Valley officials await UIL decision

AUSTIN - Now they wait.

Hidalgo athletic director Albert Guerra spoke Sunday on behalf of the Rio Grande Valley in front of the University Interscholastic League Legislative Council at Crowne Plaza Hotel.

His purpose was simple. And it was a purpose shared by about 20 other Valley athletic directors, civic leaders and school board members in Austin.

They just want a little equality, they say.

Guerra made a proposal to the legislative council asking that Region IV post-season tournaments be put on a rotation basis and include the Valley.

Guerra was one of three speakers along with McAllen businesswoman Val Peisen and Rio Grande City Superintendent of Schools Roel Gonzalez.

Each spoke emphatically about the Valley's concern for equality in athletic and academic competitions.

But each also knows that this was only the initial step in a very long process.

"I got a real good feeling," Guerra said after the presentation. "I think this is gonna happen sooner than later based on what was said here today. The next UIL realignment is in 2010 and I think we'll have an answer way before that."

The Valley's concern for bringing regional tournaments here is one that's been around for years.

But in September, McAllen school board member Conrado Alvarado asked business and civic leaders for help in addressing the issue again. That's what led to the formation of the delegation and the trip to Austin.

"I know that several athletic directors (Joe Rodriguez, Poppy Rodriguez and Richard Thomson) had been making this case before," Alvarado said. "I just called people from the (school) board, Val (Peisen) and other leaders to step in and help."

A little more than a month later, the group gathered in Austin to make its presentation and Alvarado said he looks forward to a decision by the UIL.

"We did this in six weeks," Alvarado said. "If they won't listen to us we'll go to our state representatives. This is step one. Now we just wait."

The legislative council can't actually make a decision on the matter.

It's something the UIL administration will have to rule on or it can form a committee or task force to look into the issue.

"It's simple," McAllen schools superintendent and legislative council member Yolanda Chapa said. "We just want to be part of a rotation. All this was is a matter of ‘consider us.'"

The Valley delegation has made its argument and while they wait, Guerra said they'll continue making noise.

"I believe there was a sense of resiliency and persistence demonstrated today," Guerra said. "And we'll be like that until the UIL grants us that opportunity."

Eladio Jaimez is a sportswriter for RGVSports.com. He can be reached at eladioj@valleystar.com.