McAllen High alumnus Aaron Nixon is going pro.

A former freshman all-american closer at Texas and relief pitcher for Mississippi State, Nixon decided to forgo his senior season and signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees organization Monday.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was little. It’s kind of surreal, but I’m ready to work and take that next step,” he said. “I really appreciate Mississippi State baseball and Texas baseball. Mississippi State this year was something I really appreciated and it was a big year for me, but the ultimate goal was to be a professional baseball player and this is the first step towards that and that was a big part of my decision-making.”

Nixon was a four-year starter at McAllen High School and a two-time all-state selection as a right-handed pitcher and shortstop. He finished his three-year collegiate career with 97 strikeouts, 16 saves and a 3.30 ERA in 84.2 innings pitched at both Texas and Mississippi State.

McAllen High alumnus Aaron Nixon, pictured here with Mississippi State, signed with the New York Yankees organization as a free agent this week. Courtesy Photo.

He’s currently in Tampa, Florida training at the New York Yankees’ spring training headquarters.

“It feels awesome. It’s the beginning of a journey I’m just really excited to be a part of,” he said. “The Yankees are a great organization, one of the biggest in baseball, so it’s really cool and I’m ready to get started and get to work.”

After graduating from McHi in 2020, Nixon spent his first two years at Texas and earned the closer role out of the bullpen during his freshman season, helping the Longhorns reach the College World Series in 2021.

He finished his freshman season at Texas as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and was named to D1 Baseball’s Freshman All-American Second Team.

Nixon transferred to Mississippi State following his sophomore year at Texas and ran into adversity with an injury that sidelined him for a month during the 2023 season. He returned and bounced back in a big way, finishing the year with two saves, 24 strikeouts and a 2.66 ERA in 20.1 innings pitched for Mississippi State.

“My family helped me a lot to become the man I am today,” Nixon said. “My mom and dad are amazing. My past coaches like Coach (Eliseo) Pompa at McHi, Osiel Flores, Jake Gautreau at Mississippi State, the whole Texas staff was great, all those people really just helped me get to where I am today and I really appreciate them all.”

He’ll now attempt to climb the ladder through the Yankees farm system as a right-handed pitcher.

“The ultimate goal is to get to The Show. That’s a big goal and I’m just going to have to work hard everyday, take it day by day and keep getting better,” he said.

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ARLINGTON — College football media days signify the start of a new season.

At the inaugural United Athletic Conference football media day Friday at Shift 4 Arena in Arlington, head coaches and players from the nine current UAC football programs shared their goals, ideas and thoughts on the upcoming 2023 season, which kicks off in August.

For UTRGV head coach Travis Bush and the Vaqueros, who will soon be the 10th football team in the UAC upon launching the Division I program in the Rio Grande Valley in 2025, it was a chance to lay out the road ahead as he and his staff continue building the team from the ground up.

“It’s been good, obviously overwhelming, crazy busy. Having been a part of it before at UTSA as an assistant 13 years ago has helped,” Bush said. “(UAC executive director) Oliver Luck said it best, starting things are fun. I think this time around, really embracing that process and enjoying the struggles and challenges we have starting out, it’s been great.”

In two short years, Bush will be joined by UTRGV football players at UAC media day to break down the first season in program history. The other nine UAC football programs are Abilene Christian, Austin Peay State, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Southern Utah, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton and Utah Tech. UTRGV will make it a single-sport conference of 10 when the Vaqueros kick off in 2025.

“It’s really the patience and understanding the process, and enjoying that piece and getting to start it from scratch,” Bush said. “Everything’s brand new. Looking for that first class, that first schedule, that first game and everything that comes with it is pretty special.

UTRGV will add to the coaching staff in the winter of 2023, and the first recruiting class in program history will begin signing around the same time. The current staff features Bush, defensive coordinator Brian Gamble, offensive line coach Jeff Bowen and defensive backs coach Adrian McDonald, along with director of football operations John Simmons.

“We’ll sign our first class in history this December and February and got a staff of five right now — a director of football ops and three coaches, and I’ll tell you what, those guys are studs,” Bush said. “They’re wearing a lot of different hats right now, but the four of us recruited the entire state this spring and hit over 500 high schools in six weeks. … There’s a lot that we have to do this first fall by ourselves until we finish the staff in December.”

