On Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., the Texas Wesleyan Rams will take on the Arkansas State University – Campus Querétaro Red Wolves at the Global Clasico. This international matchup is one of the select few college football games featuring teams from the United States and Mexico.

As part of the pregame ceremony, former TXWES student Israel Saavedra will be performing "el Himno Nacional Mexicano" — the Mexican national anthem — before the teams take the field.

Saavedra attended Texas Wesleyan from 1998-2000 as a musical theatre major and currently serves as the national sales manager at Windstream. In addition to his work in the business world, Saavedra has been involved in the music industry for over 27 years as a folkloric harpist and vocalist for El Mariachi de Oro, Fort Worth’s Premier Mariachi.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to come back to Texas Wesleyan and participate in such a historic event for Texas Wesleyan and the great city of Fort Worth,” said Saavedra. “As a third-generation musician, I have learned to embrace my Mexican heritage through music and I couldn’t think of any better way to demonstrate my pride than to perform 'el Himno Nacional Mexicano' at the Global Clasico.”

“It is an honor to have a former Texas Wesleyan student sing the Mexican National Anthem at the Global Clasico,” said Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach. “Texas Wesleyan focuses on providing a diverse and inclusive student experience as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, and having Israel participate in the pregame ceremonies during this historic event is another example of us fulfilling that mission. It will be a memorable and unique experience for all in attendance."

The Star-Spangled Banner will be performed by the Arlington-based group September Moon. The pregame ceremony will also feature members of the Fort Worth police and fire departments' color guards presenting the colors of the United States and Mexico.

For more information about the Global Clasico, visit txwes.edu/globalclasico.