EDINBURG — UTRGV athletics held a topping out ceremony Thursday to celebrate the placing of the final beam in what will be the UTRGV Fieldhouse atrium, signifying the completion of the structural phase of the construction of the atrium.

“This is going to help this facility really become something that’s recognizable. When you’re driving down across campus, you’re going to be able to look over here and say that’s a sports facility and that’s something I think that we’ve been missing,” UTRGV vice president and athletic director Chasse Conque said.

The atrium, which will stand 27 feet tall, will include a new entrance for fans attending games with a new box office, team store, concession stand, Hall of Fame area and restrooms. Conque said the construction of the atrium adds a new element to the UTRGV Fieldhouse while maintaining the history of the facility, which was completed in 1969.

“We were able to hold on to the integrity of this facility. There’s a lot of institutions today that are tearing down buildings, building new ones, but there’s so much tradition in this building, there’s so many memories in this building,” Conque said. “This building was constructed in 1969, so you think about the coaches and the student-athletes that have passed through here. You think about the non-athletic events that we’ve hosted in this facility — presidential debates and primaries, concerts, university events, there’s so much history here and certainly the thousands of matches and games that we’ve played — so we’re very proud to be able to celebrate our tradition and our history and be able to bring it into a modern era.”

The atrium is part of $160 million in facilities enhancements across 13 capital projects taking place from 2022-26 touching all 18 athletic programs at UTRGV. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring and ready for UTRGV volleyball to start its 2025 season next fall.

The atrium is part of $160 million in facilities enhancements across 13 capital projects taking place from 2022-26 touching all 18 athletic programs at UTRGV. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring and ready for UTRGV volleyball to start its 2025 season next fall.

“This is just the final topping to something that I’ve been hearing about since the inception of UTRGV. We talked about expanding athletics and creating an environment for our student-athletes to truly thrive at the Division I level and this is it,” UTRGV head volleyball coach Todd Lowery said. “Just adding the front porch to the fieldhouse is like adding the front porch to UTRGV. UTRGV athletics is just becoming the front porch of our university. The community support, the community interest that it’s generating is just phenomenal over the last 18 months.”

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Former Valley View standout and North Texas SC soccer player Pablo Torre is coming home. Torre is joining UTRGV’s men’s soccer program for the 2024 fall season, the team announced via an Instagram post Wednesday.

The 20-year-old forward starred for 3 1/2 years at Valley View, serving as a key component of the team’s dominant runs between 2019-22. His junior year proved to be his best, scoring a Valley-leading 37 goals in 14 district games and carrying the Tigers to their third state tournament appearance.

In 2022, the then-senior opted to forgo the remainder of his final year at Valley View, leaving the team midway through district play to sign with North Texas SC. Torre had netted seven goals in five district games that season.

Torre spent the next two years in Arlington competing with North Texas SC, appearing in 31 games and starting in seven during that span. The 6-foot-1 striker recorded six goals and two assists during his two-year stint with the team before ultimately not seeing his contract renewed at the end of the 2023 season.

The McAllen native is the third RGV native on UTRGV’s roster for the 2024 season, joining Brownsville native and former RGV FC goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez and Edinburg native and RGV FC Academy product Arev Vera.

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By OMAR ZAPATA and DINA ARÉVALO | Staff Writers

McAllen Nikki Rowe football player Adan De La Cruz has died.

The district announced his death on Wednesday.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of one of our students. Adan De La Cruz, a senior at Rowe High School, passed away today,” the statement read. “He was a wonderful young man, very well liked, and much admired by his peers.

“He will be missed but not forgotten.”

The district offered thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.

“We have a team of counselors at the campus to help students and staff cope with this tragedy.”

McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said authorities received notice from medical personnel about his death early Wednesday afternoon.

“So, we are really, really sorry to learn that this afternoon about this young person,” Rodriguez said. “This is occurring as we speak, so that’s all I can tell you is that at this point in time, that is the information we’re getting from medical personnel at this time.

“Very, very tragic. We’re so sorry, you know, clearly our condolences to the family and to the student body as well.”

