The University of Texas at Brownsville Ocelots Athletics - News

[Women's Golf] Quiroz-Banks signs to play golf for UTB

Iran Perez — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:10:00 -0600

SAN ANTONIO - The University of Texas at Brownsville women's golf team has signed their first high school recruit for the 2013-2014 season.

Zoe Quiroz-Banks signed the dotted line of her NAIA letter of intent in front of family, teammates, friends, and coaches this afternoon on her home campus, William J. Brennan High School.

"Zoe will have a great impact on our team from the start. She is very strong minded and determined." UTB head coach Anthony Lopez said. "Her grades are excellent and has a great ambition to contribute to our golf team while earning an education. I can't wait to see how much she develops."

Quiroz-Banks, an honor roll student with a 3.85 GPA, has steadily improved since her first year of varsity golf three years ago.

As a sophomore she earned a 28-4A third place finish in the district tournament and was a first team all-district pick during her junior and senior campaign. As a senior she won her district golf tournament by a total of 18 strokes and currently is ranked No. 20 in the region.

"She is our first player to have the opportunity to play college golf and it feels awesome." Brennan head golf coach Abel Garza said. "I think she will rise up and play well at UTB."

Brennan High School, a fairly new campus, is in its third year of operation with the Northside Independent School District.

"I decided to attend the University of Texas at Brownsville because it has good academics and a strong women's golf program." Quiroz-Banks said. "Coach Lopez has really been great at helping me make the transition to college golf, and I'm really looking forward to improving my game a lot this year. I really think that UTB is going to be a great fit for me."

The UTB women's golf team just missed qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament this past season finishing second in the Red River Athletic Conference Championships. The winner of the RRAC Championships receives an automatic bid to nationals.

[Soccer] Youth Soccer Camps dates announced

Iran Perez — Thu, 09 May 2013 23:20:00 -0600

BROWNSVILLE - The University of Texas at Brownsville soccer program has announced their dates and times for their summer soccer youth camps.

The youth soccer camps run from Monday through Thursday, June 17-20, at the UTB Soccer Field.

The camp is open to children between the ages of 4 and 17.

The camps will be led by UTB head men's soccer coach Dan Balaguero and head women's soccer coach Nik Barjaktarevic.

Sessions for the Junior and Elite camps will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. each day, while sessions for the Mini camp are from 9-10:30 a.m. Check-in on the first camp day Monday, June 11 will be held at 8:30 a.m. Walk-in registration is also welcome at 8:30 a.m.

The cost includes a Camp T-shirt and an early bird discount of $10 if paid by May 14. Teams interested in a team discount may contact Balaguero or Barjaktarevic.

The age groups and prices for camps include:

•Mini: 4-7 years old $70

•Junior: 8-13 years old $110

•Elite: 14-17 years old $110

For more information, or to register for the camp, click here.

To view the summer soccer camp brochure, click here.

The UTB Soccer Field is located at 2600 Ringgold St., and continue driving under the U.S. 77-83 Expressway underpass. For directions, click here.

The program will provide recreational players a total instructional program with fun and exercise and learn from some of the best in the area. The camps will help participants gain new skills and make new friends.

For the more serious soccer player, the experienced staff of college coaches and collegiate student-athletes will enhance your training, providing feedback on how you can take your game to the next level. Daily training sessions will provide players chances to develop technical skills and tactical play.

For more information, call Balaguero at 956-882-7386 or by email at daniel.balaguero@utb.edu or Barjaktarevic at 956-882-7385 or by email at nikola.barjaktarevic@utb.edu.

[UTB Athletic Teams] Athletic Department graduates ten student/athletes

Iran Perez — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:45:00 -0600

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College 2013 Spring Commencement

[Men's Soccer] Men's Soccer signs Rico out of St. Joseph Academy

Iran Perez — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:35:00 -0600

BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas at Brownsville men's soccer team inked another local netter, this time St. Joseph Academy's Gilberto "Beto" Rico.

