News and Announcements
Performing at the New York Madison Square Garden gives everyone the gitters and it was no different for PSJA’s High School Sophomore Alex Chavez. Alex was one of the two youngest person’s walking the prestigious 102nd Millrose Games One-Mile in New York this Friday. He was able to finish in 9th place setting another personal best time of 6:52:9 beating three-time U.S.A. Olympian Curt Clausen; 2006 Junior Athlete of the Year Michael Kazmierczak, now a Junior at Rhode Island University and previous National Champion Don Lawrence.
Also walking among the eleven fastest racewalk One-Milers in the country were former South Texas Walking Club twins Ricardo and Roberto Vergara of Edinburg, now freshmen at Lindsay Wilson College in Kentucky. They, after a four month layoff from racewalking, were able to capture 6th and 7th place respectively, just ahead of Alex with times of 6:41 and 6:43.
Winning the men’s event was two-time USA Racewalk Olympian and South Texas Walking Club Assistant Coach Tim Seaman of California. Tim became the second person to ever win this event for a record five times since its inception. Winning 4th and 5th place in incredible times of 6:14 and 6:37 were high school Junior Trevor Barron, our current USA high school leader from Pennsylvania and Tyler Sorenson, a high school freshman from California. Tyler has been breaking many American Junior Olympic Records the past two years.
Rachell Lavallee, Canada’s fastest women racewalker, won the women’s event over ten of America’s fastest women racewalkers. Rachel broke the Millrose Games Record in the process. Rachell is also one of Coach A.C. Jaime’s club assistants’ helping provide clinics to many on the local elementary school children during the past three years.
Press Release
From: A.C. Jaime (956.821.6659)
To: Queenie Pemelton
Racewalking Classes & Tournament
The PSJA Independent School District Elementary School Coaches are teaching racewalking classes with the assistance of the South Texas Walking Club. The classes are being taught to all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and are well underway.
Many of the South Texas Walking Club Members, including Ricardo and Roberto Vergara, thirteen and fifteen time High School All Americans from Edinburg, were on hand to lend a helping hand to several of the elementary school coaches. Also lending their assistance were PSJA’s five time High School Sophomore All American, Alex Chavez; Pennsylvania’s current top high school racewalker in the country, Trevor Barron; Lauren Forgues of Maine, one of America’s Top College Girls and Canada’s Top Racewalker, Rachael Lavalle.
The South Texas Walking Club had a Children’s Racewalking book written and published and with the help of
PSJA I.S.D. and several local businesses purchased and loaned 6,500 of these books to all PSJA I.S.D. Elementary School Children. The Club, with the assistance of the PSJA’s professional staff, produced an instructional children’s racewalking DVD that is currently being used by the PSJA Elementary School coaches along with a teachers racewalking curriculum prepared by Dr. Tom Eastler and the University of Maine staff. The book, video and curriculum are furthermore now also being used by several schools and many clubs throughout the USA and other countries.
A PSJA Elementary School Racewalk Tournament is now being planned. Many of the children have elected to join the walking club’s afternoon 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. practices at the PSJA High School Track to further the training being received at their schools and to be prepared for the upcoming competitions. The top ten boys and the top ten girls in each of four age divisions from each of the districts twenty-six elementary schools will compete with their neighbor school on Saturday, March 7th for the right to represent their area at their North and South City Competitions on Sunday, March 8th. The top ten boys and top ten girl winners in each age bracket from the North and South Section of their city will then compete at their City Championship on Sunday, March 22nd.
The top ten boys and top ten girls in each age division from each of the three cities will then compete at the Tri-City Championship to be held on Sunday, March 29th beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Pharr Liberty Middle School. The top winners from each city will be accompanied during their race by one of the top USA Junior Elite Racewalkers or USA Olympians that will be competing at “The America’s Cup Trails” that will be held in Texas for the first time ever, courtesy of the Pharr Chamber of Commerce. The children will get the opportunity to provide water for the Junior Elite and Olympian Racewalkers during their 10K and 20K races that will start at the same location beginning at 7:00 a.m. An area will be set aside on school grounds for spectators to view all races.
Parents are encouraged to get their children and themselves involved in Racewalking, a sport that is practically injury free and that requires only a pair of shorts, a good pair of shoes and the will to exercise to stay healthy and fit. You may call A.C. Jaime at 956.686.2337 or 956.821.6659, Gonzalo and Diana Flores at 956.787.5736 or 956.867.7510 or Ricardo Reybal at 956.994.1308 or 956.289.6691 for further information.
