A Texas A&M University-Texarkana student-athlete died after he suffered a medical emergency during a track and field competition on Friday, the university announced in a statement.
The student collapsed at the Red River Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships hosted by Xavier University in New Orleans.
TAMU-Texarkana said Graycen Vargo, a junior computer science major from Dallas, was given immediate medical attention on site before being transferred to a local hospital, where he died.
Vargo was competing in his first year with the Eagles after previously competing at Jacksonville College.
The university said Vargo was recently honored with the Eagle Excellence Award for Cross Country during the University’s annual athletic awards ceremony. The Eagle Excellence Award is presented to student-athletes who have made a positive impact on campus, within their teams, and in the community while exemplifying strong character and academic excellence. He was recently honored with the Eagle Excellence Award for Cross Country during the university’s annual athletic awards ceremony.
The Eagle Excellence Award is presented to student-athletes who made a positive impact on campus, within their teams, and in the community while exemplifying strong character and academic excellence, according to the university.
“Our thoughts are with Graycen’s family, teammates, and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss,” said A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. “Graycen was a respected member of the student body and a beloved member of the Cross Country and Track and Field Teams. His presence will be greatly missed by the entire university community.”
The university said counseling services will be available to students.