For Immediate Release: July 12, 2000
Contact: Derek Smolik, UT Pan American SID

UT Pan American Track and Field Announces Signing of Lovie Mathis for 2001 Season

EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American Track and Field program announced on Wednesday the signing of Tucson, Arizona, native Lovie Mathis to a letter of intent for the 2000-01 academic year.

Mathis comes to UTPA from Central Arizona College where she was a national qualifier in track and field.  This past season she took eighth place at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Track and Field Championships in the triple jump.  She has personal bests of 37’ 11” in the triple jump and 18’ 0” in the long jump.  Mathis was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Sorority and was a three-time member of the Dean’s List.

Prior to her time at CAC Mathis was a three-sport athlete at Sahuaro High School in Tucson.  She competed in track, basketball and volleyball for SHS.  Mathis set the school record in the triple jump her senior year with a jump of 37’ 11”.  She was also a three-time all-conference honoree in track and field.  Twice Mathis advanced to the Arizona State Championships, both in the long and triple jumps.  Mathis was equally strong on the basketball court, earning numerous honors for her play on the hardwood.

“Lovie is an outstanding recruit,” said UTPA Track Coach Dan Laufer.  “At Central Arizona, Coach Al Shirley gave her an excellent foundation for us to build.  Lovie's work ethic and intelligence will help her get to the next level. We are excited to bring in such a well-rounded student-athlete.”

Mathis is the eighth signee by the cross-country and track programs so far this spring.  She joins previous track and field signees Rashaad Ben, Valerie Summa, April Hipolito, Angelica Garza, Michael Sperry, Phillip Wilhelmsson and Andrea Cartwright who have already joined the Broncs and Lady Broncs for the 2000-01 season.