Kevynne Aleman
04/26/2023
Photo Courtesy: UTRGV Athletics
UTRGV’S graduate hammer thrower Marlene Gutierrez is having a remarkable season, allowing her to rank No. 1 on the WAC performance list and set a program record with a throw of 61.80 meters.
Gutierrez has been a part of the track and field sport since her senior year of high school in 2018, throwing both shot put and discus. Her college career started at The University of California, Davis where she was able to set program and personal best records.
Although COVID-19 didn’t allow Gutierrez to compete her last year at UC Davis, she was able to gain one year of eligibility which led her to UTRGV’s Track and Field program. She described the open arms the program offered her.
“They offered not only the family kind of welcoming type of support but also the coaching staff and everything was amazing and I was just super drawn to it so I was like I can’t miss out on this opportunity at all”, said Gutierrez
At the Bobcat Invitational, Gutierrez was able to set a new program record for the hammer throw with a distance of 61.80 meters. She talks about what fueled her performance and how she was able to conquer the record.
“Just surrounding myself with good people and having goals that I want little by little throughout the season they’ve progressed and I’ve been able to reach them little by little. So I have new goals that I want to reach and I think that’s been my motivation is to just keep going because once I reach one I want the next one,” said Gutierrez
UTRGV Track and Field’s Assistant coach Cleopatra Borel has had the opportunity to mentor and coach Gutierrez . Over the short year of working with her, Borel talks about the kind of athlete Gutierrez is.
“Marlene is just a joy, an absolute joy. She’s like the perfect athlete. She listens, she’s aware of what she needs. Her ability to communicate with me as a coach is outstanding”, said Borel
The hammer throw star is looking forward to competing in the WAC outdoor championship on May 11-13 in Nachodges, TX.
UTRGV Track and Field will be posting the results on their Instagram page, you can follow them @utrgv_tfxc.
For more information please visit goutrgv.com
This is Kevynne Aleman for Vaquero Radio.
