UTRGV Athletics and The Jank Partner to Create Barbecue Sauce

RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday a partnership with The Jank to create Vaqueros Gourmet BBQ Sauce, a smoked serrano gourmet barbecue sauce that will officially launch on May 16, which is national barbecue day, during a pregame tailgate party leading up to a UTRGV baseball game at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.

Preorders are now available at BBQJank.com/UTRGV.

Following the launch event, Vaqueros Gourmet BBQ Sauce will be available for purchase online as well as at Vaquero Outfitters in addition other local businesses at which barbecue sauce is sold. A full list of participating vendors will be available closer to the launch date.

The Jank is dedicating a portion of the proceeds from sales of Vaqueros Gourmet BBQ Sauce to providing scholarships and supporting community initiatives.

“This monumental collaboration marks a historic moment in the culinary world, blending the unique flavors of The Jank with the spirit of UTRGV to create a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience,” said Lamar Jones, the owner of The Jank. “By choosing this sauce, customers aren’t just indulging in a culinary delight, they’re also contributing to a greater cause and being part of something bigger than themselves.”

UTRGV Athletics is believed to be the fourth college athletics department with a branded barbecue sauce, joining North Carolina, Old Dominion, and Nevada.

“We are excited to partner with someone as innovative and passionate as Lamar to create one of the first branded barbecue sauces in college athletics,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. “Having a branded barbecue sauce sends a powerful message about the continuous growth and impact of UTRGV Athletics as we #RallyTheValley.”

This is UTRGV Athletics’ third branded consumable product, along with Los Vaqueros, a blood orange kölsch style ale produced by 5×5 Brewing Co. in Mission, and Vaqueros Especial, a medium roasted jalapeño and chile piquin taco-style salsa produced by Tio Pelon’s Salsita, whose founders are from McAllen.

Jones, a talented musician who lives in Weslaco, unexpectedly found his calling making barbecue sauce in 2015 after winning the 2014 Innovation Grant from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. His products through The Jank are now available at H-E-B locations Valley-wide.

“Vaqueros Gourmet BBQ Sauce embodies the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and community,” Jones said. “It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the triumph of the underdog. I am looking forward to coming together to celebrate this extraordinary partnership and savor the flavor of success on May 16.”