Bush said there’s a palpable buzz around Division I football coming to the Rio Grande Valley in 2025. The first game in UTRGV history is estimated to fall on Aug. 30, 2025.

“We don’t play a game until 2025, and we got over 2,000 season tickets sold. I’m from down there, my family is down there and the region is just football fanatics,” Bush said. “I don’t think there’s a more passionate football fan in the nation than the Rio Grande Valley. The way they rally around the high school teams, the Cowboys, and now to have Division I football in their back yard, it’s just been phenomenal.”

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UTRGV first baseman/outfielder Brandon Pimentel has signed a free agent contract with the Washington Nationalsorganization, he announced Friday.

The El Paso native Pimentel played two seasons at UTRGV in 2022 and 2023 and finished as the Vaqueros’ all-timeleader in home runs (31) and batting average (.389). He was also part of Mississippi State’s national championshipwinning team in 2021 prior to transferring to UTRGV.

“It’s exciting. It’s always one of the dreams I’ve always had and just getting the opportunity to fulfill that dream and get towork is exciting,” Pimentel said. “It was kind of just a waiting game after the draft. Eventually they called and we wereable to work something out at the end of the day and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

Pimentel wrapped up his career as the Jody Ramsey Memorial Award winner, an All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC)First Team and WAC All-Defensive Team selection and a two-time national player of the week.

He became the first player in UTRGV history to hit 10-plus home runs in multiple seasons. Pimentel tied for the fifth mostRBIs (120) and recorded ninth-most hits (175) in program history. He also went 70 games without an error in left field orat first base, the third-longest streak in program history.

Pimentel said going undrafted motivated him to hit the ground running with the Washington Nationals. He said his goal isto be playing Double-A ball in the next couple years and climb the ladder through the minor leagues as quickly aspossible.

“It definitely lit a fire under me, but it happens. It didn’t go as planned, but I still got the opportunity and I’m just ready toget to work,” he said.

Pimentel will look to become the sixth UTRGV alumnus to ever reach the major leagues as a player. Five have done itpreviously, including Dusten Knight, who made his debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2021 and saw time with theTampa Bay Rays in 2022, third baseman George Williams, who played for the Oakland A’s from 1995-97 and the SanDiego Padres in 2000, catcher Dan Firova, who played for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1981-82 and the ClevelandIndians in 1988, infielder Wayne Tyrone, who played for the Chicago Cubs in 1978, and outfielder Jim Tyrone, whoplayed for the Cubs in 1972, 1974 and 1975 as well as the A’s in 1977.

There are currently four UTRGV alumni playing professional baseball, including Kevin Stevens (2020-22), who is withthe Tampa Tarpons, the Single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, Christian Sepulveda (2019-21), who is playing withthe Inland Empire 66ers, the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, Conrado Diaz (2019-21), who is playing forthe Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol, and Andy Atwood (2019-21), who is part of theWinston-Salem Dash, the High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

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EDINBURG — “Feroz” Fernando Vargas Sr.’s boxing career began by walking three miles just to get to and from a boxing gym to train growing up.

He went on to become the youngest boxer to win the U.S. Junior Championships at 16 and a three-time world champion as a professional, and he is now a member of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

Former light weight champion Fernando Vargas Sr. speaks at a press conference for an upcoming son’s bouts at Bert Ogden Arena on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Edinburg. (Joel Martinez |[email protected]) Joel Martinez

Now, Vargas’ sons — Fernando Vargas Jr., Amado Fernando Vargas and Emiliano Fernando Vargas — have embarked on professional boxing careers of their own and are turning the Vargas name into a boxing dynasty.

Former light weight champion Fernando Vargas Sr., left and his sons Fernando Vargas Jr., center, and Amado Vargas attend a press conference for his son’s upcoming bouts at Bert Ogden Arena on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Edinburg. (Joel Martinez |[email protected]) Joel Martinez

“When you didn’t have a father and you’re growing up doing things with your kids that you wished you did with your dad, like joking around with your sons, clowning, messing around, it’s a blessing for me to be able to guide them and to be, like, ‘Look, son, I lived this,’” Vargas Sr. said. “I was 12 years old when I started boxing. No one helped me. It took me an hour to walk one way, one hour to walk another way back home. Nobody helped me. There’s nothing in this boxing game that I didn’t already live. I tell my kids, ‘This is going to go as far as you want it to go. This is going to go as far as your discipline takes you.’”

