HARLINGEN — Geovany Cisneros does not have to mess with his wardrobe much when he heads to Lamar University in the fall. Cisneros is leaving the Harlingen High Cardinals to join the Lamar University Cardinals.
Cisneros signed his letter of intent Wednesday, joining Lamar University’s track & field and cross country programs. Lamar, an NCAA Division I program located in Beaumont, competes in the Western Athletic Conference.
“I feel really blessed to get the opportunity to compete at the next level,” Cisneros said. “This is something I have always wanted to do since I was a freshman.”
The Harlingen High graduate won an area championship this year in the 3,200-meter run and finished fourth in the Class 6A Region IV track meet in the 3,200 and fifth in the 1,600. Cisneros qualified for the Class 6A state meet in cross country, finishing 16th out of 151 competitors.
Cisneros said Lamar University began recruiting him after his appearance at the Texas Relays.
“We set up a visit, and I really like it there,” he said. “I liked the team, the atmosphere and I fell in love with the place. I decided to commit.”
Cisneros is putting in his miles this summer before he leaves in August. He is at 40 to 50 miles a week right now, but plans to peak at 70 miles per week.
“He is, if not the hardest-working, then one of the hardest-working athletes we have had walk through these halls,” Harlingen High cross country and track coach Efrain Ambriz said.
Ambriz said Cisneros ranks in the top three in the 1,600 and 3,200 all-time at Harlingen High, and that the soon-to-be Division I athlete has a work ethic that is second to none.
“I could not be prouder of him, and I am excited to see him run at the next level,” Ambriz said.
In Beaumont, located 85 miles east of Houston, Cisneros plans to study criminal justice and kinesiology. After college, Cisneros hopes to become a game warden.
“I really enjoyed my time here,” he said. “These four years were some of the best years of my life, and I know these next few years are also going to be great.”
