For Immediate Release: Monday, February 17, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

BRONCS TO HOST REYNOSA BRONCOS

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American baseball team has added a home exhibition game against the Reynosa Broncos of the Mexican League to their 2003 schedule.

The game, originally scheduled to be played at Reynosa, will now be played at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4th.

The game will come at an opportune time for both teams. The Broncs will have just completed a home series against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and will be getting ready for their annual series at Texas A&M. Reynosa will be in spring training in Monterrey, Mexico, and is scheduled to open its 2002 season with at home against the Owls of the Two Laredos Wednesday, March 19th. The Mexican League is in Class AAA, the highest classification in the minor leagues.

"We are extremely honored and pleased to announce the confirmation of an exciting baseball contest between our UTPA Bronc baseball program and the Reynosa Broncos of the Mexican League," said UTPA Director of Athletics William J. Weidner. "This exhibition provides the communities of South Texas and Northern Mexico with a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the ongoing partnership that has developed between the regions. We encourage everyone to attend what promises to be a very special event in the Rio Grande Valley."

"It's very beneficial for both teams, since Reynosa will be in spring training," said the Reynosa General Manager Leonardo Clayton. "We will try to bring the entire roster that will participate in the Mexican League, including the players from the United States that will be on our team."

"This is a good way for people from both sides of the border to come together," said Rolando Chapa, Assistant for the Mexican Consulate in McAllen. "This will be a showcase for the Hispanic community of the Rio Grande Valley, and it's a great way to promote tourism and the economy."

Last year, Reynosa defeated the Broncs, 5-3 on a two-run homer by Rafael Castaneda in the top of the ninth inning before 1604 fans at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium March 15th. Three years ago, Reynosa defeated Texas-Pan American, 6-3, before an overflow crowd of 4746 at Jody Ramsey Stadium.

For ticket information, please call the UTPA Athletic Department at 956-381-2221.

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