Largest Judged 5km racewalk in Texas by Vince Peters
Texas Largest Judged 5 Kilometer Race Walk
Pharr, Texas Saturday,
January 3rd, 2009
The course for the upcoming America's Cup Trials on Sunday, March 29th, got a thorough workout this morning with 44 walkers competing in Texas' Largest 5 Kilometer Judged Race Walk. Five race records and a slew of PR's were achieved as overcast skies kept conditions cool. The women's course record of 23:47 owned by Debra Huberty was the biggest to go down as 22 year old Rachel Lavelle from Canada hit 23:40 to finish 5th overall and first for the women. Finishing second overall for the women and busting Jessica Reybal's age 13 record was Nicolette Sorenson. The Pleasanton Heat flash from Lafayette, California, cruised to a 28:00, good for 12th overall. Reybal's old record was 28:45.
Over on the men's side Olympian Tim Seaman made it a 3 for 3 win week. The new, improved, 2009 version of Tim Seaman disappeared the age 35-39 record of 24:14 owned by the 2008 edition with a winning effort of 21:22. Dragged to big PR in Seaman's wake was Trevor Barron with a new age 16 mark of 21:40. Zac Pollinger had the old mark of 22:19. But Barron better not count on leaving any long standing marks. His age 14 record of 23:44 went crumbling down under the quick stepping soles of Tyler Sorenson. The new age 14 record setter lowered Barron's old mark of 23:44 with a new standard of 23:10. Other campers with new personal bests on the men's side include 2008 Collegiate indoor champ Chris Tegtmeier, Pharr's own Alex Chavas with a 24:40 and Canada's Bruno Cariere. Tim & AC Jaime are doing a great job of motivating and planning the short and long term development of the current group of junior men. The potential exists for 6 American junior men to walk 49 minutes, or better, when the USA selects its team on March 29th to represent our country at the America's Cup in El Salvador.
On the young lady's side 14 year old Sarah Kenney, from Bellbrook, Ohio, achieved a one minute PR. In general the girls arrived in camp less prepared than the guys for a hard 9 days of training and were tired at the end. The emphasis upon all the young ladies is to resume training as soon as possible and replicate the pattern, mileage, and enthusiasm they demonstrated during the camp. That effort and dedication is required to attain the 55 minute minimum required to earn a spot on the USA's Americas Cup squad for junior women. In the 75 and older division 7 men competed for the first place trophy. Presley Donaldson of Hillsboro, Texas, eked out a narrow 6 second win over Norman Izard to claim the prize. A strong contingent from Veracruz, Mexico, once again gave this event a true international flavor! AC Jaime, Tim Seaman, Rachel Lavelle, all the parents of the South Texas Walking Club, race walk judges, and all the other volunteers, are to be commended for organizing this opportunity for dedicated athletes to come together, learn, train, and form bonds of friendship and team spirit that will hopefully last a life time! Thank you.
Race Results:
1. Tim Seaman (NY AC) Imperial Beach, CA - M36 - 21:22
2. Trevor Barron (South Park TC) Bethel Park, PA - M16 - 21:40 (PR)
3. Chris Tegtmeier (Concordia Univ) Jansen, NE - M21 - 22:18 (PR)
4. Tyler Sorrenson (Pleasanton Heat TC) Lafayette, CA - M14 - 23:10 (PR)
5. Rachel Lavellee (Etobicoke TC) Canada - F22 - 23:40
6. Matthew Forgues (Maine RWers) Boothbay, ME - M16 - 23:54
7. Roberto Vergara (Lindsey Wilson Col.) Edinburg, TX - M18 - 24:11
8. Ricardo Vergara (Lindsey Wilson Col.) Edinburg, TX - M18 - 24:20
9. Alex Chavez (South Texas WC) Pharr, TX - M15 - 24:40 (PR)
10. Bruno Carriere (Quebec, Canada) - M16 - 24:54 (PR)
11. Alberto Mediam (South Texas WC) Austin, TX - M48 - 27:01
12. Nicolette Sorrenson (Pleasanton Heat TC) Layfayette, CA - F13 - 28:00
13. Tina Peters (Goshen College, In.) Yellow Springs, OH - F20 - 28:28