Here is “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas pic.twitter.com/ydjiHtWKE6

— Rey Silva of Pro Sports RGV (@SoTxAthletix) June 29, 2023

On Aug. 26 at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Vargas Jr. and Amado Vargas, both undefeated as professional boxers, will headline a fight card featuring nine bouts as they follow in their father’s footsteps. Opponents are to be determined for both Vargas brothers.

“The love over here is tremendous,” Vargas Jr. said during a news conference Thursday at Bert Ogden Arena. “Yes, we’re undefeated, but at the end of the day, we’re not scared to lose this 0. At the end of the day, my dad put it on the line every single time, and we plan on showing that with every fight. We understand that we’re barely starting off, but we’re willing to earn our stripes.”

Profressional Boxer Fernando Vargas Jr. speaks at a press conference for an upcoming bout at Bert Ogden Arena on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Edinburg. (Joel Martinez |[email protected]) Joel Martinez

The 26-year-old Vargas Jr. (11-0, 11 KOs) is fresh off a third-round stoppage of Andre Byrd on June 24, which kept his perfect record intact and extended his knockout streak. His main event fight Aug. 26 at Bert Ogden Arena will be his fifth fight of 2023.

The 22-year-old Amado Vargas stands 8-0 as a pro boxer with three wins coming by way of knockout. He picked up a unanimous decision victory over Bernardo Manzano on May 13 to improve to 8-0.

“I started to really take boxing serious when I was 16, beat the top people in the United States, became ranked in the country and thought I could really do this,” he said. “It’s not just the last name. I became No. 6 in the country at 114 pounds and had 42 fights as an amateur. We’re now professional, 8-0 with three knockouts, and now we’re going to be fighting at Bert Ogden Arena and I’ll be 9-0.”

Professional boxer Amado Vargas speaks at a press conference for an upcoming bout at Bert Ogden Arena on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Edinburg. (Joel Martinez |[email protected]) Joel Martinez

Tickets are available for purchase at the Bert Ogden Arena box office or at BertOgdenArena.com.

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UTRGV athletics unveiled a third look for its football helmets Thursday, adding to the white and orange helmets released earlier this month.

The front of UTRGV’s gray alternate helmets. Photo Courtesy – UTRGV Athletics

The alternate gray helmet features UTRGV’s V logo on both sides. The face mask is black and the front of the helmet includes the Rio Grande Valley’s 956 area code. The back of the helmet includes the words Rio Grande Valley in orange lettering.

The back of UTRGV’s gray alternate helmets. Photo Courtesy – UTRGV Athletics

The white helmet features the UTRGV over Texas logo on both sides with an orange stripe down the middle. The back of the helmet will feature UTRGV’s motto, #RallyTheValley, in orange letters, players’ numbers, an American flag, and a Vaqueros United decal, which is a collaborative effort between UTRGV Athletics and the UTRGV Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to motivate the community in continuing meaningful conversations of peace, equality, social justice, and human rights through the utilization of our public platforms.

The orange helmet features a white stripe down the center and the word Vaqueros in white cursive letters on both sides. On the back of the helmet will be the words Rise Up, which references UTRGV athletics’ mission statement: “UTRGV Athletics will create a first-class student-athlete experience that fosters a culture of RESPECT, growth, and INTEGRITY, and supports our student-athletes in achieving SUCCESS in both the classroom and in competition. We will be inclusive and #RallyTheValley as we inspire pride, create excitement, and ENGAGE our campus community and our region as the Rio Grande Valley’s Division I team.”

UTRGV football unveils gray, white and orange helmets. Photo Courtesy – UTRGV Athletics

UTRGV plans to conduct a practice season in 2024 before officially beginning competition at the Division I level in 2025.

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McALLEN — Weslaco’s Brandon and Omar Figueroa, Brownsville’s Omar Juarez and Raymondville’s Eric Molina all made names for themselves as professional boxers fighting out of the Rio Grande Valley.

