Sept. 8, 2008

The University of Texas-Pan American men's cross country squad returns its top performer from last season and a group of underclassmen full of talent.

"The men look stronger this season. Everyone has experience under their belts and with J.J. leading the way, I'm sure they will have a successful season," said head cross country coach Dennis Darling.

The 2008 season will feature talent from all over the Rio Grande Valley. Senior J.J. Hernandez (San Juan, TX / PSJA North HS) returns as the top performer from last season, while Angel Ramirez (McAllen, TX / McAllen HS), the top newcomer last season, will look on to having another great year.

"Angel was hurt during the season last year but he did very well and should be doing better this coming season," said assistant cross country coach Hugo Cervantes.

Senior J.J. Hernandez recorded three top-10 finishes last season placing third at the 2007 National Independent Championships with a time of 24:54.60. The top-notch senior qualified for regionals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time 9:00.87. Hernandez finished no lower than 11th collecting 10 top-10 finishes.

"J.J. is a completely different athlete this year. He got a taste of success and now he wants more and is more focused on getting there. He qualified for regionals last year and finished with one of the top-10 times. I'm glad he has stepped up this year," added Darling.

In their third year of competition, the trio of Wally Gonzalez (Edinburg, TX / Edinburg North HS), Gilroy Martinez (McAllen, TX / Nikki Rowe HS) and Vidal Ruiz (La Joya, TX / La Joya HS) will provide added help and leadership to the incoming underclassmen.

"All these guys are contributors. They work well together, they get along and above all they push each other in competition and in practice; they give it their all," says Darling.

Junior Omar Doria returns to the Bronc lineup as he took a year off from cross country. Doria was a top performer for the Broncs in his first season. In his freshman campaign with the Broncs, Doria opened the season with a 17th-place finish at the Texas A&M Invitational with a time of 26:43. Doria kept his times consistent and earned a 24th-place finish at the 2006 National Independent Championships with a time of 27:24.00.

"Omar was a top runner for us his freshman year and now he just needs to be patient and he'll be back to being one of the top performers this year," added Cervantes.

The Broncs will have three new additions to the team. The squad will look to Andrew Lopez (McAllen, TX / Nikki Rowe HS), Robert Najera (Mercedes, TX / South TX for Health Professionals) and Justin Watts (Donna, TX / Donna HS) for strong performances this season.

"Robert Najera is one of our top newcomers and should be a big attribute on the team. He placed third at state in high school and we're expecting big things from him," says Cervantes.

The Broncs will look to have an outstanding season this year as they have Hernandez leading the way. They will look for assistance from Ramirez and the class of juniors to guide the newcomers to a championship title and slots to the regional and hopefully national championships.

UTPA Sports Information