News and Announcements
Annual Largest Judged 5k Racewalk in Texas & 5k Run by Vince Peters
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
Pharr, Texas
Two time Olympian Tim Seaman and wife, Rachel, repeated as men's and
women's champions at this year's annual edition of the Largest Judged 5k
Racewalk in Texas. The Seaman's, in town for the 10 days as
clinicians for the USA Elite Junior Racewalk camp, showed how it was to
be done in a competitive situation that wowed not only their fellow
walkers, but the throng of runners and their families in attendance at
the event. Tim walked the 3.1 mile course in 21:32.7. His very
talented wife finished fourth overall and claimed the women's title in a
new course record time of 23:38. PSJA High School star Alejandro Chavez
was second overall in a new life time best of 23:20.
In addition to Rachel Seaman several other athletes broke records in the
13th edition of the Largest Judged 5k Racewalk in Texas. In the 11-14
age group Nicolette Sorenson of Lafayette, Californa, broke the old
record of 28:00 set in 2008 with her 11th place overall finish in a life
time best of 26:30. In the women's 35-39 age division it was Ohioan
Susan Randall that busted the 9 year old record of 33:42 owned by San
Benito's Victoria Cruz. Randall, 11th in the 2008 Olympic Trials,
placed 10th overall and fourth among the women in 26:19.
"The big plus was that even after a very strenuous week of twice a day
workouts, 14 of the 26 campers logged lifetime bests in the 5k walk",
said Tim Seaman. "The hope is that they take home what they learned and
continue to train with the energy and enthusiasm they had here."
Now that the successful training camp in Pharr is behind them what is
ahead for this group of race walkers. Most of the athletes will have
their indoor HS and Collegiate track & field championships in early
March. And then on April 11th the USA will conduct its selection races
at 10k and 20k for the national team. After that, the goal, of course,
for all walkers is to represent their country at the IAAF World Cup, the
ultimate international competition for race walkers outside of the
Olympic Games.
Finally a big thanks - again - to Coach AC Jaime and the athletes and
parents of the South Texas Walking Club and the city of Pharr for making
it possible to conduct the Elite Junior Racewalk camp here in Texas.
And to the North America Racewalking Foundation and USA Track and Field
for their financial support.
Tonight is the Texas Wedding Reception for Tim and Rachel who got
married this past October on Halloween. It is really gonna be HUGE!
Results (PR indicates a new personal record / life time best at 5k):
1. Tim Seaman (M37), New York AC, (San Diego CA) - 21:32.7
2. Alejandro Chavez (M16), South Texas Walking Club, (Pharr, TX) -
23:20 (PR)
3. Tyler Sorrenson (M15), Pleasanton Heat TC, (Lafayette, CA) - 23:34
4. Rachel Seaman (F23), Ontario Racewalkers, (San Diego, CA) - 23:38
5. Julien Voyeur (M18), Le Club du Mille, (Quebec, Can) - 25:23
6. Bruno Calliere (M17), Petite Nalion (Quebec, Can) - 25:38
7. Erin Bresnanan (F19), Walk USA, (Hulbrook, NY) - 25:45 (PR)
8. John Randall (M17), Miami Valley TC, (Beavercreek, OH) - 25:54 (PR)
9. Erika Shaver (F17), Miami Valley TC, (Dayton, OH) - 26:08 (PR)
10. Susan Randall (F35), unat, (Beavercreek, OH) - 26:19
11. Nicolette Sorrensen (F14), Pleasanton Heat TC, (Lafayette, CA) -
26:30 (PR)
12. Allison Chin (F17), Miami Valley TC, (Tipp City, OH) - 26:35
13. Mitchell Brickson (M16), Miami Valley TC, (Yellow Springs, OH) -
26:45 (PR)
14. Tina Peters (F21), Goshen College, (Yellow Springs, OH) - 26:50
15. Molly Josephs (F15), Walk USA, (Garden City, NY) - 27:09 (PR)
16. Anne Voyuer (F16), Le Club du Mille, (Quebec, Can) - 27:30 (PR)
17. Hannah Kisley (F16), Raleigh Walkers, (Fuquay-Varina, NC) - 27:50 (PR)
18. Katie Burnett (F21), William Penn Univ., (Oskaloosa, IA) - 28:23 (PR)
19. Janelle Brown (F21), Cornerstone Univ., (Grand Rapids, MI) - 28:39
(PR)