This year’s Borders Wars is set to shine the spotlight on the future of RGV boxing with a stacked card featuring Edinburg’s Fabian “The Unknown Warrior” Diaz, a three-time USA Boxing National Junior Olympics champion, fighting in his first main event July 28 at Payne Arena in Hidalgo.

“I just want to thank God for putting me in this position, putting me on this path. I’ve been working hard to get ready for this main event,” the 19-year-old lightweight Diaz said during a news conference Thursday at La Bahia restaurant in McAllen.

The Edinburg High alumnus Diaz has built a 4-0 professional record since making his pro debut last summer.

He won his first two professional fights by unanimous decision with victories over Julio Gomez on July 9, 2022, at the Alamodome in San Antonio and Jesus Maldonado on Sept. 10, 2022, at Payne Arena.

Diaz finished his next two bouts with a first-round knockout against Jonathan Rangel on Dec. 3, 2022, in Mercedes and a first-round technical knockout against Eleazar Mendietta on Feb. 11 at the Alamodome.

“The first two fights, I was barely getting the feel of it. The last two, I got the feel and I’m getting the knockouts in,” Diaz said.

Now, he’ll put his 4-0 record on the line in the Border Wars main event against 5-0 Ivan Alvarado from Monterrey, Mexico, for the vacant Interworld Boxing Organization lightweight title. It’ll be Diaz’s first time headlining a professional card.

“I’m going for the knockout. I’m going to put on a show and show everybody I’m about it,” he said.

“Fabian Diaz has a big future in boxing,” said Anthony Cavazos, the president of Cavazos Boxing Promotions. “He’s fighting an undefeated fighter. Not everybody wants to fight an undefeated fighter. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. These guys are training hard, and I think it’s going to be a war on July 28.”

Antonio “El Tornado” Iruegas is another 19-year-old rising star fighting out of Pharr with a 5-0 professional record. A two-time national champion, Iruegas is scheduled to fight Fernando Robles (2-3) in a super bantamweight bout.

Four of Iruegas’ five professional victories have come by way of knockout, including three first-round finishes. He won his last fight by unanimous decision over Jesus Dorado Cruz on July 22, 2022.

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the Payne Arena box office. For more information, contact Cavazos Boxing Promotions at 956-369-0742.

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MISSION — The Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame inducted five teams as part of its 2023 Class at the Mission Event Center on Saturday.

A similarity the teams shared when looking back on their outstanding seasons in their respective sports was the connections and relationships made, which were brought back to life at the 35th annual Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“It’s just such an honor. When we found out we were going to do this, we were just blown away,” said Donna Gossett, a member of the 1976 Weslaco High girls basketball team. “I never ever thought that those days would lead to this. It’s an honor and the whole team deserves it.”

Weslaco High’s 1976 girls basketball ;top; Susan Warren Sharp, Shirley Brinson Downey, J. Hobart, Donna Gossett, Marcia Casas, Jammie Jonez, Jere Osborne and Cathy Sefcik. Bottom L-R; Sylvia Alvarez Holmez, Sharon Allen, Laura Manning and Janet Martin before the start of the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

Gossett was part of the 1976 Weslaco High girls basketball team that won the first regional title in program history and qualified for the Class 4A state semifinals. The Panthers were ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 4A during the season.

Cathy and Sharon Fuller both averaged north of 20 points per game, leading the Panthers to a 27-4 overall record and a District 15-4A championship under head coach Jimmie Campbell.

“The key component is a good coach — one who’s got vision and strategies to get us into a fighting, performing condition,” guard J. Hobart said. “Kindness, patience, a teacher, and with the 1976 Weslaco Pantherettes, our coach Jimmie Campbell and assistant coach Marge Taylor, really brought us a complete package of how we can not just win on the court, but win off the court, and that was a key in my experience with respect to getting there.”

Members of the 1976 Weslaco girls basketball team included Sylvia Alvarez, Cynthia de la Pena, Anna Christensen, Joy Smith, Janet Martin, Sharon Fuller, Donna Gossett, Valerie Guess, Jean Hobart, Jammie Campbell, Shirley Brinson, Laura Manning, Jere Horn and Marcia Casas.