De La Cruz was injured when he slipped off a roof while attempting to jump into a pool.

The incident happened on Saturday just before midnight.

On Wednesday afternoon, police announced the arrest of a teenager they accuse of collecting the “entrance fee” at the party that resulted in the hospitalization of a football player.

Heron Hernandez Jr., of McAllen, is charged with purchase or furnishing alcohol to a minor.

He was arrested Tuesday and remanded to the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on a $25,000 bond.

Police have also arrested Jaime De La Cerda Islas, 51, and his son, who is a juvenile, for the same allegations and charges.

De La Cerda hosted the party at his brother-in-law’s house and an entry fee was charged to attend.

They were charging $10 tickets before the party or a $15 fee at the entrance, according to a police report.

Investigators have a Snapchat video that depicts the incident.

Rodriguez said the investigation into De La Cruz’s death is ongoing.

“The outcome of that will determine what, if any more, charges and whom may be facing other charges. That call is yet to be determined,” Rodriguez said. “Clearly now that we have a death involved, that is clearly (a) serious injury so that, too, may be a factor that will determine charges as the investigation progresses.”

The chief said this incident shines light on the extent of risk involved when people consume alcohol and when people make alcohol available to people who should not have access to it.

“Those are the things that we want to hold people accountable for,” Rodriguez said. “If accountability can be established, then that’s what we are hoping the investigation will lead us to conclude.

“It’s just a really tragic set of circumstances and a really tragic outcome. A really sad day, I think, for the McAllen community and we’re sad to learn of this outcome today.”

Meanwhile, district spokesman Mark May said Nikki Rowe High canceled a football scrimmage scheduled for Thursday evening and its annual Meet the Warrior Night, which had been set for Friday.

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Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information. 

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The Texas Sports Writers Association released its Class 6A all-state teams Friday with seven baseball players from La Joya High, Los Fresnos and Weslaco High earning recognition.

La Joya catcher Homer Munoz was named to the TSWA 6A all-state second team after leading the Coyotes to the regional semifinal round of the state playoffs. Munoz hit .402 with 27 RBIs and six home runs on the year.

Los Fresnos pitcher Joaquin Cavazos earned a spot on the all-state third team after posting a 11-1 record with a 0.52 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings pitched.

Weslaco High freshman John Reyna (10-2 record, 1.25 ERA, 99 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings) and senior Ryan Everitt (.384 batting average, 28 RBIs, 22 runs) were named honorable mention at pitcher and first base, respectively, after leading the Panthers into the regional quarterfinal round of the postseason.

La Joya had two more players earn all-state recognition with senior pitcher Santiago Tijerina (9-1 record. 0.88 ERA, 81 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings) and senior shortstop Lucas Zambrano (.398 batting average, 27 RBIs, 27 runs) named honorable mention.

Los Fresnos shortstop Derek Garcia (.372 batting average, 34 runs, 21 RBIs, 22 stolen bases) also was named an all-state honorable mention after leading the Falcons to a District 32-6A title.

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Several Rio Grande Valley high school baseball standouts received statewide recognition for their play on the diamond during the 2024 season to earn Texas Sports Writers Association all-state honors, led by Port Isabel’s Tristan Garcia and La Joya Palmview’s Josiah Gonzalez.

Garcia was the lone 4A player from the RGV to earn a spot on the TSWA Class 4A all-state first team. Garcia, a catcher who will play baseball at Texas Southern next season, hit a Valley-best .673 at the plate with 16 runs, 14 RBIs and one home run with the Tarpons during his senior season.

La Joya Palmview’s Gonzalez was named to the TSWA Class 5A all-state first team as a designated hitter after batting .418 with 26 RBIs, 26 runs, three stolen bases and 21 walks for the District 30-5A champion Lobos.

Palmview outfielder Jorge Garza and Edcouch-Elsa second baseman Alec Salazar earned TSWA Class 5A all-state third-team honors.

Garza, a junior, posted a .427 batting average with 25 runs, 14 RBIs, seven stolen bases and 22 walks for Palmview. Salazar, a senior, led the Yellow Jackets with a .429 batting average, 19 runs, 15 RBIs, one home run, 15 stolen bases and 14 walks.

