Gabriel Galvan/The Rider
Head Coach Derek Matlock is trying to inspire school pride in Vaquero Baseball with action on the diamond and festivities off the field.
Before the 1 p.m. intersquad game on Saturday at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium, local musician Charlie Garcia will perform at 12:30 p.m. In between the first and second innings, the UTRGV dance teams will entertain the crowd. Between the second and third, the university cheerleaders will hype up the fans. The Pep Band will also perform.
Matlock said there will about 13 to 20 cookoff teams. During the last part of the game, the chicken, fajita, rib, bean and cookers’ choice winners will be announced. He said the winners will receive a ball signed by the team.
The coach said the event is a good opportunity to get to know the players.
“You’re gonna see all our players, because they are gonna be playing each other,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to see the backups play.”
While the team would appreciate a $1 donation with admission for the event, Matlock makes it clear that the money is not the focus of the event. Proceeds go directly to the baseball budget.
“I want to make it about cheerleaders, the dance teams, Pep Band, the cookoff, Charlie Garcia singing,” he said. “It’s about the environment. It’s more than just a … game.”
Matlock said he wants to pack the stadium full of people.
“Midnight Madness and basketball is our biggest event,” he said. “It’s a good event. I want this to be a way better event. It’s the kickoff to our season.”
