Rice University’s Women’s Track Coach Lends Strength to Bulls, Track Stars

CONTACT: David Kaplan

PHONE: (713)
831-4791

E-MAIL: dkaplan@rice.edu

LOPEZ LENDS STRENGTH TO BULLS, TRACK STARS

When Rice University’s women’s track coach Victor
Lopez gives advice even the Chicago Bulls listen.

Athletes all over the world have been influenced by Lopez. He has had an
impact on the development of track and field at the international level,
especially in the Central American and Caribbean regions. The educational system
he developed for coaches in that area has helped teams in Jamaica, Bermuda, the
Bahamas, Barbados and Trinidad win Olympic gold medals.

He is also one of the world’s top training theorists and methodologists. His
strength training philosophy — which combines weights, jumps and sprints —
applies to any sport, including basketball. Lopez is a strength and conditioning
consultant for the NBA world champion Bulls.

In 18 years at Rice, Lopez has turned the women’s track and field program
into one of the most respected in the nation, despite the school’s small size
and high academic requirements. His 1997 women’s 400-meter relay team blew away
the competition in the National Indoor NCAA Championship meet. He has also
produced a six-time NCAA Division 1 shot put champion, a three-time javelin
champion, and a national triple-jump champion.

Some of his Rice athletes will compete at the World Championships in Athens
and at the World University Games in Sicily, in August and September. One of his
Rice sprinters, Angela Blackett, ran the fastest 400-meter hurdles race in the
world this year with a time of 55.39 seconds.

Lopez is a native of Puerto Rico, where he worked as a drummer in a big band,
beginning at age 13. When he first came to Rice as an assistant track coach he
would moonlight playing drums for salsa, swing and jazz bands.

For years Lopez trained and counseled former baseball star Jose Cruz when he
played for the Houston Astros. Lopez has also given guidance to Cruz’s son Jose
Cruz Jr., a Rice grad who plays for the Seattle Mariners’ Triple A team.

For an interview with Victor Lopez or for more information, call David Kaplan
in the Rice University News Office at (713) 831-4791.

###