Cross Country teams set for GWC championships

McALLEN — Despite not competing in weeks, University of Texas-Pan American cross country coach Dave Hartman expects the men’s and women’s teams to have a good showing at the Great West Conference Championships on Saturday in New York.

The Lady Broncs have not run since Oct. 9 while the Broncs, who are the defending GWC champs, have not competed since Oct. 17.

“A non-race week allows us to get into doing a little bit more heavier training,” Hartman said. “On race week, you are a little bit leery of working too hard so they have tired legs. It was kind of nice for the women to come back after three weeks to really get to work on speed.”

Hartman said the only pressure of winning a consecutive conference title is form the Broncs themselves. Hartman has been pleased with the Broncs’ training recently, which he thinks can propel the team to success. The Broncs graduated three runners from last year’s team.

“I think the guys are really excited,” Hartman said. “We really haven’t put that one big race where all five or even scorers are firing on all cylinders on that day. Our work outs keep getting better and better each week, which tells me we are ready to pop that big race. Hopefully, that comes this weekend.

On the men’s side, Hartman said it will come down to a four-team battle between UTPA, Houston Baptist, Utah Valley and South Dakota.

Here are the runners to watch this weekend:

Lady Broncs

>> Judith Chumba: Hartman said the more the Kenyan is comfortable with living in the United States the better she is running.

>> Cinthia Adame: The San Benito native has been consistent for UTPA all season.

Broncs

>> Angel Ramirez: The McAllen High product has been the team’s leader this season.

>> Omar Doria: The Edinburg North graduate brings experience.

>> Rolando Vela: Hartman said if Vela, also from North, runs like he has been practicing he could have a big race.

TEE IT UP

The men’s golf team finished tied for sixth at the Husky Invitational in Missouri City, Texas.

The Broncs were led by freshman Brandon Reyna who placed sixth with a 2-over-par 146. Reyna competed at Sharyland. Kevin Kirakossian was the only other Top 10 finisher for the Broncs. He tied for ninth with a 3-over 147.

Houston Baptist won the tourney title.

HOOP IT UP

The first sign of basketball season arrives tonight. The women’s basketball team plays host to Texas A&M-Kingsville in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. at the Field House.

Kingsville is 14-3 all-time against UTPA. UTPA opens the regular season at home Nov. 13 against Oral Roberts.

ADDITION

Hartman added Juan Cardenas to his cross country and track & field coaching staff Wednesday.

Cardenas, who will coach middle- and long-distance runners, arrives from Mount Carmel Academy in Houston where he coached soccer, track and cross country.

Cardenas competed at the University of Houston and Texas A&M and was the 2001 Conference USA Freshman of the year.

Peter Rasmussen covers UTPA athletics for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.