20. Maite Moscosa (F14), Altamonte Gliders TC, (Longwood, FL) - 29:14
21. Lila Haba (F14), Umoga TC, (Saratoga, CA) - 29:42
22. Holly Cook (F14), unat, (Houston, TX) - 30:24 (PR)
23. Claudia Ortiz (F16), South Texas Walking Club, (Mission, TX) - 31:05
24. Emily Reed (F17), Maine RWers, (Farmington, ME) - 32:04 (PR)
25. Ariana Guzman (F15), South Texas Walking Club, (Mission, TX) - 32:43
26. Diana Flores (F15), South Texas Walking Club, (Pharr, TX) - 32:58
27. Bebe Flores (M13), South Texas Walking Club, (Pharr, TX) - 33:29
28. Andrea Berrueta (F14), Mexico - 33:33
29. South Texas Walking Club - Little Kids "A" Relay Team - 33:33
30. Shannon Murphy (F22) - West Chester Univ., (Springfield, PA) -
36:14 (PR)
31. Norman Izard (M79) - unat (Weslaco, TX) - 36:35
32. Lois Claven (F67) - unat (Donna, TX) - 44:35
33. Annabelle Walker (F71) - unat (Donna, TX) - 44:36
~~ the end ~~
Vince
Vince Peters
USATF Racewalk Committee National Chair
mv_tc@...
(937) 767-7424h
http://www.MiamiValleyTrackClub.org
Texas' Largest Judged One Mile Racewalk by Vince Peters
January 1st, 2010
PSJA HS Track, Pharr, Texas
A prelude to Saturday's Texas' Largest Judged 5k Racewalk and Annual 5k
Run this morning's One Mile Racewalk required three sections to squeeze
in all of the competitors. And while many of the contestants came from
all four corners of USA along with Canada and Mexico, most came from the
elementary school physical education program in race walking that the
Pharr, San Juan and Alamo School district has incorporated into their
curriculum.
And that program is bearing results, not only in improving the fitness
level of the school district's children, but in creating opportunities
outside the valley for their athleticism to excel. And someday one of
these youngsters may represent Pharr in the Olympic Track & Field event
of racewalking.
This was nevermore evident then in the acclaim given the young man from
the South Texas Walking Club who posted the fastest time of the day.
Alexandro Chavez, a junior at PSJA high school, is the defending
national high school indoor champion in the mile walk. And despite the
stiff breeze and forty degree temperatures, the speedster still cruised
to victory in 6:45.7. The time qualified Chavez for the 103rd Millrose
Games, to be held January 29th at Madison Square Gardens in New York
City. That event will be the location of the USA 1 Mile Race Walk
Championships for Men and Women. It will be at this race that the
local champ will match wits with many of the USA's more notable walkers,
including two time Olympian Tim Seaman.
Seaman will be well aware of Pharr's up and coming talent. He and his
Canadian born wife Rachel are in Pharr this week as lead clinicians as
the South Texas Walking Club hosts the 2009-2010 Elite Junior Race Walk
camp for the top 14-22 year old walkers in the States. The annual
camp, supported in part by USA Track & Field, has attracted nearly three
dozen of the top high school and collegiate male and female walkers in
this country as well as Canada.
Rachel Seaman, widely recognized as the best female walker in Canada,
claimed the women's title with a stellar 7:11.4 clocking in the mile walk.
According to Seaman and South West Texas Walking club coach AC Jaime,
the Olympic Track & Field event of race walking is very technical event
that is both challenging and rewarding. And it is this combination that
drives many athletes from all across the United States to get
involved. Two Edinburg HS alumni, twins Roberto and Ricardo Vergara,
are currently on collegiate Track & Field scholarships for racewalking
at Lindsey Wilson University in Kentucky.
Saturday's road races in Pharr get underway with the 5k walk at 7am.
This will be followed by the 5k run at 8am. Day of race registration
is $12 and includes T-shirts to the first 100 entrants and trophies to
the first three finishers in every age group. Both races start and
finish at Liberty Middle School at the corner of East Ridge Road and
North Fir Street in Pharr.
