Feb. 29, 2008

The University of Texas-Pan American men and women's track and field program will be heading out to Laredo, Texas for the Border Olympics marking the season opener for the 2008 outdoor season this Saturday (March 1).

"I expect everyone to do well at this meet. The Border Olympics is a confidence booster meet and I hope those that competed in the indoor season bring on that attitude to the outdoor season," said head men and women's track and field coach Dennis Darling.

After spending almost two weeks off from competition, both the men and women's track and field program will look to start off the 2008 outdoor season with top performances.

"Most of the field events will be able to compete and hopefully we'll have some fun with the men and women's relays," added Darling.

Laredo native Michelle Elizondo and valley native Stephanie Perez are two returning throwers expected to do well this outdoor season.

Other Lady Broncs to look out for are junior Vanessa Brown, distance runner Carolina Izaguirre and senior Ashlon Martin.

Returning for the Broncs, senior Luis Nava will be coming off an excellent indoor season performance. Nava was a part of the distance medley relay team that captured first place laurels on two occasions.

Sophomores Wally Gonzalez and Gilroy Martinez return as two of last season top performers.

The Border Olympics meet will be an all-day event on Saturday (March 1) held in Laredo, Texas.

UTPA Sports Information