What's Happening?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, Shareese Hicks, has announced the hiring of Marco Guajardo as an assistant coach for the Vaqueros. Guajardo, a former UTRGV jumper, will specialize in and coach the jumps
and multis. Prior to this role, Guajardo spent two seasons at UIW as an assistant coach and graduate assistant, where he managed horizontal jumps and assisted with multis, hurdles, sprints, pole vault, and throws. His responsibilities included organizing practice agendas, providing individual athlete support, and aiding in recruiting efforts. Before his time at UIW, Guajardo worked in youth track and field and athletic development, including building a performance facility for young athletes at Premier Athletics and coaching the South Texas Speed track and field team. He also coached TAAF state-qualifying athletes in long jump and triple jump techniques for the City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation.
Why It's Important?
This appointment is significant for UTRGV's track and field program as it brings back an alumnus with a deep understanding of the institution and the local community. Guajardo's experience as a former UTRGV athlete, coupled with his coaching background at UIW and in youth development, is expected to strengthen the Vaqueros' jumps and multis program. His connection to the Rio Grande Valley and his passion for helping athletes succeed are highlighted as key assets. The move underscores a strategy to leverage former successful athletes to mentor and develop current and future talent, potentially enhancing the program's competitive edge in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and beyond. This could lead to improved athlete performance and recruitment, fostering a stronger track and field presence for UTRGV.
What's Next?
Marco Guajardo will immediately begin his role, focusing on coaching the jumps and multis groups for the UTRGV Vaqueros. His immediate tasks will likely involve integrating into the existing coaching staff, assessing the current athletes, and implementing his coaching methodologies. The program will look to build on his expertise to develop athletes for upcoming competitions, including the WAC Championships. His experience in recruiting suggests he will also play a role in attracting new talent to UTRGV. The university and its athletic department will be observing the impact of his coaching on athlete performance and the overall success of the track and field program in the coming seasons.
Beyond the Headlines
Guajardo's return to UTRGV as a coach represents a broader trend in collegiate athletics where institutions often bring back successful alumni to foster a strong sense of tradition and continuity. This practice can create a powerful mentorship dynamic, as former athletes can share firsthand experiences and insights with current student-athletes. Beyond the immediate athletic benefits, such appointments can also strengthen community ties, particularly in regions like the Rio Grande Valley where local connections are highly valued. Guajardo's background in youth athletic development also suggests a potential for UTRGV to further engage with local youth sports programs, creating a pipeline for future talent and promoting track and field within the community.
