Saddle Up Podcast

Dr. Guy Bailey, UTRGV President, and his lovely wife, Val Lamantia, join the show this week. We recorded a rare in person interview at the Robert & Janet Vackar Football Stadium and we talked about his journey, his vision, and welcoming back all alumni looking for a home.

This week we revisit our in-person interview with Lane Lord, the head coach of UTRGV Women’s Basketball and one of the most respected program-builders in the game. Before taking over in the Valley in 2018, Lord turned Pittsburg State into a perennial contender—seven 20-win seasons in 11 years, multiple NCAA tournament runs, and a 2017 MIAA regular-season title—earning five MIAA Coach of the Year h...

With basketball season around the corner, we’re rewinding one of our favorites:  Kahil Fennell . In this revisited episode, Kahil dives into culture-building, player development, and the mindset it takes to compete when the lights get bright. We revisit his story, his coaching philosophies, and the habits that translate from practice to game day—perfect fuel as hoops season tips off. What You’ll H...

Maria Ben Earlingsdottir joins the show from Iceland! A standout basketball player for the women's team, she talks about the struggles she faced playing during her time on campus and the special relationship she shares with Bianca Torres.

This week’s guest is Miguel Marquez, Saddle Up Podcast's very 1st, 'Saddle Up Stan"— is a Nikki Rowe HS alum, UTPA graduate, and Nurse Practitioner based in McAllen. Miguel joins G and Matt for a fast-moving, laugh-filled episode that delivers a Saddle Up first: a live gender reveal for his and his wife’s second child. Miguel shares stories from growing up in the RGV to building a car...

In this episode of Saddle Up, we spotlight Isaac Lopez, a standout graduate student for the UTRGV Vaqueros baseball team and a proud Vela High School alum from Edinburg. Isaac has consistently impressed this season, earning recognition as a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which honors the top shortstops in the nation. UTRGV AthleticsFrom the stat sheet to the spotlight:Isaac is ranked 6...

In this episode of  Saddle Up , we welcome  Isela “Sel” Gomez , UTRGV alumna and the  first full‑time Head Coach of the UTRGV Spirit Program , to share her inspiring vision and journey building spirit, dance, cheer, and mascot excellence at the university. Isela returned home to the Valley to lead UTRGV’s expanded Spirit Program, overseeing cheer, dance, and mascot teams and helping bring new trad...

A Dallas native and one of a handful of athletes who competed all four years of eligibility for the University, Lesley Varner II shares his story, from his first bucket to his current role as a professional basketball player in Greece.

Discover the inspiring story of celebrity chef Arturo Ramon, a Brownsville native featured on some of the nation’s top cooking shows. In this episode, Arturo shares how he launched his culinary career, his vision for future food projects, and his powerful experience feeding tens of thousands of people during the Kerrville flood relief effort. Perfect for fans of Texas cooking, food culture, and ch...

Matt Hall is no Deion Sanders, but he is one of the only 2 sport athletes at the University of Texas-Pan American. The Houston native shares his story of being recruited and some of his favorite memories in Edinburg.

One of the best players to ever play basketball in La Joya, behind Juan Muniz and Adan Montalvo. Eric Montalvo has always played passion and extreme confidence! Listen to his story and how he is passing that knowledge to RGV youth with his academy!

This week Matt & G take a moment to clear up some misconceptions surrounding being a guest on the show. They also talk about leaving a legacy at UTRGV.

This is the man they call, 'Cool'?! JeRon Allen joins the show this week and his legacy is forever forged on the campus of UTRGV. Learn about how his path got him to Edinburg and how his heart now and his love for the RGV remains with the community.

One of the most beloved and grittiest basketball players to ever play in the Field House, Julie Shakin, joins the show this week! She is a HOF'r in our book and one of the coolest and most down to earth people to ever walk the covered walk-ways. LFG!

This week we have one of the best attorneys in the Rio Grande Valley. Leah Wise is a force! Whether she is fighting for her clients, sharing on social media or designing a fashion line, Leah gets it done! Check her out now!

Kenny Gardner, professional basketball referee and actor, joins the show this week. He talks about growing up playing for Coach G, his one moment he would go back in time for, and how Spike Lee curved him at lunch! This is an episode you don't want to miss.

Head Football Coach and Brownsville City Commissioner, Tino Villareal, joins the show this week.

Season 5 starts now!!! Former UTPA Basketball Alumni, Art Ormond, joins the show this week to talk about his time playing for AND coaching the Broncs! It's a trip down the covered walk-way for sure!!! LFG!

This week G and Matt review the 100 previous episodes and start a new game. Check it out.

In this episode, we sit down with Millicent Olivarez, the vibrant lifestyle host of KRGV Channel 5’s Take 5, a daily program that highlights the people, businesses, and culture of the Rio Grande Valley. With a background in reporting and a passion for storytelling, Millicent brings a fresh perspective to local television.​From exploring unique coffee shops to embarking on paranormal investigations...

Did you know that UTRGV has 4X National Championship team? That's right, 4X National Championship Coach, Bartek Macieja, who is the Chess Grand Master for UTRGV joins the show this week to talk about how he got to Brownsville from Poland and his passion for the game of chess! Your move... LFG!

Kris Gardner, a professional comedian & actor joins the show this week! His history with being coached by Coach G comes up along with his NFL dreams while working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Find out what he is doing now and how you can find him on tour.

Join us as we honor  Naima Williams , a distinguished forward who made significant contributions to the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Women's Basketball team from 1999 to 2003. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Naima's athleticism and dedication left an indelible mark on the program.​

In this episode, we sit down with Clay Martin, a man who seamlessly navigates between two demanding roles in the world of sports. Currently serving as the Athletic Director at Jenks Public Schools in Oklahoma, Clay also holds the esteemed position of an NFL referee, wearing uniform number 19.​Career Highlights:Educational and Coaching Background: Clay's journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where...

In this episode of The Saddle Up Podcast, we sit down with Kris Clack, an Austin, Texas native whose basketball journey has left an indelible mark on the sport. Emerging from Anderson High School, Kris became the first Austinite to be selected for the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game in 1995, sharing the court with future NBA stars like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. ​