RESULTS:
1. Alejandro Chavez (M16), Pharr, Tx, - 6:455.7
2. Julien Voyer (M18), Quebec, Can. - 7:10.7
3. Rachel Seamn (F23), San Diego, Ca - 7:11.4
4. Erin Bresnahan (F19), Cornell Univ., NY - 7:25.5
5. Kattie Burnett (F21), William Penn Univ., IA - 7:29.1
6. Erika Shaver (F17), Miami Valley TC, OH - 7:36.1
7. Tina Peters (F21), Goshen College, IN - 7:39.7
8. Susan Randall (F35), Beavercreek, OH - 7:42.9
9. Molly Josephs (F15), Garden City, NY - 7:49.1
10. John Randall (M17), Miami Valley TC, OH - 7:52.7
11. Nicolette Sorenson (F14), Lafayette, CA - 7:54.9
12. Maite Moscoco (F14), Orlando, FL - 8:18.1
13. Janelle Brown (F21), Cornerstone Univ., MI - 8:20.9
14. Hannah Kisly (F16), Raleigh, NC - 8:21.9
15. Anne Voyer (F16), Quebec, Can. - 8:32.3
16. Claudia Ortiz (F16), Mission, TX - 8:44.4
17. Lila Hoba (F14), Saratoga, CA - 8:47.8
18. Holly Cook (F14), Houston, TX - 8:49.5
19. Emily Reed (F17), Farmington, ME - 8:50.8
20. Courtney Williams (F16), Vassalboro, ME - 8:53.7
21. Bebe Flores (M13), Pharr, TX - 9:16.6
22. Stevie Berry (M10), Missouri City, TX, - 9:20.4
23. Crystal Nicole Florida (F11), Pharr, TX - 9:26.2
24. Dianita Flores (F15), Pharr, TX, - 9:46.8
25. Shannon Murphy (F22), Springfield, PA - 10:06.6
26. Dillon Berry (M12), Missouri City, TX - 10:09.8
27. Jonathan Aquilar (M9), Edinburg, TX - 10:10.0
28. Jasmine Sanchez (F10), Alamo, TX - 10:17.1
29. Bianco Garza (F10), Pharr, TX - 10:21.3
30. Eduardo Uria (M10), Pharr, TX - 10:31.2
31. Jacob Painter (M12), Spring, TX - 10:38.8
32. Itzel Gonzalez (F9), San Juan, TX - 10:49.5
33. Stephanie Calhoun (F26), College Station, TX - 11:25.3
34. Joseph Mendez (M11), Edinburg, TX - 11:59.2
35. Jazmine Sanchez (F10), Alamo, TX - 10:17.1
36. Victoria Garza (F11), Pharr, TX - 12:33.3
37. Joel Sauer (M7), Weslaco, TX - 14:08.4
38. Abisai Aguilar (M12), Edinburg, TX - 14:08.4
39. Rodrigo Uria (M6), Pharr, TX 15:16.2
40. Victoria Mendez (F7), Ediburg, TX - 16:32.5
41. Karla Mendez (F5), Ediberg, TX - 16:45.2
In a separate race at PSJA high school in Pharr this morning, Tim Seaman
(San Diego, CA) and Tyler Sorrenson (Lafayette, CA) qualified for the
USATF Indoor Track & Field Nationals in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The
3,000 meter qualifying standard for the USA's Indoor Track & Field
Championships is 12:45.
1) Tim Seaman (M37), New York AC - 12:26.7
2) Tyler Sorrenson (M15), Pleasanton Heat - 12:39.6
3) Mitchell Brickson (M16), Miami Valley TC - 16:08.6
4) Allison Chin (F17), Miami Valley TC - 16:12.5
5) Andrea Berrueta (F14), Mexico - 19:45.2
6) John Lonsway (M67), San Benito, TX - DNF
--
Vince
Vince Peters
USATF Racewalk Committee National Chair
mv_tc@...
(937) 767-7424h
http://www.MiamiValleyTrackClub.org
Fourteen Time National Champions
August 3, 2009: The South Texas Walking Club won its fourteenth consecutive national racewalking championship at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa this past week-end bringing home one third of all gold medals awarded plus the only two national racewalking records set at the meet.
Earning gold medals and setting new national records were nine year old Bianca Garza of Palmer Elementary School in Pharr and sixteen year old Alex Chavez of PSJA High School. Also earning gold medals were twelve year old Amberly Melendez of Longoria Elementary School in Pharr, eleven year old Diana Castilleja of Treviño Elementary School in San Juan and Geraldo Flores of San Juan Middle School, better known as “El Perrón” by his teammates, as reported by the national racewalk announcer during the meet.