1961 SAN BENITO FOOTBALL

The 1961 San Benito Greyhounds upheld a tradition as one of the Valley’s most dominant units from 1957-1962 under the direction of head coach J.W. Helms. The Greyhounds went 53-9-1 during that time and the 1961 squad advanced all the way to the Class 3A state semifinals. San Benito went undefeated during the 1961 regular season and were the No. 1-ranked team in the state in Class 3A.

The 1961 San Benito football team. Photo Courtesy – RGV Sports Hall of Fame

The Greyhounds picked up playoff wins over Port Lavaca Calhoun and Del Rio before falling in the state semifinals against Nederland, 22-15.

1972 ROMA BOYS BASKETBALL

The 1971-72 Roma Gladiators made a historic run to the Class 2A state semifinals and compiled a 36-3 overall record in the process.

The 1972 Roma boys basketball members are: L_R; Ben Escobar, Mike Villarreal, Roel Gonzalez, Santiago Gomez, Jaime Escobar, Arturo Perez, Jesus Chuy Guerra, Robert Escobar, and Heraldo Garza before the start of the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame inductions at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

The Gladiators, coached by Eleuterio Garza Jr., played with speed and turned it into scoring with more than 100 points scored in five games during their 39-game campaign.

Jesus “Chuy” Guerra led Roma with 25.2 points per game and earned all-state recognition for his play. Fellow standouts Wenche Garcia and Mike Villarreal were pivotal to Roma success. Guerra was inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and UTRGV Hall of Fame in 2013.

Members of the 1971-72 Roma boys basketball team include Jaime Escobar, Santiago Gomez, Mike Villarreal, Wenche Garcia, Arturo Perez, Roberto Escobar, Lupe Villarreal, Adrian Guerra, Heraldo Garza, Jesus Guerra, Roel Gonzalez and Benjamin Escobar.

1978 SHARYLAND HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL

The 1977-78 Sharyland Rattlers won more than 30 games and advanced to the Class 2A state tournament. Head coach Vic Benter coached the Rattlers to a 32-3 record and captured the District 32-2A title.

The 1978 Sharyland High boys basketball team. Photo Courtesy – RGV Sports Hall of Fame

Sharyland defeated Roma in the playoffs, 76-66, rolled past San Antonio Cole, 67-48, and defending regional champion Weimar, 69-58, to win the Region IV-2A tournament for a spot in the final four.

Sharyland saw its 21-game winning streak end in the state semifinals against Dimmitt, 60-50 at the state tournament in Austin. Dan Townsend led the Rattlers in scoring on the year and was named District 32-2A’s Most Valuable Player.

Members of the 1977-78 Sharyland boys basketball team include Dan Townsend, Ruben Flores, Noe Gomez, Louis Hernandez, Arcadio Navarro, Andy McCormick, Arnie Villarreal, Jose Martinez, Juan Rocha and Robbie Gillette.

1990 MISSION HIGH FOOTBALL

The Mission Eagles soared into the 1990 Class 5A Division II state semifinals and now into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame. Head coach Sonny Detmer, a 2009 RGV Sports HOF inductee, led the Eagles to a 12-2 overall record and won the District 31-5A championship while outscoring opponents 579-213.

The 1990 Mission Eagles football team. Photo Courtesy – RGV Sports Hall of Fame

Mission quarterback Koy Detmer and the Eagles threw the ball all over the field and scored points with the best teams in the state. During their playoff run to the final four, the Eagles defeated Donna High, 42-15, Alice, 24-14, and San Antonio Madison, 59-17.

The Eagles’ season came to an end in the state semifinals in a 55-21 loss against eventual state champion Houston Aldine at the Astrodome in Houston. The younger Detmer went on to play quarterback at Colorado from 1992-96 and spent 10 years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.

MISSION — Gus Torres was born in Mission but made a name for himself as the 1972 All-Valley Defensive Player of the Year at Harlingen High.

The Cardinals were a power on the gridiron then and remain a powerhouse now thanks to former players like Torres, who was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday at the Mission Event Center along with nine individuals and five teams who made up the RGV Sports Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.