14. Allison Chin (Miami Valley TC) Tipp City, OH - F16 - 28:34
15. Claudia Ortiz (South Texas WC) Mission, TX - F15 - 28:53
16. Hannah Kisley (Raleigh Walkers) Raliegh, NC - F15 - 29:37
17. Christie Bernier (Maine RWers) Auburn, ME - F16 - 30:06
18. Sarah Kenney (Miami Valley TC) Bellbrook, OH - F14 - 30:27 (PR)
19. Steven Valdez (South Texas WC) McAllen, TX - M10 - 30:58 PR
20. Mercedes Mancha (Elgin Sharks) Elgin, IL - F18 - 32:38
21. Jorge Herrera Roman, (Veracruz) Poza Pica, Mexico - M68 - 33:19
22. Diana Lee Flores (South Texas WC) Pharr, TX - F14 - 34:09
23. Ariana Guzman (South Texas WC) Mission, TX - F14 - 34:19
24. Benjamin Lopez Rendo (Veracruz) Poza Pica, Mexico - M60 - 35:01
25. John Knifton (unat) - Austin, TX - M69 - 35:04
26. Geraldo (Bebe) Flores (South Texas WC) Pharr, TX - M12 - 35:38
27. Josephine Vargas (South Texas WC) Pharr, TX - F12 - 35:43
28. Presley Donaldson (South Texas WC) Hillsboro, TX - M75 - 35:51
29. Norman Izard, Weslaco, TX - M76 - 35:57
30. Jennifer Vargas (South Texas WC) Pharr, TX - F11 - 38:28
31. Bianca Garza (South Texas WC) Pharr, TX - F9 - 38:28
32. David Gonzalez Cruz (Veracruz) Poza Pica, Mexico - M75 - 40:01
33. Teafilo Theurel Franay (Veracruz) Poza Pica, Mexico - M75 - 40:02
34. Becky Pichardo (Univ Texas San Antonio) San Juan, TX - F22 - 41:02
35. Annabelle Walker (unat) Donna, TX - F70 - 41:59
36. Carlos Torres (unat) Eagle Pass, TX - M26 - 43:42
37. Severina Toren (South Texas WC) Alamo, TX - 44:09
38. Pablo Escobar (South Texas WC) McAllen, TX - 44:13
39. Joy Guetersloh (unat) Mission, TX - F70 - 44:48
40. Donna Griffin (unat) - F73 - 49:24
41. Jack Griffin (unat) Pharr, TX - M77 - 50:13
42. Carl Nowack (unat) Pharr, TX - M74 - 50:14
43. Dolores Rodriguez (unat) Pharr, TX - F64 - 52:31
44. William Johnstone (unat) Mission, TX - M76 - 52:52
Texas Largest Judged One Mile Walk
PSJA High School, Pharr, Texas
Friday, January 2nd, 2009
Earlier today at PSJA High School Olympian Tim Seaman of the New York Athletics Club captured the annual happing that is Texas’s Largest Judged One Mile Race Walk. Seaman, a four time winner of the famed Rudin Mile at Madison Garden’s Millrose Games, led 8 others under the 7 minute barrier in windy conditions. Youngsters, thriving on the camp's week of twice a day workouts excelled, especially HS junior Trevor Barron from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska's Chris Tegtmeier. Their second and third place finishes resulted in life time best performances. The first four have declared their intent to compete in this year’s Millrose Games, Friday, January 30th, which will also serve as the USA National Championships for the 1 mile race walk. Capturing a two second lifetime best in the women’s field with a 7:04 victory was Canadian star Rachel Lavellee. Indiana’s Goshen College junior Tina Peters, and Molly Josephs a high school student from Long Island, New York, also made the qualifying time for Millrose and announced their intent to compete for the USA Women's 1 Mile Championships. Alejendro Chavez, a sophomore at PSJA high, was the top local finisher placing 9th overall, right behind the Vergara twins from Edinburgh. Chavez’s time of 6:55 made him eligible to compete in the high school national indoor track & field championships in Boston on March 14th. The Vergara’s, Roberto and Ricardo, are freshman walkers on the collegiate T&F team at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. Claudia Ortiz, another South Texas Walking Club star, was 6th among the women with a quick time of 8:18 for the mile. Thisat time qualified her for the High School National Indoor T&F Championships in Boston on March 14th. Vern Mauk, illustrating artist of the book Racewalking! Fun?, showed his support of the youngsters by participating in today’s race. AC Jaime, and all the parents of the South Texas Walking Club are to be congratulated for putting on yet another fantastic walking competition!
