Hanna runner signs to compete for UTA

There's still a lot of track competition ahead in Kevin Vasquez's future.

The 2009 Hanna graduate made sure of that by signing an athletic scholarship agreement with the University of Texas at Arlington on Friday afternoon during an on-campus ceremony.

"It's exciting to know that my running career is not over and that I can continue to run at the college level," said Vasquez, who won the 1,600 meters at last month's District 32-5A Meet and placed seventh at the Region IV-5A Meet in San Antonio with a personal-best time of 4 minutes, 23 seconds. "This is an important step for me because I'm going to further my education, and also because I can continue doing the sport that I love."

Vasquez competed four years in cross country and track for the Golden Eagles. He played basketball three years. Last fall, he was the individual champion at the 32-5A cross country meet. He helped the Hanna boys capture the 32-5A team championship for the third straight year.

The Hanna standout, who is undecided on a major at this point, said he will run the 800 and 1,500 meters in track for the Mavericks along with participation in cross country. UTA competes in the Southland Conference.

Friday marked the second consecutive track season for a Hanna runner to sign with an NCAA Division I school. Ex-Hanna standout and 2008 graduate Brandon Broden, a distance runner, signed with the University of Houston last spring.

It was an especially proud day for Jaime and Belinda Vasquez, Kevin's parents. Jaime Vasquez coaches cross country and track at Hanna.

"This is another great blessing from God, definitely," Jaime Vasquez said. "Kevin's hard work is paying off. We're just looking forward to seeing what he can do now on the Division I level. We're excited for that. This is not by any means the finish, it's only the start of something new.

"Kevin is very dedicated to the sport of running cross country and track," the Hanna coach added. "He has a passion for running, a passion for competing, and definitely a passion for winning. That's what has kept him going. If he continues to do that, I think he'll do well at UTA."

Added Belinda Vasquez, "I'm very proud of Kevin and his accomplishments - not only his athletic ability, but how he is as a whole person in general. Kevin has always met challenges. He's very competitive, and I'm very proud of him."

Roy Hess writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com.