Rico, a forward/midfielder, is the fourth Brownsville soccer player to sign to play for UTB in just six weeks. He was a member of the Bloodhound varsity squad for three years and was a first team all-district selection this past season.

"Beto is a physically gifted attacking player. He is quick and good in the air. He as the ability to play centrally, up top, or out wide." UTB head coach Dan Balaguero said. "He is a disciplined student-athlete who is well respected in the Rio Grande Valley soccer community. "

Aside from being an all-district selection and second team all-metro this season he was also an all-state pick as a junior. SJA competes in TAAPS, which is the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.

"I've always though about playing soccer in college." Rico said. "UTB is offering me the opportunity to play with them and this provides me with a place where I can continue my studies and at the same time allows me to continue playing the sport that I love."

Rico was his team's leading scorer last season finding the net eight times in only nine games on their way to the TAPPS State Quarterfinal round.

"Beto is very dedicated and responsible. He is a great athlete and can be used in different positions." St. Joseph head soccer coach Juan Gamboa said. "He is a great addition for UTB and will bring in a lot of energy."

[Men's Golf] South's Kitten signs to play golf in Brownsville

Iran Perez — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:30:00 -0600

HARLINGEN - The University of Texas at Brownsville men's golf team has their first high school signee.

Head coach Anthony Lopez has signed Harlingen South senior Justin Kitten to play in Brownsville starting in the fall.

"I first took note of Justin last year when I kept seeing his name popping up on tournament leader boards. He is a strong golfer who has the potential of impacting our team immediately. He makes a good amount of birdies and plays aggressive which can lead to low scores." Lopez said. "In addition to his golfing abilities he is a very well mannered young man who will work hard for our team and I'm excited to have him on board with us."

Kitten was a four-year first team all-district selection at South for coach Larry Kruse.

[Cross Country] Cross Country second round of open tryouts changed to May 19

Iran Perez — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:40:00 -0600

BROWNSVILLE - Head Coach Dan Balaguero has announced that a second and final round of tryouts for the University of Texas at Brownsville new cross-country team has changed to Sunday, May 19th.

The tryouts are open to all high school and current college students.

Female athletes will be running a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) course while male athletes will run an eight-kilometer (4.97 mile) course.

Cross Country at UTB will begin this fall.

Women will begin tryouts at 8 a.m. and men will follow at 9 a.m. All runners need to arrive 45 minutes early to complete waivers and to warm up. Bring adequate running gear, racing flats/running shoes.

Registration will be held at the UTB REK.

It is important that if you are currently part of a cross-country collegiate program you will need to be released by the tryout date.

All high school athletes are also encouraged to tryout.

If you are anyone you know want further details about the tryouts please contact Balaguero at (956) 882-7386 or Athletic Director Todd Lowery at (956) 882-8912.

[Women's Soccer] Women's Soccer re-signs Weslaco's Stefany Strickland; two others

Iran Perez — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:40:00 -0600

BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas at Brownsville women's soccer team announced today the addition of three more players for next season.

Stefany Strickland, Shay Sade, and Jessica De Lima all signed their NAIA letters of intent to begin play in the fall.

Strickland, a Weslaco High School graduate, is no stranger to UTB. She was initially signed to play in Brownsville for the 2010 season and played in 11 games before leaving the team at the end of that season.

"Stefany is one of the players that has the potential to become a very important player for our team, we saw this in 2010 when we initially recruited her to come to UTB and we are glad that she is returning after a two year break, with new focus, desire and determination to make a difference this time." UTB head coach Nik Barjaktarevic said. "She still possesses intense, natural defensive mentality, is a ball winner as well as big presence in the back, and working hard to regain her timing and adjust to the speed of play of the college game."

Sade, a transfer from Youngstown State University (NCAA Division I), is from Hasharon, Israel and and was on the Israeli U19 National Team. Last season at YSU she started in 12 games and scored 3 goals as a defender.

