Eagles are excited to be representing their program, school and town in Abilene at the NCAA Division III level.
“It’s a nice feeling because it’s something I’ve always dreamed about doing ever since I was a freshman and saw some athletes sign. I’m glad it’s finally happening,” Tellez said. “It’s going to be great. It’s reassuring knowing you’re going with someone you know, and two people is even better.”
Added Garcia: “It’s exciting, of course. (I’ve wanted this) all four years of high school. It’s not something I expected. … It’s more comfortable having someone you know going with you, but it’s also easy to connect with the people at McMurry. One or two (runners) are also from the Valley.”
Hanna cross country and track & field coaches Olaya Teran and Armando Rocha spoke highly about Garcia and Tellez. They shared stories about the laughs and positive energy the duo brought to the team, but also the hard work the athletes put in with early morning practices and running endless miles all year long.
“It takes a lot to be a runner,” Teran said. “They’re great leaders, very dedicated. What’s so great about them is their attitude. They’re constantly trying to get better, and I was very grateful to have them on our team. I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished. I just want to wish them the best of luck.”
Garcia and Tellez helped Brownsville Hanna win two consecutive District 32-6A cross country championships and back-to-back Brownsville ISD City Meet championships on the track.
“I remember when they were freshmen… and now they’ve grown up to be good athletes,” Rocha said. “We call these distance guys specialists. They never stop working. Cross country season ends, and they go straight into track mode. Because of them, we’re the best track program in Brownsville, so my hat’s off to them and I wish them the best.”
Garcia is hoping to compete in the 800-meter run in track season, but he has experience in other middle distance races and relays. He thanked his family and teammates for making him an athlete throughout the years.
“(I’m thankful for) my dad for pushing me to get into sports. As a kid, I didn’t really want to do anything. He made me do football, then he had me do track. And in high school my teammates helped me push myself,” Garcia said.
Tellez is looking into studying criminology and said the more miles he gets to run, the better. His parents got him into distance running at a young age, and he thanked them and many other supporters during a heartfelt and comical speech at the ceremony.
“Both of my parents got me into my first race at, like, 3 years old, and from there they would rate how I did every race. They were real supportive about the whole process, and that’s all I can ask for from them,” Tellez said.