RGC Phenom: Rattlers' freshman ready for state meet

RIO GRANDE CITY - In Starr County, Alex Garza is known as the freshman with the potential to become the best shot putter the Rio Grande Valley has seen.

Not too many outside of Rio Grande City, however, might know Garza. As he prepares for the University of Interscholastic League state track & field meet in Austin this weekend, he competes in the shadow of deep South Texas' best thrower in Stephen Saenz.

Saenz, a senior, has accumulated tons of accolades during his high school career, and this weekend Garza will compete on a big stage to prove he can have a comparable if not better career than his fellow Rattlers thrower.

He may already be far ahead of Saenz. Take for example Garza's state qualifying mark in the Region IV meet last month in San Antonio. He placed second with a throw of 61 feet, 1 1/4 inches. Saenz didn't qualify for state as a freshman and was throwing in the low 50s in his first year of high school.

"He's phenomenal," Rio Grande City wrestling coach Ron Pratt said of his nephew Garza. "I think Stephen has brought him up several levels. He is where Stephen is now, and he is only a freshman."

Pratt introduced Garza, who also competes in the discus, to throwing. When Garza was about 5, Pratt brought his nephew to a meet and entered him in the throwing competitions.

"(Pratt) told me do you want to throw and I was like, ‘OK, sure,'" Garza said. "I came back with a third-place ribbon without ever throwing before. I got excited and started throwing."

Since then Garza has competed all over the country and even in Europe and has found success every step he has taken. After winning the regional championship in the shot last month, Saenz showered Garza with praise.

"I threw 52 as a freshman," Saenz said. "He threw 61, so he's really good."

Despite his success and the places he has competed, Garza admits butterflies will creep up on him this weekend.

"I've been to competitions like that before," Garza said. "I'm not going to be the smallest one there, but I'm going to be the only freshman there. I'm going to be pretty excited and nervous at the same time."

Garza warns not to take his nervousness for a lack of confidence.

"I have a chance to beat (Saenz)," Garza said. "I think I will."

Pratt wouldn't run it past Garza to pull out a win. He said any problems Garza might have in the throwing ring is purely mechanical, but if it all comes together the freshman might return to the Valley with a gold medal.

"If he can't beat (Saenz), he will be darn close to it," Pratt said.

Peter Rasmussen covers high school sports for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.