"Shay is someone we strongly believe will be a major component of our success next season and brings experience both at college level at YSU and international competition playing for Israeli National Team." Barjaktarevic said. "She is a smart defender with great vision and knowledge of the game, both vocal and physical presence that can organize and lead from the back."

De Lima, a transfer from Western Texas College, is from Belo Horizonte, Brazil and was a teammate of current UTB forward Nelleke Smits at WTC. She was also on the Dean's List and a Phi Theta Kappa honor society while at WTC.

"With Jessica's addition to our offensive line we really hope to have someone to create, make quality final passes and be immediate threat to the goal." Barjaktarevic said. "Jessica can play both centrally and wide in the midfield, has fantastic touch, vision and natural South American flair."

The signing also served as a press conference with Barjaktarevic, assistant coach Juan De Dios Garcia, goalkeeper Amanda Fulton, and defender Monica Mendes. The gathered media and crowd asked questions about last season, off-season spring workouts, and about the upcoming 2013 season.

[UTB Athletic Teams] UTB Ocelots t-shirts unveiled, go on sale today.

Iran Perez — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:35:00 -0600

New Season. New Team. New Identity.

Celebrate alongside the University of Texas at Brownsville athletic department with new Ocelots t-shirts now available.

Show your spirit by buying one now for only $10.

T-shirts are currently available in burnt orange and grey.

To purchase a t-shirt come by room 203 in the Manuel Garza B. Gymnasium or call (956) 882-7867.

[Men's Soccer] Men's Soccer announces open tryouts

Iran Perez — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:45:00 -0600

BROWNSVILLE – The University of Texas at Brownsville men's soccer program has announced the date of their 2013 open tryout session.

The tryout will take place Saturday, May 25th at the UTB soccer field located on 2600 Ringgold St. from 9 a.m – 11:00 a.m.

Tryouts are open to all high school juniors and seniors, high school graduates, current UTB and TSC students and transfer students. Tryouts are free of charge.

Head Coach Dan Balaguero will be on hand to scout local talent for the upcoming season. All wishing to tryout must provide the following:

-Playing gear

-Soccer cleats

-Shin guards

Balaguero is entering his seventh season as head coach at UTB. The five-time Red River Athletic Conference coach of the year has led the men's team to four conference championships.

The 2012 soccer team put two players on the NAIA All-American team and three on the RRAC All-Conference team.

They finished the season with an overall record of 9-6-3. Their biggest wins of last season came against the No. 2 team in the country, Baker University (2-0), on September 2nd and versus the defending RRAC Champions, Huston Tillotson (3-2), in double overtime on October 11th.

For more information you can contact Coach Balaguero at daniel.balaguero@utb.edu or at (956) 882-7386.

[Men's Golf] Men�s Golf finishes season

Iran Perez — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:35:00 -0600

HOUSTON - The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College men's golf team played in their final event of the season this week.

The Red River Athletic Championship was held at the Cypresswood Golf Club which featured six teams from the RRAC.

UTB/TSC finished in fifth place with overall scores of 310-299-298-907.

The overall team leader and RRAC Champion St. Thomas University carded an 870 for the three-round two-day event.

Gage Murphy (T13) led the way for UTB/TSC with a final score of 224.

Marcus Cavazos (T16) shot a 226. Alberto Castillo (21) posted a score of 239 and shot a round three score of 73, the lowest for UTB/TSC in this tournament. Eric Cavazos (22) and Saad Milan (T23) rounded out the scoring with 233 and 235 respectively.

Joss Gosling from Northwood University (TX) won the event with a third round score of 69 and a two-day total of 211.

"Overall, I was pleased to see different people contribute. Albert stepped up today and shot a seventy-three and Eric a seventy-four." UTB/TSC head coach Anthony Lopez said. "I could tell as a team they never gave up at all. We still didn't play as good as we wanted overall for the tournament but I'm proud of the guys and can't wait to get back at it next year."