Three more Valley standouts earned honorable mention recognition in Brownsville Veterans catcher Oscar Rodriguez (.402 batting average, 28 RBIs), La Joya Palmview second baseman Mateo Garcia (.364 batting average, 28 runs, 27 RBIs, two home runs, nine stolen bases) and Rio Grande City second baseman Paul Bazan Jr.

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Shaine Casas missed out on swimming for gold Friday.

The McAllen native, and McHi graduate, finished ninth overall in his semifinal Thursday afternoon with a time of 1:57.82. He will be a reserve swimmer in case one of the top eight who qualified cannot compete.

The medal round is slated for 1:43 p.m., Central Time, Friday (8:43 p.m. Paris time).

Casas swam in the second semifinal, in lane three. The eight fastest swim times from the semifinals advanced to tomorrow’s medal race. Casas’ time was just 0.06 seconds behind Knox Finlay of Canada for the eighth and final spot.

Casas swims for the Longhorn Aquatics Club at the University of Texas under coach Eddie Reese. He swam collegiately for Texas A&M University. He is a 14-time World Championships medalist who made his international debut at the 2021 World Short Course Championships. This was his Olympic Games debut.

Casas Team USA and Longhorn teammate Carson Foster won the first semifinal heat in 1:56.37 and advanced.

Earlier today, Casas clocked a 1:58.04 to finish second in the fourth heat, and fifth overall, to advance to the semifinals.

The 16 fastest swim times through the four heats, featuring 25 swimmers from around the world, advanced to the semifinals.

Casas’ entry time to clinch an Olympic berth was 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, which places him third out of the 25 swimmers in the event. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62) and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. (Note: The Olympic record is held by the USA’s Michael Phelps at 1:54.23 and the world record is owned by the USA’s Ryan Lochte at 1:54.00).

Only two swimmers clocked in a sub-1:58.00 times Thursday morning – Great Britain’s Scott Duncan (1:57.77) and France’s Marchand (1:57.86). Casas’ USA teammate Carson Foster won his heat in 1:58.63

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BY HENRY MILLER

McAllen’s Shaine Casas clocked a 1:58.04 to finish second in the fourth heat today in the Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley to advance to the semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games.

Casas’ time in the heat was the fifth overall fastest on the day. The 16 fastest swim times through the four heats, featuring 25 swimmers from around the world, advance to the semifinals, which will be held near the end of the Olympic day, scheduled to start at 2:35 p.m., Central Time, 9:35 p.m. in Paris time.

Several watch parties have been scheduled around the Valley for the semifinals. You can see them here:

Valley to hold watch parties for McAllen Olympian Shaine Casas

 

The medal round is slated for 1:43 p.m., Central Time, Friday (8:43 p.m. Paris time).

Casas’ entry time to clinch an Olympic berth was 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, which places him third out of the 25 swimmers in the event. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62) and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. (Note: The Olympic record is held by the USA’s Michael Phelps at 1:54.23 and the world record is owned by the USA’s Ryan Lochte at 1:54.00).

Only two swimmers clocked in a sub-1:58.00 times Thursday morning – Great Britain’s Scott Duncan (1:57.77) and France’s Marchand (1:57.86). Casas’ USA teammate Carson Foster won his heat in 1:58.63

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RIO HONDO — Three Rio Hondo Bobcats earned statewide recognition for their play on the diamond during the 2024 season as Christopher Galvan, Joshua Laster and Ruben Castellanos were named to the Texas Sports Writers Association 3A all-state teams Tuesday.

Galvan and Laster were named to the TSWA 3A all-state baseball second team as a pitcher and third baseman, respectively.

Galvan, a sophomore, finished his season with a 12-2 record and one save in 16 appearances and 14 starts. He posted a 1.16 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings pitched with four complete games, one shutout and one no-hitter.

Laster, the junior third baseman, led the Bobcats with a .616 batting average, 45 hits, 37 RBIs and 31 runs scored in 29 games.

Castellanos, also a junior, was named third-team all-state at designated hitter after batting .391 with 25 hits, 21 runs and 13 RBI in 30 games.

