Bronc Athletic Foundation Raises $32,300 for UT Pan American Athletics

EDINBURG -- The University of Texas-Pan American Athletic Department announced on Thursday afternoon that the Bronc Athletic Foundation had raised $32,300 over a two-week period in the Spring Bronc Athletic Foundation Volunteer Fund Drive.

BAF President Bernie Saenz presented Athletic Director William Weidner with a check for the amount at a BAF luncheon at the Creamery Restaurant in Edinburg.  Saenz said that this will be the start of a more concerted effort on the part of the BAF to raise money to assist the athletic department.

"It's always encouraging to see members of the community come together to support Bronc Athletics," said Saenz.  "We're glad to see that the enthusiasm for Bronc Athletics is back in the Valley.  We're going to have another fund raiser for the Athletic Department in September and we welcome anyone who might be interested in assisting with this drive to contact the UTPA Athletic Department at 381-2221."

The luncheon also honored Rosie Rivera, who raised the highest amount for the drive, and Dr. Ben Garza, who was the Fund Drive Chairman.  Ruiz's team, captained by Dr. Mike Sweeney, also raised the highest amount among the teams in the drive.  For their efforts Rivera and Sweeney will be able to travel with a Bronc Athletic Team on a road trip during the 1999-2000 season.

Weidner was pleased with the success of the drive saying, "On behalf of all the student-athletes and staff members, I want to express our extreme gratitude and sincere appreciation for the time and effort put in by the Bronc Athletic Foundation members during our initial volunteer fund drive.  We believe that the BAF will continue to grow in membership and serve as a viable support system for our athletic program.  With the support of the BAF, I am confident that we will develop an athletic program that everyone can be proud of."