[Men's Soccer] Men's Soccer signs Hanna duo

Iran Perez — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0600

BROWNSVILLE - Men's soccer head coach Dan Balaguero and The University of Texas at Brownsville squad have made some big moves to add firepower to their already stellar squad.

Two moves to be exact.

Hanna High School seniors Carlos Acevedo and Juan Garcia, two of the biggest recruits in Texas, signed their NAIA letters of intent to play soccer at UTB next fall.

Acevedo and Garcia played a huge part in Hanna's run through the high school state playoffs last season that saw them reach the state championship game and on the way beat the No. 2 team in the nation, Alief Elsik, in the state semifinal round. The best finish ever by a boy's soccer team at Hanna.

They will both join teammate Daniel Olivares who also signed to play with UTB in the fall back in March.

"Its two huge gets for UTB Soccer, both of these athletes could have written their own tickets at a variety of programs. I know we have just signed two of the best high school players in the great soccer state of Texas." Balaguero said. "When you parlay that with their academic abilities, attitudes and personalities we have the perfect student-athletes. They are both great team guys and without putting too much pressure on them, I believe they will both come in and push for starting positions right away."

Acevedo, a forward/midfielder, has been on the varsity squad since his freshman year and is a member of the 2013 UIL State Soccer All-Tournament Team. This past season he scored an astonishing 47 goals.

"Carlos is a top quality player. He has everything you look for in an attacker. He has a clean strike of the ball with both feet and can score every type of goal such as headers, penalty kicks, and one on one situation. He has the ability to lead the line or play in behind as an attacking midfielder or as a wide midfielder. He also has great speed and very clever on the ball."

Garcia, a midfielder, is also a member of the 2013 UIL State Soccer All-Tournament Team alongside Acevedo.

Acevedo and Garcia accounted for all three of Hanna's goals at the 5A state tournament with Acevedo scoring three and Garcia assisting on two goals. The duo should be highly decorated when the all-district and all-state teams are announced later this month.

"Juan will fit in right away to our style of play. He is very comfortable on the ball and always wants it. He was a guy I liked right away and knew we had to get him." Balaguero said. "He is a tireless worker who causes teams huge problems when he is on the ball and works so hard to win it back on defense when he is off it."

[Men's Golf] Men's Golf off to a slow start at RRAC Championships

Iran Perez — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:00:00 -0600

HOUSTON- The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College men's golf team sits in fifth place after day one of the Red River Athletic Conference Championships hosted by the University of St. Thomas.

UTB/TSC earned team scores of 310-299-609 through two rounds played on Monday's six-team field.

"Today didn't go the way we had planned. We were ready but just didn't get off to a good start and never really got any momentum." UTB/TSC head coach Anthony Lopez said.

Marcus Cavazos leads UTB/TSC with scores of 75-73.

Gage Murphy posted scores of 75-74 in the first two rounds of play.

Marcus Cavazos ended the day with scores of 75-73. Alberto Castillo carded 83-75 and Saad Milan rounded it out with 81-78.

The St. Thomas University Celts finished off Monday with leading scores of 287-293-580.

There is a four way tie at the top of the standings between the Celts Sean Kennedy, Richard Le, Our Lady of the Lake Aaron Flores and Northwood's (TX) Joss Gosling. Each played matching rounds of 70-72.

UTB/TSC continues play on Tuesday, the final day of the tournament.

[Men's Golf] Men's Golf ready for RRAC Championships

Iran Perez — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:15:00 -0600

WEATHER

[Volleyball] Women�s Volleyball donates toys to Sunny Glen youth

Iran Perez — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:45:00 -0600

SAN BENITO - The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College volleyball team delivered new toys to Sunny Glen Children's Home on Friday afternoon that were raised during their 'Christmas in April' toy drive that ran from April 1st-April 25th on the campus of UTB/TSC.

