PULSE – Vaqueros roar out Lions

UTRGV defender Jordan Ford brings down a Langston University player just short of the end zone during the first quarter Saturday at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
Logan Huizar/Pulse

The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros tackled its way to its third win on Saturday, Sept. 13, against Langston University Lions.

The Vaqueros delivered a final score of 80-0, beating its previous record of 66-0 against Sul Ross State University. The UTRGV Vaqueros now has an undefeated record of three wins.

Linebacker Tyler Day sprints down the sideline with defensive back Marcus Malvoisin Saturday night during UTRGV’s match against Langston University at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
Logan Huizar/Pulse

Head coach Travis Bush said he hopes to keep the momentum they’ve built up for the rest of the season.

“Every week’s a new week,” Bush said. “We’re going to have to get ready to play and attack it the same way we have these three weeks.”

Defensive back Elijah Graham added that the mentality that the players have has helped them with their playing skills.

Langston defensive back Tre Odom runs toward UTRGV running back TJ Dement as he runs to UTRGV’s end zone to score a touchdown as a Langston defender closes in.
Logan Huizar/Pulse

According to Graham, “We’re just taught to do our assignment and be tougher…. We do our job and work hard.”

Apart from the win, UTRGV celebrated its tenth anniversary at the game with a surprise fireworks presentation.

UTRGV defensive back Jordan Ford wraps up Langston quarterback Kaid Barrett Saturday night at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
Logan Huizar/Pulse

“Thank you for a decade of support, pride and progress,” was announced after the fireworks.

The university was originally known as the University of Texas Pan-American, before merging with the University of Texas at Brownsville and changing its name in 2015. Since then, UTRGV has seen substantial growth in not only the programs, but also in student enrollment.

This fall semester had the biggest enrollment with a record breaking 35,812 students enrolled.

UTRGV offensive and defensive linemen clash at the snap as the play begins during an early drive, with players from both teams battling in the trenches Saturday night at Vaqueros match against Langston University at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
Logan Huizar/Pulse

Mauricio De Leon, a 2012 alum of UTPA, said the growth of the university has been wonderful to see.

“I think it’s the testament of how much we all care about our community and our students,” De Leon said. “I’ve been really impressed, honestly, with all of the support of the community.”

The next game for the Vaqueros will be against the Texas Wesleyan Rams at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.

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