Gus Torres during the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

“I never expected and never thought that this day would ever come. I was originally born in Mission, Texas, but I moved to Harlingen at a very young age — to be inducted in the same place where I was born, it’s unbelievable and incredible,” said Torres, who played NCAA Division II football at Livingston University. “It’s been a great honor for me. I come from a family of 10. We were migrant workers. We went up north every year, came back late, and Coach (Jesse) Longhofer gave me the opportunity and believed that I could play.”

The newest additions to the RGV Sports Hall of Fame are McAllen’s Carlos Espinosa, McAllen’s Danny Goodwin, Harlingen’s Steve Lunsford, Brownsville’s Ana Martinez-Mann, San Benito’s Elias Martinez, Brownsville’s Mike Ramsey, former Pan American basketball player Fred Taylor, Edinburg’s Chad Tredaway, Harlingen’s Torres and Edinburg’s Tony Trejo.

The five teams joining the 10 individuals in the 2023 HOF class are the 1961 San Benito football team that advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals, the 1972 Roma Gladiators boys basketball team, that advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals, the 1976 Weslaco High girls basketball team that advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals, the 1978 Sharyland Rattlers boys basketball team that advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals, and the 1990 Mission High football team that advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals.

Espinosa played golf at McAllen High and was part of the Houston Cougars’ 1985 national championship golf team. He played professionally for 14 years and is now the golf pro at Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen.

“All the memories that this process has taken me back to and how many people have helped me along the way, it’s amazing,” Espinosa said. “They refer to the game of golf as an individual sport, but for me, that was never the case. I got a lot of help, a lot of support from a lot of people, made some great friends and relationships that I still value, and being able to go back and reminisce and remember and look at pictures has been an unbelievable experience, and the icing on the cake has been being able to share that with my two daughters, who didn’t get to see that side of my life.”

Carlos Espinosa during the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

Goodwin was a four-time state qualifier and a four-time state medalist during his high school swimming career at McAllen High. He won a pair of gold medals with the Bulldogs and competed in the 500- and 100-yard freestyle. Goodwin went on to become an All-American swimmer at SMU in 1986 and 1988. Goodwin is the first swimming athlete to be inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame.

Lunsford coached the Harlingen South volleyball team into the regional tournament five times and led the Hawks into the playoffs in 10 of his 12 years. South became the first Valley team to reach the state semifinal round in volleyball in 2003 under Lunsford. During his tenure as head coach at Harlingen South, the Hawks won eight district championships, 10 bi-district playoff wins, seven area playoff wins and five regional quarterfinal playoff wins.

San Benito softball head coach Martinez is coming off a third trip to the UIL softball state tournament just more than two weeks ago with the Greyhounds and is now a member of the RGV Sports Hall of Fame. Martinez is the fourth-winningest Texas high school softball coach in Texas with 536 victories.

San Benito’s softball coach Elias Martinez during the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

Martinez-Mann, who attended Brownsville Porter, is the RGV’s all-time record holder in the long jump and qualified for the state meet in 1982, posting a fifth-place finish. Martinez-Mann went on to compete collegiately at Pan American University, where she reached the NAIA national meet in three straight seasons from 1983-85.

Ramsey played baseball at Brownsville Hanna and took his game to the next level as an All-American at TCU. He once led the old Southwest Conference in batting with a .465 average and remains TCU’s all-time leader in batting average for a season and career.

Folks check out the RGV Sports Hall of Fame posters during the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

Houston native Fred Taylor played basketball at Pan American College from 1967-1970 and became the Broncs’ fourth all-time leading scorer. He played two seasons in the NBA after being drafted by the Phoenix Suns. He played one year with the Cincinnati Royals, where he was teammates with NBA Hall of Famer Nate “Tiny” Archibald.

“This is a real big honor because they say I was the fourth-leading scorer here, but what a lot of people don’t know is I only had three years while everybody else had four,” Taylor said. “I had to play freshman ball my first time down here, and I thought it was a waste of time because if I would have played with those players maybe a year earlier, we might have had some more championships down here because I only played one year with Otto Moore and it was real special. That’s when I thought I had a chance to make it to the pros. Coach (Sam) Williams kept harping to me that he thought I had a chance to make it and if I worked on my game I would, and it was special to be around those guys.”