The trio helped Rio Hondo finish the 2024 season as the District 32-3A champion with a 25-6 overall record and an area-round playoff appearance.

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McAllen’s Shaine Casas will be in Heat No. 4, lane five on Thursday, competing for his country, state and city during the 200-meter men’s individual medley at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

It’s a phrase the former McAllen High swimmer has been working to hear and/or read since he was in college at Texas A&M, maybe even earlier. His desire only magnified after barely missing out on the 2020 games, finishing in third while needing a top-two finish to advance. Casas is a world-class swimmer. He’s won 14 medals during the world championships while representing the USA, captured three national championship medals and multiple other medals while competing in the NCAA with Texas A&M. He’s also been named SEC, SwimSwam and College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association Division I Swimmer of the Year.

Now, four years later, Casas is stronger both physically and mentally and has worked to remove any distractions. It’s finally time to seek a medal and, Casas is quick to admit, the journey he took to Paris had amazing highs to go along with life-changing lows.

“The obstacles and everything I’ve been through has given me confidence as an athlete and a person,” Casas said prior to his trip to Paris. “I think it has taught me a lot of myself and the sport. It’s great to win, but sometimes losing teaches you more than winning.

“There have been hard times and great times and I’ve been able to make the best of things in both situations. That’s how the (swim) meets work out — most of the times it isn’t perfect, you just need to figure out how to maneuver through the hiccups.”

This version of Casas is different than the one four years ago; you can hear it in his voice. While the exuberance and confidence remain, it’s more of a respectful and humble version of four years ago. It makes him look and feel stronger — and the numbers don’t lie.

“It’s all about perspective and I feel like I’m in the best spot mentally, physically and socially. I have more experience on my side. Four years ago I was new to it and naïve to it and how things really go. I’ve definitely grown up and learned.”

The 16 fastest swim times through the four heats, featuring 25 swimmers from around the world, will advance to the semifinals. The event takes place at 4:40 a.m. Central Time, 11:40 a.m. Paris time. The semifinals will be held near the end of the Olympic day, scheduled to start at 2:35 p.m., Central Time, 9:35 p.m. in Paris time.

The medal round is slated for 1:43 p.m., Central Time, Friday (8:43 p.m. Paris time).

Casas entry time to clinch an Olympic berth was 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, which places him third out of the 25 swimmers in the event. Only teammate Carson Foster (1:55.65), China’s Shun Wang (1:54.62) and France’s Leon Marchand (1:54.82) have faster entry times. (Note: The Olympic record is held by the USA’s Michael Phelps at 1:54.23 and the world record is owned by the USA’s Ryan Lochte at 1:54.00).

Casas’ reaction when he touched the wall to clinch his spot in Team USA was memorable as he grabbed his forehead to wipe away the pool water, (and maybe a tear or two, immediately leaned over the rope to hug Foster, his new USA teammate) then took a few second, hands clenched in prayer to take it all in, the look of relief, gratefulness and excitement all taking their turns within his expressions.

“I’m going to make that damn team,” he said prior to the qualifying meet in Indianapolis. “I wish I could go back and have a conversation with myself — I might slap myself because I won’t want to hear it. But things happen. There are pivotal moments that teach you a lot and rub off on you and make you who you are.

“I’ve had experiences that have shaped the person I am and the things I’m trying to do. I hold myself in a certain way and do what’s best for myself.”

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Angela Garcia

Brownsville Veterans Memorial, senior

Senior playmaker Angela Garcia had a terrific career at Brownsville Veterans that resulted in a scholarship with Our Lady of the Lake in the spring.

Garcia scored 43 times in District 32-5A for the Chargers in 2024 and is The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star’s 2024 Girls Soccer Most Valuable Player.

Garcia was amazing during her career as a playmaker in the heart of the Chargers; midfield. Brownsville Veterans had more successful seasons as a team when Garcia had experienced forwards around her, but Garcia still helped the Chargers to the playoffs in 2024.

Garcia’s 43 district goals was the third-most goals scored among players in the Valley, only seven goals behind first and three behind second. Garcia outscored the closest Lower Valley rival by 21 goals. She was extremely talented with the ball at her feet, was a threat at set pieces and could pull the strings in the midfield.

