This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Shareese Hicks, Head Coach of the UTRGV Track & Field and Cross-Country programs, for a conversation about leadership, competition, student-athlete development, and building a championship culture in the Rio Grande Valley.Coach Hicks brings an accomplished background to UTRGV as both a coach and former professional athlete. Before arriving in the Valley, she served as an assistant coach at Memphis, where she worked with the Tigers’ sprinters and hurdlers. She previously spent five seasons as the head track and field coach at Neosho County Community College, producing 20 NJCAA national qualifiers and three All-Americans.Her own career on the track was equally impressive. Hicks was a four-time All-American at Charlotte, won nine individual conference championships, contributed to five conference relay titles, and recorded 17 all-conference performances. She later competed professionally, becoming a 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials finalist in the 400-meter dash and earning medals at the USA Indoor Championships, World Indoor Championships, NACAC Championships, and Pan American Games.In this episode, Coach Hicks discusses the mindset required to compete at an elite level, the transition from athlete to coach, and the responsibility of developing young men and women academically, athletically, and personally. The conversation also explores recruiting, building trust across multiple event groups, creating accountability within a large program, and what it takes to establish UTRGV as a consistent championship contender.Beyond times, distances, and finishes, Coach Hicks shares why character, academics, community involvement, and preparation remain central to the culture she is building at UTRGV.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride

This week on, The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome UTRGV Football Head Coach Travis Bush back to the show for a conversation about the program’s historic first season, the upcoming training camp, and the work required to build lasting success in the Rio Grande Valley.Coach Bush reflects on UTRGV’s introduction to FCS college football and what made that inaugural team so special. That first group of players and coaches did more than compete. They established the culture, traditions, expectations, and foundation that future generations of Vaqueros will inherit.With another season approaching, Coach Bush offers a look inside the preparation for training camp, the competition taking place throughout the roster, and the standards the program must continue raising. He also discusses how the experience gained during that historic first season will shape the Vaqueros moving forward.The conversation highlights the tremendous support surrounding UTRGV Football, including the leadership of UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey, Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque, the football coaching staff, athletic department employees, donors, fans, and community members who helped turn the vision of Vaquero Football into a reality.Of course, no appearance from Coach Bush would be complete without G creating a little chaos. The episode also includes an update on "Uncle Gee-Co” entering the transfer portal, whether any programs have shown interest, and whether Coach Bush believes there is still a place on the roster for a 49-year-old walk-on with unlimited confidence.This episode is about more than football. It is a behind-the-scenes look at building a program from the ground up, honoring the people who made the first season possible, and preparing UTRGV Football for the next chapter of its history.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride

This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Elisa Mares, UTRGV’s Director of External Relations, for a conversation about alumni engagement, university pride, and building lifelong connections between graduates and the institution they helped shape.UTRGV represents a growing global network of more than 100,000 alumni, including graduates of UTRGV and its legacy institutions, UTPA and UT Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. The university’s alumni mission focuses on strengthening relationships with graduates, students, families, and friends while encouraging involvement, loyalty, philanthropy, and continued support for student success.Elisa joins the show to discuss the importance of keeping alumni connected long after graduation, celebrating the history shared by UTPA, UTB, and UTRGV, and creating opportunities for former students to reconnect with the university. She also shares how alumni can become more involved, support future generations of Vaqueros, and help strengthen the university’s impact throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.The conversation gives viewers a closer look at the people and relationships behind UTRGV’s continued growth, along with the responsibility of honoring the university’s legacy while helping build its future.Find The Saddle Up Podcast on:YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride

This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza and Matt Palmquist welcome Javier Villalobos, Mayor of the City of McAllen, for a conversation about leadership, public service, community growth, and the future of one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most influential cities.

Before being elected mayor in 2021, Villalobos served as McAllen’s District 1 city commissioner. An attorney by profession, he brings experience in government, law, and community service to his role leading the city.

Mayor Villalobos joins the show to discuss McAllen’s continued growth, the responsibility that comes with leading a rapidly evolving city, and the projects and priorities shaping its next chapter. The conversation also explores economic development, infrastructure, public safety, quality of life, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection between city leadership and the people it serves. We also discuss catching possums and the craziest requests he has received while being in office.

As always, the conversation goes beyond titles and politics, giving viewers a closer look at the person behind the position, the experiences that shaped his leadership style, and what he believes makes McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe to **The Saddle Up Podcast** for more conversations with the people who represent the Rio Grande Valley with pride.**Find Saddle Up Podcast on:**YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.**Follow us:**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddleuppodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddle_up_pod?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79B4Gl7miBWwpD4kM1tKIVApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saddle-up-podcast/id1666138276Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04f3f96f-9dcb-4c42-a91c-a87dfc38655b/saddle-up-podcastiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-saddle-up-podcast-107415364/**Keywords:**Saddle Up Podcast, G Garza, Matt Palmquist, UTRGV, UTPA, UTB, UTRGV Athletics, Vaquero Athletics, Rio Grande Valley, RGV podcast, best podcast in the RGV, funniest podcast in the RGV, UTRGV alumni, UTPA alumni, UTB alumni, RGV sports, South Texas podcast, college sports podcast, Valley stories, RGV community, UTRGV football, UTRGV basketball, UTRGV baseball, UTRGV athletics podcast#SaddleUpPodcast #UTRGV #UTPA #UTB #RGV #RioGrandeValley #VaqueroPride #JavierVillalobos #MayorofMcAllen

Staarz, is a name in the music industry circles that is turning ears. Being only 25 years old and achieving the success she has recently achieved is a testament to her hard work and talent. Explore this Los Fresnos icon and up and coming superstar!

Revisiting our conversation with Dr. William Yancey is one of the kindest and most intriguing gentlemen you might ever get to meet. Join us as we talk about his childhood shaping him to the surreal moment of walking onto the Alex Trabec stage to winning Jeopardy.

G and Matt are at it again. Tune if for the finale for Season 6.

Ingridy Foltran is one of the most unique guests we have had on the show. She is not only a 4yr letter winner, but her fascinating story to get to UTRGV will amaze you... and not only that, but how she is helping bring water to those in drought in the Corpus Christi area will astonish you!

UTRGV Football Legend and Valley native, Eddie Lee Marburger, joins the show week. Here about his favorite play and him call it out as if we were in the huddle. Eddie Lee is a wonderful man, grounded in faith and guided by solid people surrounding him. LFG!!!

Roy Rivas is creating something special with DITV Sports. Learn his story and his amazing ability to network with people and why he has dug himself in with the Valley Sports niche coming from Oceanside California.