Amberly Melendez did a stupendous job outpacing Chrisha Moore of Missouri. The two girls went out together and stayed together step for step for two laps during which time Amberly took an accidental elbow blow to the ribs from Chrisha. She was able to endure the pain and finally, with her exceptional condition was able to walk away from Chrisha at the end of the second lap and went on to cross the finish line in an incredible time of 8:01. The twelve year old not only earned the “All American” status but her great time earned her the right to join the top high school girls in the country at the Nike Indoor National One Mile Championship in Boston and the National Scholastic Indoor Championship in New York City this coming March.
Many an eyebrow was raised as every team member was able to win one of the top five places in each of their 1500 or 3000 meter racewalk. The race attracting the most attention was the nine year old girls as Bianca Garza set the new record and was followed by Itzel Gonzalez of Treviño Elementary School in San Juan and Bella Pichardo of McAllen in second and third place respectively, each with exceptional personal best times.
Eleven year old Diana Castilleja had very little problem in winning her age category but Crystal Nicole Florido of Carnahan Elementary School had to come from behind to win second place in the same race. Three girls from Texas, Florida, and Maryland refused to give way until the beginning of the third lap when Crystal put on her afterburners and left them well behind.
Eleven year old Guillermo Pichardo of Reed & Mock Elementary School surprised Matias Serna of Treviño Elementary School when he went out with the lead pack leaving Matias behind more than fifty yards. Matias, who generally has been able to outpace Guillermo in other races, mustered enough energy in the last two hundred meters to finish less than one second behind Guillermo in a thrilling third and fourth place finish for the two friends. Matias kiddingly claimed that he only allowed Guillermo to finish ahead to show good sportsmanship among friends.
Success stories followed one after another and one such story was that of Brianna Jazmine Sánchez of Bowie Elementary School in Alamo. Brianna was the club’s only ten year old representative and found herself next to last at the start of her race. She could not afford to wait long to start reeling in her competitors and it was a beautiful sight seeing her bringing them in one, two and sometimes three at a time with some fighting back but not for long as she brought home her first silver medal.
Others participating for the South Texas Walking Club included Claudia Ortiz of Mission who won a silver medal after winning gold three days before at the USA Track and Field Championship, Diana Lee Flores of PSJA High School and Marissa Borrego of Edinburg High School. They brought home fourth place medals while Alejandra Garza of Napper Elementary School in Pharr earned her first ever fifth place medal.
Nine year old Jonathan Aguilar of Edinburg and sixteen year old Jessica Reybal of McAllen assisted the club in winning the USATF National Championship in North Carolina by each winning third place in their respective categories. Unfortunately, they could not attend the AAU National Championship.
The South Texas Walking Club had several children that qualified to attend the national championship but could not do so for several reasons. Among them were Jorge Contreras of Doedyns Elementary School in San Juan, the regional ten year old fourth place winner; Cielo Martinez of Napper Elementary in Pharr, the regional ten year old champion; Victoria Frias of Carnahan Elementary in Pharr, the regional fourth place winner; and twelve year old regional champion, Abisai Aguilar of Edinburg.
Thirteen year old Geraldo Flores, “El Perrón”, entertained the spectators and officials as is customary for him during his race. He jumped with joy at the finish line as the announcer made it known that he had previously won three silver medals and was finally winning his first gold ever.
Other PSJA ISD children who participated actively were from:
Carmen Elementary School: 8 year old Perla Leal; 8 year old Luis Cabrera; 10 year old Faith Gortarez 12 year old Sofia Leal
Palmer Elementary School: 9 year old Cassandra Gonzalez; 9 year old Eduardo Uria
South Pharr Elementary School: 9 year old Emily Ruiz; 11 year old Lesley Perez; 11 year old Yanneli Bustos; 11 year old Taiz Cortez; 11 year old Arylyn Escobedo
Pharr Elementary School: 10 year old Carlo Ramirez; 10 year old Victoria Garza
Whitney Elementary School: 11 year old Ana Vasquez
Trevino Elementary School: 10 year old Daniela Davila; 12 year old Hugo Banda
Cesar Chavez Elementary School: 10 year old Amanda Guajardo
Napper Elementary School: 11 year old Lucero Martinez
Longoria Elementary School: 11 year old Idalia Rivera
Liberty Middle School: 12 year old Analyssa Gonzalez; 12 year old Jennifer Vargas; 13 year old Josie Vargas
San Juan Middle School: 14 year old Frieda Arrellano
