UTRGV Announces 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has unveiled its esteemed 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class. The inductees represent a diverse group of talented athletes and dedicated supporters, highlighting their remarkable contributions to UTRGV Athletics. The ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, March 28, in the UTRGV Ballroom at 11 a.m.
Inductees Overview
This year’s honorees include:
- 1995 Women’s Cross Country Team
- Sofia De Alva – Women’s Basketball (1983-86)
- Doug Erickson – Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country (1985-86)
- Omar Ortiz – Baseball (1997-99)
- Dr. Frederick (Ted) & Catharyn von Ende – Super Fans and Professors Emeriti
Tickets for the induction ceremony are limited and should be purchased in advance. Individual tickets are priced at $50, while tables of ten are available for $500. For more details, visit GoUTRGV.com.
Celebrating the 1995 Women’s Cross Country Team
The 1995 women’s cross country team made history as the inaugural Sun Belt Conference champions, scoring a remarkable 44 points. Led by Hall of Famer Elizabeth Ortega, who clinched the individual conference title with an impressive 5K time of 17:34, the team showcased outstanding talent. Teammates Jessica Garcia and Martha Gonzales also garnered all-conference honors, finishing sixth and ninth, respectively.
Head Coach Reid Harter received the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year award, painting a picture of a season driven by resilience and dedication. The team dedicated their efforts in memory of fellow runner Adrian Martinez, who tragically passed away in a car accident during the summer of 1995.
1995 Roster
- Jeannette Brown
- Mary Cano
- Cathy Cavazos
- Melissa Dearth-Wells
- Marina Flores
- Jessica Garcia
- Martha Gonzales
- Angie Jaramillo-Gonzalez
- Linda Moncivais
- Teresa Mora Olivares
- April Orie
- Elizabeth Ortega-Hilpert
- Shelly Castillo Patterson
- Lydia Reyes-Trevino
- Gracie Salinas
- Amy Sanchez
- Carmel Myers Tosch
Head Coach: Reid Harter
Assistant Coach: Keith Hutson
Sofia De Alva: Trailblazer in Women’s Basketball
Sofia De Alva stands out as the first player in UTRGV women’s basketball history to achieve double figures in assists, accomplishing this feat three times during her tenure. Remarkably, she recorded a maximum of 15 assists against Texas A&M-Kingsville. De Alva also graduated as the all-time single-season record holder in assists and free throw shooting percentage, showcasing her exceptional skills.
De Alva expressed her gratitude for the induction, stating, “It’s a privilege to be in the same category as others before me. I played for the love of the game and had the honor to represent the Broncs!”
Doug Erickson: Record-Setting Track & Field Athlete
Doug Erickson etched his name into UTRGV’s athletics history with an impressive record in cross country and track & field. He holds the school record for the three-mile race with a time of 15:01.00 and set significant records in the 3,000-meter and 10,000-meter events. His journey from student-athlete to coach highlights his dedication to UTRGV athletics.
Harter recalls, “Doug was a key figure in our success during his tenure, mentoring many of the athletes that gained recognition in our program.”
Omar Ortiz: A Legacy in Baseball
Omar Ortiz is celebrated as the only first-round MLB Draft Pick in UTRGV’s history, selected 29th overall by the San Diego Padres in 1999. With a legacy reflected through his career statistics, Ortiz ranks fifth in career strikeouts and innings pitched, solidifying his place in the record books.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen,” Ortiz remarked upon hearing the news of his induction, reminiscing about the fond memories of his time at UTRGV.
Honoring Super Fans: Dr. Frederick (Ted) & Catharyn von Ende
In addition to the athlete inductees, Dr. Frederick (Ted) and Catharyn von Ende will be honored in the Hall of Honor category. This dynamic duo has been staunch supporters of UTRGV athletics, attending countless home games and traveling for road games, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the university and its student-athletes.
Dr. von Ende shared, "It became part of our lifestyle to come to these games, making signs to cheer for our players."
Conclusion
The 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony promises to celebrate the legacy of UTRGV’s distinguished athletes and devoted supporters. Join us in honoring these incredible individuals who have made lasting impacts on the university’s athletic programs. For more information on the upcoming event and to purchase tickets, visit GoUTRGV.com.
