The view from the first-ever UTRGV football game Aug. 30 at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg. Sebastian Espino/Vaquero radio
In their inaugural season, the UTRGV Vaqueros football team faced the challenges of building a team from scratch, learning to play together and earning respect on the field.
With a strong start to the season and an upcoming game against East Texas A&M Saturday, the players are aiming to prove that even a brand-new program can make a lasting impact.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Tyler Day said the season has been better than what he expected it was going to be.
“I think whenever I got in the portal and coach [Brian] Gamble called me and just told me about the vision of the first-year program and, you know, the culture of what they’ve already said and what they’re looking forward to do, I think it’s nothing but a blessing,” Day said.
Day said a memorable moment he will cherish is the fake punt touchdown he scored against Langston University Sept. 13.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Marcus Heard Jr. said being on the team is a lot of responsibility and he doesn’t take it lightly.
Heard said he makes sure he prepares properly before every game and practice.
“Make sure I’m stretching, being treated, extra treatment necessary. I think as the season goes on, you really, like, your body, like, taking care of your body, it’s like, it’s a premium to make sure you in the right way,” he said.
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Xayvion Noland said the locker room energy is also brought on to the field, adding having a lot of players with different cultures and backgrounds helps everyone connect and create a bond.
Noland said wearing the UTRGV logo means keeping a certain standard.
“We have a lot of stuff to prove here in the Valley, to ourselves, to the community. So, wearing UTRGV on our jerseys, it means a lot. It means that the community can trust on us and we’ll go out there and put our best foot forward,” he said.
The Vaqueros will face the East Texas A&M Lions for their last game of the season at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.
