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 honors and three NCAA Regional Coach of the Year awards along the way. At UTRGV, Lord has continued laying a foundation—developing all-conference talent and leading the Vaqueros through annual battles in the Southland, most recently guiding the 2024–25 squad with his trademark defense-and-details approach.In this conversation, Coach Lord unpacks:How to establish culture and standards that travelThe recruiting blueprint that fueled his rise from high school and JUCO to Division I head coach.Lessons from building winners at Pitt State—and applying them in Edinburg.What’s next for Vaqueros Women’s Basketball?

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 Hear

• Kahil’s approach to leadership, accountability, and team culture

• Scouting, film, and the details that decide close games

• How to keep players locked in over a long season

• Lessons for athletes, coaches, and fans heading into opening week

Join the Conversation
Drop your predictions for this season and your favorite takeaway from Kahil’s episode. Subscribe for more tip-off content, player spotlights, and behind-the-scenes stories.

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 career in healthcare, life with his wife and daughter, and what’s next for their growing family. He also dishes on two unforgettable moments: the mystery of G’s never-delivered Wing Barn gift certificates, and the chance encounter where he finally met Matt—on a flight.

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 68th in the NCAA in hits per game (1.47) and 5th in the Southland Conference, while also posting a .347 batting average. UTRGV AthleticsHe has delivered 22 multi-hit games and contributed 12 multi-RBI performances this year. In our chat, Isaac opens up about:His roots in Edinburg and journey from Vela to Division IThe training and mindset behind his breakout seasonWhat it means to be named among the top shortstops in the country.

His goals—both for the rest of the season and beyond baseballThis is a must-watch for Vaquero fans, baseball lovers, and anyone who appreciates hard work paying off on the diamond.

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 traditions to campus life. University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley+2utrgvrider.com+2 With a foundation in dance (she holds a bachelor’s degree in Dance from legacy UTPA) and years of work in local dance and drill programs, she brings both expertise and heart to this role. University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley+1

In our conversation, Isela discusses:

• What motivated her to return and lead the Spirit Program

• The challenges and opportunities in growing a collegiate spirit organization from the ground up

• Collaboration with her staff, including cheer and dance coaches, and the role of the spirit program in supporting athletics and campus engagement

• The rollout of new features like a UTRGV drill team debuting Fall 2025 KRGV+1

• Her goals for elevating the program competitively, institutionally, and in the community

Whether you’re involved in spirit/dance, athletics, or campus life — this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the work and passion needed to build culture, pride, and momentum.

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 chef interviews, this conversation offers behind-the-scenes insights and inspiration for food lovers everywhere.

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.