Jesus brings the kind of energy that helps turn games into experiences. In this episode, we talk about the traditions that have grown around UTRGV Athletics, the importance of creating a real game-day culture, and how passionate fans can help shape the identity of a young and growing athletic program. We also get into one idea we can definitely get behind: the Saddle Up Kick-Off Chant. Jesus is trying to help start a new tradition tied to Saddle Up, and G and Matt are all in.

Whether it catches on in the stands, at tailgates, or across social media, the goal is simple: give Vaquero fans one more way to come together, get loud, and make UTRGV game days even more memorable.

The conversation is fun, passionate, and centered on what college sports should feel like: community, identity, pride, and traditions that get passed from one group of fans to the next.If you love UTRGV, Vaquero Athletics, tailgating, game-day traditions, or just being part of the energy around the Valley, this one is for you.

------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610

This week on The Saddle Up Podcast, we welcome City of Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa for a conversation about leadership, family, community, and the continued growth of one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most important cities.And somewhere along the way, Mayor Ochoa drops a pretty big hint: could The Saddle Up Podcast eventually receive an official City of Edinburg proclamation and its own day?We certainly were not going to let that one slide.Mayor Ochoa shares what it was like growing up as the son of former Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa, and how watching public service up close helped shape his own understanding of leadership and responsibility.The conversation also explores his professional journey as an attorney, CPA, community leader, husband, and public servant, along with the challenge of balancing those responsibilities while helping guide a growing city. Ochoa is currently licensed to practice law in Texas and works in private practice.We also talk about what makes Edinburg special.Mayor Ochoa highlights the city’s growing lineup of community events and initiatives designed to bring residents together, along with Running with the Mayor, an effort that combines fitness, accessibility, and direct interaction between city leadership and the people they serve.From community engagement and economic growth to family, public service, and the responsibility that comes with carrying a well-known Edinburg name, this episode gives viewers a more personal look at the man behind the title of Mayor.And yes, G and Matt are absolutely going to hold him to that proclamation conversation.------Follow G IG / @gghoops Follow Matt IG / @ptwist610 Welcome to **The Saddle Up Podcast**, the unscripted RGV show where real stories, sports, culture, community, and Vaquero pride all meet at the same table.Hosted by **G Garza and Matt Palmquist**, Saddle Up brings you conversations with former athletes, coaches, alumni, community leaders, entertainers, business owners, and difference-makers connected to **UTPA, UTB, UTRGV, and the Rio Grande Valley**. Every episode is built around honest conversation, good laughs, untold stories, and the people who continue to shape the Valley’s past, present, and future.Whether you are a UTPA alum, UTB alum, UTRGV supporter, Vaquero fan, RGV native, sports fan, or someone who loves authentic conversations, this episode is for you.

This week on The Saddle Up Podcast welcome Ronnie Cavazos, Mission, Texas native, former college football player, and owner of The Structure Team, for a conversation about football, business, family, and building a career from the ground up.Ronnie’s story starts in the Rio Grande Valley, but football gave him the opportunity to experience life far beyond South Texas. He played at the United States Air Force Academy before continuing his college football journey at Texas Tech, experiences that exposed him to the discipline, accountability, and competitive mindset required to perform at the Division I level.Those lessons eventually followed him into the construction industry.Today, Ronnie is the owner of The Structure Team, a South Texas construction company involved in residential building and development throughout the Rio Grande Valley. He also serves as President of the South Texas Builders Alliance, helping represent builders, contractors, suppliers, and other professionals who play an important role in the region’s continued growth.Construction has always been personal for Ronnie. His father was a carpenter and house framer in the Valley, giving Ronnie an early look at what it takes to turn plans on paper into something tangible. That foundation ultimately helped shape his own path as a builder and entrepreneur.In this episode, Ronnie talks about growing up in Mission, the experiences and lessons that came from college football, and the transition from athlete to business owner.We also get into what football teaches you about leadership and teamwork, the realities of entrepreneurship, the challenges facing builders in South Texas, and what it takes to continue growing a company while staying connected to the community that helped shape you.From the football field to construction sites across the Valley, Ronnie’s journey is a reminder that the habits built through sports can carry far beyond the final whistle.