Tredaway was an all-district standout at Edinburg High before playing college baseball at Seminole State College of Florida, where he became the National Junior College Athletic Association Player of the Year in 1991. The Chicago Cubs drafted the infielder as Tredaway embarked on a professional career in 1992. He also played for Reynosa in the Mexican League before managing the minor league Edinburg Roadrunners and the Fort Worth Cats. He is the son of former Pan American baseball player and coach Reggie Tredaway, a 2009 inductee into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame.

Chad Tredaway chats with a friend before being inducted into the 35th Annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Mission Event Center Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Mission. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

“It’s an honor. For me, it goes back to Al Ogleetree and Reggie Tredaway,” the younger Tredaway said. “I literally grew up with them every day of my life, so to be in the hall with those two and to be able to grab on to their belt is a special, special thing to me.”

Edinburg’s Trejo was a central figure in Texas’ high school track and field and cross country scene. He coached for 38 years and won multiple district championships and regional titles at McAllen Memorial. Trejo, a 1974 graduate of Edinburg High, died last year at 67 years old.

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UTRGV Athletics gave a first look on Wednesday at the helmets the Vaqueros will be wearing when the football program hits the field for its inaugural season in 2025.

A first look at helmets for the UTRGV football team, which is set to officially begin play in 2025. Image via UTRGV Athletics

The white helmet features the UTRGV over Texas logo on both sides with an orange stripe down the middle. The back of the helmet will feature UTRGV’s motto, #RallyTheValley, in orange letters, players’ numbers, an American flag, and a Vaqueros United decal, which is a collaborative effort between UTRGV Athletics and the UTRGV Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to motivate the community in continuing meaningful conversations of peace, equality, social justice, and human rights through the utilization of our public platforms.

A first look at helmets for the UTRGV football team, which is set to officially begin play in 2025. Image via UTRGV Athletics

Nothing beats the Original…@UTRGVFootball will proudly represent this great state and our amazing university with the ‘Texas’ logo on our inaugural white helmets!! Shoutout to @AuDesigns for their awesome work!!@UTRGV_FBRecruit#RallyTheValley#VaquerosUnited#WinToday✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/5cFdQJg78R

— Travis Bush (@CoachTBush) June 14, 2023

UTRGV football plans to sign its first recruiting class in Spring 2024 and conduct a practice season in Fall 2024, all before ultimately officially kicking off competition at the Division I level in 2025.

A first look at helmets for the UTRGV football team, which is set to officially begin play in 2025. Image via UTRGV Athletics

The Vaqueros will compete in the United Athletic Conference, a partnership between the ASUN and Western Athletic Conference, with nine other teams: Abilene Christian University, Austin Peay State University, University of Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky University, University of North Alabama, Southern Utah University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University and Utah Tech University.

A first look at helmets for the UTRGV football team, which is set to officially begin play in 2025. Image via UTRGV Athletics

Two of South Texas’ premier scorers and defensive stoppers were straight out of District 32-5A in Mercedes senior guard David Clower and Weslaco East junior Jediah Rivens.

The pair of primetime players provided must-see highlights throughout the season by hammering home dunks or coming up with emphatic stops on the defensive end to lead this year’s group of The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Boys Basketball superlatives.

Offensive Player of the Year: David Clower, Mercedes

Clower, a guard, lit up scoreboards across the Rio Grande Valley during his senior year to take home The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Boys Basketball Offensive Player of the Year award.

Mercedes David Clower (5) on a drive to the basket against Harlingen High during the Pioneer High school torunament at Pioneer High schoolon Friday Dec.9,2022 in McAllen, Tx. (Delcia Lopez/The Monitor | [email protected]) Delcia Lopez

Clower, who stands 6 foot 2 inches, scored 22 points per game, but proved capable of doing more than just hurting teams with points. He also averaged six rebounds, two steals and two blocks per game.

His exclamation-point slam dunks and shooting stroke from beyond the 3-point line allowed him to play at his own pace, pick his spots and fill up stat sheets every time he touched the floor.

Defensive Player of the Year: Jediah Rivens, Weslaco East

Rivens, a guard, was the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ defense and was consistently tasked with defending the opposing team’s top scorer or offensive weapon.

