By Amanda Alaniz

EDINBURG, TEXAS – SEPT. 19, 2025 – Just less than half a mile from Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium, home of UTRGV Football, the inaugural team is feeling the love from their youngest fans at Cano/Gonzalez Elementary School.

The enthusiasm for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Football program is palpable across the street at the school, where a large fence display proudly proclaims “Vaquero Nation. V’s Up.”

As the school year kicked off in August, the student council and staff rallied together for this spirited project, which required more than 2,000 foam cups and countless hours spent in the Rio Grande Valley heat. The idea for the fence art originated from principal Marissa Sanchez, a legacy alumna of UT-Pan American, said Karla Reyes, a first-grade teacher and student council sponsor.

Reyes said that the excitement surrounding the inaugural college football team in the Valley was immense, especially considering they were right across from the action.

“We thought about doing something for the first game and making history,” said Reyes, a UTRGV 2020 alumna. “We wanted to promote it for the students to let them know that there are a lot of opportunities in the Valley. You don’t have to go anywhere to be at a D-1 school; you can accomplish all the things you want right here at home.”

As a thank you for the support, two UTRGV football players – Jaxson Shupe and Jamal Polley – both Edinburg CISD graduates, visited with the student council on Friday, Sept. 12. A “Go Vaqueros” poster, created by the students, welcomed the Vaqueros to the school.

UTRGV football players Jamal Polley (middle left) and Jaxson Shupe (middle right) visited the student council on September 12, where they were welcomed with a “Go Vaqueros” poster created by the students. (UTRGV Photo by Matthew Cavazos)

Joseph Felix, a third-grade student council representative, said he was excited to meet the football players and show them their support.

“We put it (the fence display) together because our school, this year, is representing the Vaqueros,” Felix said.

During the visit, Shupe and Polley expressed their gratitude for the encouragement they have received from the elementary school, offering a motivational peptalk that urged their youngest fans to chase their dreams and never give up. Having played football together since middle school, the players emphasized the importance of their roles as inspirations to the younger generation. 

Shupe, a freshman tight end, reflected on his own experiences growing up in Edinburg when there was no college football team.

“Being in their shoes, we looked up to the high school players, and when they came to visit schools, it was like they were our superheroes,” he said. “Now, we’re a step above that, and it’s just good giving back because I know what it’s like.”

Freshman running back Polley echoed Shupe’s sentiments, noting how meaningful it is to have the community’s support during this historic season.

“We’re blessed to be part of this, and it means a lot,” he said. 

Before leaving, Shupe and Polley handed out goody bags filled with UTRGV swag and mini pennants, which they autographed. They also signed the welcome poster for the campus. 

UTRGV Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque expressed his appreciation to the elementary school for rallying behind the new football program.

“It’s truly special to have them right across the street from Vackar Stadium, and it’s great to know we have their support,” Conque said.

Reyes mentioned that they plan to keep the display up for the rest of the season, ensuring it remains in top shape and replacing any cups as needed. “We’ll gladly keep it going,” she said.

As the students continue to cheer on the team throughout the season, third grader Alessindra Martinez shared her hopes for their success: “I hope you guys win the next game tomorrow!”

On Saturday, the UTRGV Vaqueros (3-0) take on Texas Wesleyan at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium at 7 p.m. 

To keep up with UTRGV Football, visit www.rallythevalley.com.

Jaxson Shupe and Jamal Polley, both UTRGV freshmen, met with students and took some time to answer questions about playing football at the college level. They also autographed a poster and mini pennants for the young fans. (UTRGV Photo by Matthew Cavazos)