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Sports in the Rio Grande Valley have always been a staple in the community and have produced a talented crop of athletes capable of competing on the collegiate level. Yet the University of Texas-Pan American sports program doesn’t recruit enough homegrown talent. It is not as if UTPA is an elite sports school like USC or The University of Texas, who have the luxury of recruiting the finest athletes in the country. UTPA can afford to take chances on local talent, especially with a sport like soccer.
Futbol may not be a top-four sport in the United States but this is South Texas and the population is largely Hispanic or Mexican American, making this region rich in soccer talent. Last year the Hidalgo High School Pirates won the Class-4A soccer state championship, adding to the two other Valley soccer state championships, by Brownsville Lopez (2004) and Brownsville Porter (2005). With few opportunities in sight, Valley soccer players either showcase their talent at upstate universities or decide to go pro, as was the case with current Hidalgo senior Jesus Mireles, who surrendered his amateur status by signing with United Soccer League’s RGV Bravos FC last season. By doing so, Mireles is ineligible to play any high school or college soccer.
The ratio of outside to Valley recruits at UTPA is 3-to-1 and the majority of those natives are in cross country and track and field, which rarely have home meets.
Basketball, baseball, volleyball and tennis at least have the advantage of playing on campus, giving students and the community a chance to see sports played at the next level.
UTPA currently has a soccer club; emphasis on club. It is basically an intramural squad made up of students who participate for the love of the game and who have to cover the majority of expenses (travel, lodging, food).
The campus has a large population of soccer aficionados as seen throughout campus. The university has a stadium, fan base and a potential increase in enrollment. What is the problem? Title IX compliance? Women’s soccer at least would be an interesting start. The women have five Great West Conference schools with programs plus nine affiliates. The men only have two in the conference plus five affiliates. Affiliates are universities that can participate in the Great West Conference as guests.
Last year the Bronc baseball team had an abysmal 14-41 record while the basketball squad also shared a losing season, going 10-17. Soccer would be a nice place to add a sport and have chance at winning games with local talent.
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