The visit was part of the Champions of Character initiative that the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics promotes for all their athletic programs.

The Champions of Character program capitalizes on the NAIA's reputation for top-flight athletics, superior academics and outstanding personal integrity of its athletes to promote character and sportsmanship through athletics.

Sunny Glen Children's Home, a non-profit organization, is the Rio Grande Valley's home for forgotten children. They provide residential care services to children who have no place to turn. For over seventy years, they have provided neglected and forgotten Valley children with warm beds, good food, and educational opportunities.

The volleyball team received a tour of the facility by Sunny Glen personnel and were showed some of the ins and outs of the children's daily living. They were then led to the Joyce "Kimbro" Aycock Learning Center where the volleyball team distributed the toys and interacted with the children.

[UTB Athletic Teams] Athletic Department honors Student-Athletes at Awards Banquet

Iran Perez — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:55:00 -0600

Photo Gallery 1 Photo Gallery 2

BROWNSVILLE - The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College athletic department held their annual athletic banquet last night at the Grand Salon on the campus of UTB/TSC.

Over sixty athletes showed up to the event as well was coaches, and office staff.

Athletic Director Todd Lowery welcomed those in attendance by thanking everyone that has worked really hard in making the 2012-2013 season a success.

In 2012, the women's volleyball team was the Red River Athletic Conference regular season champions, RRAC Tournament champions, had a Final Four appearance at the NAIA National Tournament and ended with an overall record of 30-2.

The women's soccer squad also won both the RRAC regular season trophy as well as the tournament championship. They reached the Elite 8 round of the NAIA National Tournament; the best in program's history and ended with an overall record of 16-4-1.

The men's soccer team reached the quarterfinal round of the RRAC conference tournament and on September 2, 2012 beat the No. 2 team in the country, Baker University. They finished with an overall record of 9-6-3.

The women's golf team earned a second place finish at the UTB Women's Fall Shootout in the fall and was also runner-up at the RRAC Championships. The men's and women's golf programs had a total of thirteen individual top ten finishes during the season.

The athletes were treated to dinner and entertained by a year in review photo and video collage presented toward the end of the ceremony.

Some awards that were handed out were as follow:

Volleyball:

Lauren Berletch, 2012 NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award

Katarina Bursac, RRAC Freshman of the Year

Paula Barros, RRAC Defensive Specialist of the Year

Michelle Marques, All-Conference 1st team & NAIA All-American Honorable Mention

Ana Guerra, All-Conference 1st team & NAIA 2nd Team All-American

Vanja Joksic, All-Conference 1st team; RRAC Front Row Player of the Year; and

NAIA 1st Team All-American

Danica Markovic, 2012 NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award; RRAC 1st team; RRAC Player of the Year; 2012 NAIA 1st team All-American

Women's Soccer:

Nicole Heer, 2012 RRAC All-Conference Team

Amanda Fulton, Scorpion Award-Team Award

Nelleke Smits, 2012 RRAC All-Tournament Team & Golden Boot/Top Scorer-Team Award

Monica Mendes, RRAC All Tournament Team & 2012 NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award

Isadora Freitas, RRAC All-Tournament Team & NAIA All-American Honorable Mention

Men's Soccer:

Jose Galvan, 2012 NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award

Leonardo Medeiros, 2012 RRAC All-Conference Team

Ricardo Diegues, RRAC All-Conference Team & RRAC Offensive Player of the Year

Golf:

Men's Team

Gage Murphy, Newcomer of the Year-Team Award

Marcus Cavazos , Dedication Award-Team Award

Jeff Hoover, Dedication Award-Team Award

Women's Team

Alainey Muro, Lowest Scoring Average-Team Award

Angela Zepeda, Newcomer of the Year-Team Award

Christian Lira, Dedication Award-Team Award

(Team Awards are given by their respective coaching staff)