Local TV Sports Directors Compete in Spring Game Halftime Race

KFOX/KDBC's Chas Messman takes first place in the surprise competition at UTEP's football Spring Game.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, energetic painting with bold, neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the dynamic movement and competitive spirit of a sports event.The unexpected halftime race between local TV sports directors brought an extra burst of energy and community spirit to the UTEP Football Spring Game.El Paso Today

Fans at the 2026 UTEP Football Spring Game were treated to an unexpected halftime show when sports directors from El Paso's local TV stations took to the field for a race. KFOX/KDBC sports director Chas Messman emerged victorious, finishing ahead of KTSM's Sammy Guzman and KVIA's Bea Martinez.

Why it matters

The impromptu race added an extra layer of entertainment and community engagement to the Spring Game festivities, as fans got to see familiar faces from their local sports coverage compete in a friendly competition.

The details

The race took place during halftime of the UTEP Football Spring Game at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso. The three sports directors from the city's major TV stations - Chas Messman of KFOX/KDBC, Sammy Guzman of KTSM, and Bea Martinez of KVIA - took to the field to participate in the surprise competition.

  • The Spring Game took place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Chas Messman

The sports director at KFOX/KDBC who won the halftime race at the UTEP Football Spring Game.

Sammy Guzman

The sports director at KTSM who competed in the halftime race at the UTEP Football Spring Game.

Bea Martinez

The sports director at KVIA who competed in the halftime race at the UTEP Football Spring Game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The impromptu sports director race at the UTEP Football Spring Game showcased the community spirit and engagement between local media personalities and their fans, providing an unexpected and entertaining moment during the game's halftime festivities.