Saddle Up Podcast

Brandon Chambers

UTRGV Head Men's Basketball Coach, Brandon Chambers, joins the show this week to introduce himself to Vaquero Nation. Listen to him talk about how he feels like the luckiest man alive and being undefeated in the Field House. We are excited to have him... on the show AND on the sidelines! LFG.

Dr. Jose A Ramos

This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Dr. Jose A. Ramos, Jr., the newly named Texas Region 7 Athletic Trainer of the Year at McAllen High School.  Dr. Ramos has spent years on the front line of high school sports, protecting athletes, managing injuries, and helping students get back on the field the right way. In this conversation, he breaks down what people do not see behind Friday night lights: the preparation, the prevention work, the pressure moments, and the responsibility of caring for hundreds of student-athletes across multiple sports. We also talk about leadership, building trust with coaches and parents, and what it means to raise the standard for sports medicine in the Rio Grande Valley. What you’ll hear in this episode * What the Region 7 honor represents, and why it matters  * The daily reality of being an athletic trainer at a major high school * Injury prevention, rehab principles, and return-to-play decisions * Advice for young athletes and parents navigating injuries * How the RGV can keep developing safer, stronger sports programs

Jett Garza - Country Musician

This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Jett Garza, an up-and-coming country music standout from Brownsville, Texas, making serious noise with his debut album, Rearview, now available on all streaming platforms and YouTube.Jett sits down with G and Matt to talk about the stories behind the record, what he pulled from growing up in the Valley, and the grind it takes to build momentum as an independent artist. If you love real songwriting, Texas roots, and artists on the come-up, this episode will be your lane.If you’re in the RGV, you can catch Jett live at his album release party on May 23 at Barn Yard Burger in Brownsville, Texas. Come support, bring friends, and get there early.Listen to the debut album here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5VIPk3R6LZuAOdltelRIgZ?si=zvl7Qb-ZTWuH8ulUid785wIn this episodeThe meaning behind Rearview and the songs that hit closest to homeHow Brownsville shaped his sound and work ethicWhat’s next for Jett, and where he wants to take this runLive show plans and how fans can support the movement

Houston Moore

This week on Saddle Up, we welcome Houston Moore, the Director of Golf at UTRGV, leading both the men’s and women’s programs.  It’s a timely conversation because both Vaquero teams are bringing hardware back to the Valley. The UTRGV women’s team won the Southland Conference Championship on April 15, 2026, earning the league title and an automatic postseason bid. One week later, the UTRGV men’s team captured its first-ever Southland Conference Championship on April 22, 2026, marking a major milestone for the program.  Coach Moore breaks down what it takes to build championship culture across two squads, how the team prepares in-season versus postseason, and what these titles mean for recruiting, expectations, and the future of Vaquero golf.

Rene Flores

This week on Saddle Up, we’re joined by Rene Flores, a former UTPA baseball player whose story reflects the work, pride, and resilience that define baseball in the Rio Grande Valley.Rene takes us back to his playing days at UTPA, the teammates and coaches who shaped him, and what it really took to compete at the college level. We also talk about life after the diamond, how baseball lessons translate into leadership and family, and why the Valley continues to produce tough, hungry athletes.If you’re a UTPA alum, a baseball lifer, or someone who appreciates a real journey built on discipline and grit, you’ll enjoy this one.