With the recent merging of UTB and UTPA, becoming The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, college football is closer than it has ever been to being a possibility in The Rio Grande Valley. A football feasibility study is currently taking place with Athletic Director Chris King and the likes of Mack Brown and Oliver Luck. Here is my vision for the future.
"The Rio Grande is in my veins" -George Strait
The Rio Grande Valley or "The Valley" as it's more commonly referred, sits at the very bottom of the United States and of course, Texas. (You can literally see Mexico from the Brownsville campus.) With a hispanic student population of around 90% the country that we share our border with is hugely influential in both The Valley and the university itself. Although there was initial backlash when Vaqueros (spanish for "cowboys") was announced as the school nickname, I chose to embrace it.
The Rio Grande Valley or "The Valley" as it's more commonly referred, sits at the very bottom of the United States and of course, Texas. (You can literally see Mexico from the Brownsville campus.) With a hispanic student population of around 90% the country that we share our border with is hugely influential in both The Valley and the university itself. Although there was initial backlash when Vaqueros (spanish for "cowboys") was announced as the school nickname, I chose to embrace it.
“Our brother from another mother. A country, with whom, like it or not, we are inexorably, deeply involved, in a close but often uncomfortable embrace.” -Anthony Bourdain.
As a latino who has grown up in The Valley, I've seen first hand how much influence Mexico has on the region. Myself, and many like me, have grandparents who came from Mexico, many who still live there. You won't find a more dedicated, harder-working people. These values are perfect way to build a football program. The Zarape (or Serape) is a shawl or blanket, often worn by vaqueros and it is a strong yet versatile symbol that I chose to highlight in the uniform.
The Valley has the most passionate football fans in the world. Despite only 1 state title in its history, the pride has never lacked. Whether fans are hugging their neighbor during a cross town rivalry game, or hi-fiving a stranger from the other side of The Valley during a playoff game, the PRIDE of Valley football is always there. Year after year, fans travel hours and hundreds of miles to support Valley football, and they are LOUD. I had that in mind when creating these uniforms. I hope if one day college football exists in The Valley, this would be a visual identity that would invoke pride and something people of The RGV would truly embrace.
Away Uniform
Home Uniform
Lockers with Home, Away, and Alternate jerseys on display.
Home Fan Replica Jersey