Juliana Garcia

Harlingen High, sophomore

Garcia had a breakout season after only appearing in the playoffs for the Cardinals as a freshman.

Garcia finished 25 times to earn the Herald/Star 2024 Girls Soccer Offensive Player of the Year award.

The standout had a lot of talented players around her that provided her good service to grab goals, but Garcia has a relentless engine. The work rate the Cardinals’ forward showed really put pressure on opposing back lines as the forward was always trying to make runs and press when the Cardinals did not have possession.

There is a lot of talent on the Cardinals’ roster despite churning out college prospects of late, and leading the forward line will be Garcia.

Aliyah Fonseca

Harlingen South, senior

Easily one of the best all-around players in the Valley, Fonseca did it all for the Hawks, but is going to play at Texas Lutheran as a left or right back.

Fonseca is the Herald/Star 2024 Girls Soccer Defensive Player of the Year.

It is hard to say what Fonseca’s best position is, but when she lined up in the sweeper role for Harlingen South she was amazing and could cover the field like a single-high safety on the football field.

It is no surprise college coaches would see her as a left/right back because of her height and because of her cross country background as center backs tend to be taller, but Fonseca could be strong a 1-on-1 situation with the size of any attacker, and she will have to do that against wingers in college.

Fonseca chipped in with seven district goals as the Hawks dominated District 32-5A and competed admirably against some of the better 5A teams in the region.

Grace Reed

Harlingen High, senior

Harlingen High dominated possession for long stretches, with numerous players having the ability to play on the ball. In the heart of the formation was Reed.

Reed did it all in the midfield, the No. 6, the No. 8 and even the 10 on the Lower Valley’s best team. Reed is the Herald/Star 2024 Girls Soccer Midfielder of the Year.

Reed played in a more advanced role in the midfield this season, and it paid off as the midfielder scored nine goals and provided two assists in all competitions.

Reed’s ability proved she could do it all in the midfield after playing more of a defensive role in the heart of the midfield. It should help her next year in college at Lubbock Christian University.

Gilliece Gomez

Harlingen High, senior

Gomez was a rock at the back for a Cardinals side that had top players leave its back line in recent years. Gomez was key as the Cardinals’ defense dominated opponents to earn the Herald/Star 2024 Girls Soccer Goalie of the Year honor.

Gomez went 15 straight games without picking the ball out of her net. The streak lasted to the third round of the playoffs, where she gave up a goal after a dubious call on a back pass awarded San Antonio Warren an indirect free kick in the box.

Gomez is aggressive when she needs to be and good with the ball at her feet as well, and she will be playing next season at St. Edward’s University in Austin.

Claudia Millan

Brownsville IDEA Riverview, freshman

They are building something special in Brownsville.

The Rockets have a chokehold around District 32-4A and it doesn’t look like they will let up with talented players breaking into the team at a young age.

Millan will be one to watch the next three years after excelling with the Rockets to earn the Herald/Star 2024 Girls Soccer Newcomer of the Year award.

Millan led the Rockets in scoring this season with 18 goals, 14 coming in district play. Riverview will return four of its five top scorers in 2024. Millan also chipped in five assists, the third-most on her team, as the Rockets went undefeated in district and picked up a 9-0 bi-district playoff victory.

Riverview has had players find college homes before and likely has another potential prospect with Millan.

Jose Galvan

Harlingen High head coach

Galvan continued where he left off last season with the Cardinals. Harlingen High was the best Class 6A team in the Valley and easily the best in the Lower Valley after being led by Galvan.

Galvan has had talent, for sure, but talent does not always equal results. Galvan is the Herald/Star 2024 Girls Soccer Coach of the Year.

The Cardinals have had key players — multiple college level players — graduate in recent seasons and have only gone deeper in the playoffs. Harlingen High made it to the fourth round this season and is one of the best teams in Region IV under Galvan.

Galvan’s next challenge will be competing with those top teams out of the Austin area, and he will have plenty of talented players on the roster next year to do it.

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