Weslaco East’s Jediah Rivens (3) attempts a basket against Harlingen South in a District 32-5A game at Weslaco East High School on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in Weslaco. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Defensive Player of the Year, Rivens routinely made it difficult for players with suffocating defense from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Rivens’ height, reach and heads-up play makes him a tough matchup for anybody and was named District 32-5A’s Defensive Player of the Year.

He helped lead Weslaco East to a bi-district playoff upset over Sharyland Pioneer in which the Wildcats held the Diamondbacks to just 27 points.

Newcomer of the Year: Axel Garza, Edinburg Vela

Garza, a guard/forward, made an instant impact during his first year playing varsity ball for the SaberCats.

Edinburg Vela’s Axel Garza (13) drives to the basket against the Corpus Christi Flour Bluff defense in a Region IV-5A area round play game at Falfurrias High School on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Falfurrias. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

He led Vela in scoring, rebounds and blocks, and ranked second on the team in assists and steals per game, earning The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Boys Basketball Newcomer of the Year award.

The 6-foot-5 inch Garza led a young SaberCats squad to a 25-14 mark overall and back-to-back district titles with a 16-2 record 31-5A. His combination of size and skill made it tough on opposing defenses on a nightly basis as he averaged 15.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.

Garza was also named District 31-5A’s Co-Most Valuable Player.

Utility Player of the Year: Mando Treviño, McAllen Memorial

Mando Treviño, a junior, provided the Mustangs with one of the Valley’s top scoring options and a defensive player unafraid to take on tough challenges.

McAllen Memorial’s Mando Treviño drives to the basket for a layup against McAllen High during a District 31-5A game on Dec. 13, 2022 at McAllen High School. Joel Martinez

Treviño, The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Utility Player of the Year, led the Mustangs to a 27-7 season and into the area round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Trevino’s ability to find ways to the rim and consistent stroke from long range made him a challenge to slow down offensively as his attacking consistently created scoring opportunities around him.

Treviño was also voted Co-Most Valuable Player in District 31-5A.

Sub-5A Player of the Year: Vlady Rivera, Progreso

Progreso guard Vlady Rivera helped Progreso put together a 27-win season and picked up The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Boys Basketball Sub-5A Player of the Year honors in the process.

Progreso’s Vlady Rivera (3) attempts a basket against Monte Alto in a game at Progreso High School on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, in Progreso. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

Rivera’s play throughout the season helped Progreso secure its first bi-district playoff victory since the late 1990s.

The senior sharpshooter led the Red Ants’ charge on the court by averaging a team-high 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 assists. He finished with 123 made 3-pointers on the year.

Most Improved Player: Sebastiane Lopez, Edinburg Economedes

Lopez, a guard, upped his scoring average by nearly 20 points from his junior to senior season to earn The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Most Improved Player recognition.

Edinburg Economedes senior guard Sebastiane Lopez is The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Boys Basketball Most Improved Player. Courtesy Photo

After averaging 6.8 points as a junior, Lopez led District 31-6A in scoring with 24.4 points per game and recorded one 40-point game, nine 30-point games and 19 20-point games during his senior season. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Lopez’s jump in production helped Edinburg Economedes reach the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Lopez was recognized by District 31-6A coaches as the district offensive player of the year.

Coach of the Year: Lucio Rodriguez, Edinburg Vela

Losing the top 10 scorers on a team due to graduation may seem like a tall hurdle for most, but it was a challenge Edinburg Vela and head coach Lucio Rodriguez met head on.

Edinburg Vela head boys basketball coach Lucio Rodriguez reacts to the action on the court against Corpus Christi Flour Bluff in a Region IV-5A area round play game at Falfurrias High School on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Falfurrias. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Joel Martinez

Rodriguez coached the SaberCats to their second consecutive district championship and into the area round of the playoffs to be named The Monitor’s 2022-23 All-Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

The SaberCats went 16-2 in District 31-5A, arguably the toughest, and definitely the deepest district, in the Rio Grande Valley, with Rodriguez at the helm. He coached the SaberCats past Brownsville Pace in the bi-district round of the postseason and will return a solid core of players looking to chase a third straight district title next season.

Rodriguez was also voted District 31-5A Co-Coach of the Year by the district’s fellow coaches.