1. Tim Seaman (NY AC) M36 6:11
2. Trevor Barron (South Park TC) M16 6:25
3. Chris Tegtmeier (Concordia Univ. NE) M21 6:31
4. Tyler Sorrenson (Pleasanton Heat TC) M14 6:40
5. Bruno Carriere (Quebec, Canada) M16 6:47
6. Roberto Vergara (Lindsey Wilson Col.) M18 6:53
7. Ricardo Vergara (Lindsey Wilson Col.) M18 6:54
8. Matthew Forgues (Maine RWers) M16 6:55
9. Alex Chavez (South Texas WC) M15 6:55
10. Rachel Lavellee (Etobicoke TC, Canada) F22 7:04
11. Tina Peters (Goshen College, In.) F20 7:43
12. Molly Josephs (Walk USA) F14 7:50
13. Nicolette Sorrenson (Pleasanton Heat) F13 8:02
14. Hannah Kisley (Raleigh Walkers) F15 8:12
15. Claudia Ortiz (South Texas WC) F15 8:18
16. Allison Chin (Miami Valley TC) F16 8:26
17. Christie Bernier (Maine RWers) F16 8:39
18. Mercedes Mancha (Elgin Sharks) F18 8:43
19. Sarah Kenney (Miami Valley TC) F14 8:58
20. Steven Valdez (South Texas WC) M10 9:15
21. Diana Lee Flores (South Texas WC) F14 9:31
22. Geraldo (Bebe) Flores (South Texas WC) M12 9:38
23. Josephine Vargas (South Texas WC) F12 9:47
24. Ariana Guzman (South Texas WC) F14 9:49
25. Jorge Herrera M65 10:03
26. Cherry Chavez (South Texas WC) F9 10:06
27. Bianca Garza (South Texas WC) F9 10:16
28. Alannah Chavez (South Texas WC) F12 11:06
29. Benjamin Lopez M60 11:17
30. Norman Izard M75 11:27
31. Annel Chavez (South Texas WC) F30 11:29
32. Rolando Pichardo (South Texas WC) M9 11:51
33. Guillero Pichardo (South Texas WC) M10 12:20
34. Teafilo Theurel M75 12:24
35. David Gonzalez Cruz M75 12:28
36. Bella Pichardo (South Texas WC) F9 12:34
37. Annabelle Walker F70 13:13
38. Natasha Hobson (South Texas WC) F9 13:45
39. Jonothan Hobson (South Texas WC) M10 13:52
40. Victoria Garza (South Texas WC) F10 14:49
41. Vern Mauk M75 16:21
5k and 50km results from Houston by Dave Gwynn
Houston, TX, January 11, 2009 – John Evans 50.
Flat asphalt 2500m loop, #TX07073ETM.
Temperature high 30's to high 50's, overcast.
Wind still with gusts to 10mph; humidity low.
Judges: Don Austin, Janis Blum, Bob Cella, Kay Cella, Gene Eastman, Tish Hanna, Ginger Mulanax, Bert Pickell, Dan Pierce.
50km racewalk, 1. Alberto Molina 5:20:48 (South Region Champion);
2. Juan Yanes (VEN) 5:35:56;
3. Duane Staley 5:56:27 PR;
4. Bruce Logan 6:00:24;
5. Jorge Herrera (MEX) 6:30:36;
DNF – Peter Bayer, Benjamin Rendon (MEX).
5km racewalk, 1. Jose Luis Duce (ESP) 24:00;
2. Alex Chavez (Age 15!) 24 :01 PR;
3. Claudia Ortiz 30:59; 4. Diana Flores 37:01.
20km racewalk, DQ – David Gonzalez Cruz (MEX), Rule 232.
Alberto pulled away from the other 50km walkers early and also faded less than his competitors. The 48-year-old Austin resident's time was 15 seconds slower than the previous year. Four late cancellations held the field to its customary single-digit size after 2008's national titles (masters and women) attracted a field of 19. Starting an hour later, the 5km race saw Jose Luis attempting to protect the sore leg that had prompted him to cancel his 50km entry. He nonetheless had enough in him to edge South Texas Walking Club's emerging star, Alex Chavez. Alex cut 40 seconds from his week-old PR. Jose Luis Duce is a Spanish citizen who has recently moved to Corsicana, Texas (a bit south of Dallas) after a period in New York, bringing a 20km PR of 1:32.. The 2010 edition of the John Evans 50 must leave its current site, probably for the 1183-meter loop used in the decade prior to 2008. Yes, these results are being provided to Track and Field News.
