Bobby Saenz is our guest this week on the Saddle Up podcast. As an entrepreneur driven by his family and his community, Bobby set out with a Chef as his partner to create something special. He is a huge fan of sports and is now a major sponsor for UTRGV Athletics. Ladies and gentlemen, the Bobby Saenz episode is here... it's dang good!

🎙️🌟 Welcome to another episode of the Saddle Up Podcast, your go-to source for all things UTRGV Athletics! 🌟🎙️ 🏛️ Join us as we sit down with Dr. Guy Bailey, the distinguished President of UTRGV. With a career dedicated to enhancing higher education, Dr. Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership that has profoundly impacted our university community. 🎓📈 🔊 Episode Highlights: 🎤 Dr. Bailey's Leadership Journey: From academia to his presidency at UTRGV. 🏀 Boosting Vaquero Pride: His role in advancing our athletic programs. 📘 Balancing Academics and Athletics: Insights into fostering student success both on and off the field. 📚 New Initiatives: Exciting developments and future plans for UTRGV under his leadership. 🎙️ About Our Guest: Before taking the helm at UTRGV, Dr. Guy Bailey served in notable positions at several universities, contributing to educational excellence and student engagement. His strategic vision continues to steer UTRGV towards new heights, making it a vibrant hub for academic and athletic excellence. 👂 Tune in as Dr. Bailey shares his experiences and plans for fostering an integrated environment where student-athletes thrive. Perfect for students, alumni, and all supporters of the Vaqueros! 👉 Have questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below! Engage with us and let’s celebrate our Vaquero spirit together! 🎉 #UTRGV #SaddleUpPodcast #DrGuyBailey #HigherEducation #Athletics #Leadership #VaquerosUnite #UniversityPresident

Newly named UTRGV Men's Basketball Head Coach, Kahil Fennell, does not have the most conventional path to becoming a Division 1 Head Coach. His journey from copier sales to flying on private charters after beating a Roy Williams-coached University of North Carolina team. Coach Fennell is looking forward to changing the direction of the UTRGV Mball program, it starts now!

Many people might know Gavin Navarro came from Edinburg North High School, attended UTPA briefly, and then went chasing Hollywood. But what you might not know is what fueled him to dream big, the person that loaned him $300 to get to California, and how hard he has fought to stay in 'Tensil town'. His movie, The Long Game, is out now.... but Gavin bet on himself even though it was a 'long shot'... and he is winning.

Barbara Barrera, landed on the UTPA campus as a sophomore tennis player from West Texas... she never left. Find out who designed her conference championship ring, her love for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, why she felt out of place when she first got to Edinburg, and of course a crazy dorm story from co-host G Garza. LFG!!!

UTRGV Football is coming to the Rio Grande Valley in the Fall of 2025. Meet the man tasked with leading the helm and putting that winning tradition together. Travis Bush, joins the Saddle Up Podcast this week to discuss his upbringing, his vision, and what he would tell Gonzalo at halftime if he is having a regrettable first half.

Coach Derek Matlock brings the energy as always this episode! Listen to him tell the story of how he got down the Edinburg, what he loves about the University, and his favorite spot to eat in Edinburg, My Place Mexican Cafe. You don't want to miss this.... also find out why we got to pour beers on him after their game against Grand Canyon University. Saddle Up, lets gooooooo!

Jai Steadman has been around the Vaquero program for years and has been rooted in the community for many more. His journey consists of several stops at major universities and winning championships with professional NBA GLeague RGV Vipers. He talks about his bond with former Head Coach Lew Hill and the impact he played in his life.

A legendary figure from Austin Texas who arguably played for one of the most iconic & influential college basketball teams in NCAA history ---Ray Jackson. Ray joins the show to give love to Matt & G, talk AAU and the state of college basketball, and his favorite spot to eat in his hometown. He gives insight into the school he would have chosen if not for Michigan and what his mission is now within the community.

Gloria Arismendi, one of "The Classics" as they are called, joins the show this week. She was a part of the inaugural team for UTPA Women's Golf in 1993. Listen to her journey, how she knows Gonzalo, and her plans on reuniting the alumni in a golf tournament.