Vaqueros Nation: Honoring legends and building the future 

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week’s episode of Vaqueros Nation, we take a deep dive into the legacies of former RGV athletes who were honored as part of the 2025 UTRGV Hall of Fame class. From record-breaking careers, to underdog stories, and a glimpse into the future of UTRGV athletics, this episode is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and Vaquero pride. 

_{Photo courtesy of UTRGV}

This week's episode will air across multiple channels:  

• CBS 4 Channel 4 – Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to noon 

• NBC 23 – Saturday - 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sunday – 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

• KGBT 4.1 – Sunday – 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

_{Courtesy of UTRGV}

We kick things off with Lisa Yanez, a 1996 graduate who left her mark on UTRGV Volleyball. Yanez, who still holds several program records nearly three decades later, reflects on her journey as a student-athlete, the challenges she overcame, and the life lessons she continues to carry from the court to today. 

_{Courtesy of UTRGV}

Next, we catch up with Garry Dippel, whose remarkable rise from walk-on to team captain remains one of the program’s most inspiring stories. Dippel looks back on his standout 1979 season, when he posted a jaw-dropping .443 batting average—a record that still echoes in the halls of Vaqueros baseball history. 

_{Courtesy of UTRGV}

We then turn to the youngest inductee in this year’s Hall of Fame class: Shawnte Goff, a 2017 alum whose name is etched all over the UTRGV women’s basketball record books. Goff shares stories of her time as a student-athlete, and how the lessons she learned in the Rio Grande Valley have shaped her global journey beyond graduation. 

_{Courtesy of UTRGV}

No Hall of Fame episode would be complete without a nod to the legends. Members of the 1967–68 basketball team—including team leader Fred Taylor and Assistant Coach Martin Urand—reunite to relive their unforgettable run to the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament. Despite limited resources, their determination and unity helped them make history. Their story continues to inspire generations. 

Courtesy of UTRGV

Finally, we sit down for an exclusive interview with UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. Conque shares his personal journey, reflects on the department’s growth, and lays out a bold vision for the future of Vaqueros athletics—especially with the buzz surrounding the launch of the university’s football program. 

From trailblazers of the past to visionaries shaping the future, this episode of Vaqueros Nation shows the heart and hustle that defines UTRGV Athletics. Whether it’s breaking records, building legacies, or blazing new trails, one thing is clear—the Vaqueros spirit is alive, proud, and just getting started.