KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Senior Roel Renteria’s college signing was a fitting end to what was a banner year for the Harlingen Cardinal track program. This year the Cards won both the 32-6A District and area title in the track.
Renteria will compete in the hurdles at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley next school year. Renteria secured his college future Thursday afternoon, and joined his teammates Fernando Escobar, Edward Ramos and Jasmyn Tulloch as the flock will all be Vaqueros in the fall.
“There is a lot of excitement right now, because I get to compete at the college level, but also a bit sad because my high school career is over,” Renteria said. “All my work has paid off and it’s great to see that. In this program, it’s a brotherhood. We don’t just work out in school, we work out together and we’re friends on and off the track.”
Renteria spent three years on the varsity and finished his career on a high note. Renteria won the district and area meets in the 300 meter hurdles and was also a regional finalist in the 300 meter hurdles.
“The coaches showed a lot of interest in me and made me feel wanted,” Renteria said. “It’s going to be tough competing against guys older than me. I’ll be an underdog, so it is important for me to continue working and remain humble.”
Renteria, Ramos and Escobar all had a hand in this year’s success that help put the Cardinals back on the radar with a district and area title. The big three will be tough to replace, but also help re set the standard.
“This is a fitting end to our school year and season,” said Harlingen track coach Efrain Ambriz. “Roel has been an example, and helped set the tone for the team all season long. He really inspired the guys to do their best and I will miss him. He is one of the hardest workers we have had. Seeing all three of them go to the same school is unique and it’s special, it’s something we don’t see too often.”