PRESS RELEASE effective May 9, 2011 

From:  A.C. Jaime, Coach, South Texas Walking Club, Phone – 956-821-6659  

Elementary School Sponsored Race Walks 

The PSJA Elementary School District coaches now completed their third year of teaching a three week race walking course to all their 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders and held their second annual elementary school sponsored race walks under the direction PSJA ISD Physical Education Coordinator, Coach Jaime Chavana. 

The top four girl and boy race walkers in each 8, 9, 10 and 11 year age bracket divisions from twenty-four of the elementary schools were bused to the stadium, thirteen schools on Wednesday and eleven on Thursday.  The results were magnificent! 

The coaches experience, determination and resolve to build a strong race walking program at the PSJA schools was clearly evident this week.  The form and technique demonstrated by the majority of the six hundred twenty-two young children participating was exceptionally good.  The Tri-City staff and school administrations support of the program was also evident since many of the Alamo, San Juan and Pharr city staff and school staff were seen actively assisting during the races.  The six hundred twenty-two students participated in sixteen 800 meter race walks over the two day period. 

Over one hundred volunteers donated their time and energy to help make the race walks as successful as they were.  Among the judge volunteers were officers of the Texas Department of Public Safety plus officers from the Pharr, San Juan and Alamo Police Departments.  Other volunteers included many high school teachers, parents and members of the PSJA High School track team.  The PSJA High School track team and South Texas Walking Club kids once again donated their time helping to run the events very smoothly.  There were always three to four high school and club kids warming up thirty to forty of the elementary school kids and another three to four had another group of thirty to forty kids going through the drills while another group of thirty to forty kids were on the track walking their 800 meter walk under the watchful eyes of yet another group of club kids that were assisting the officers serving as judges.  Many positive comments were again heard from volunteers, parents and other spectators that had never witness a race walk before.  The children looked very impressive. 

North Alamo Elementary School, last years top winner, was edged out by last years sixth place winner Reed-Mock Elementary School by an incredible one point margin, 106 to 105.  Last years second place winner, Carnahan Elementary School, fell to fifth place as Longoria Elementary School moved up from fifth to third place while Napper and Garcia Elementary Schools earned their first spot on the top six.  This years top six schools, their coaches and the points scored by each were:            

Reed-Mock Elementary School  - Coached by Mari Garza   And Cesar Escobedo  -- 106 

North Alamo Elementary School  -  Coached by Hector Rios, Maricella Ibarra and Santos Flores 105            

Longoria Elementary School  - Coached by Marisol de la Garza   And Norma Ruiz -- 91 

Napper Elementary School  - Coached by Martin Gow And Hilda Rodriguez -- 55  

Carnahan Elementary School   - Coached by Eric Yañez   And Arturo Gonzalez -- 53 

Garcia Elementary SchoolCoached by Aaron Cortez And James Southwell -- 51

North Alamo Elementary School children won three first place races as they did last year but were tied for the top honor by Ford Elementary School.  Pharr and Napper Elementary Schools each had two first place winners.            

Reed-Mock and Longoria Elementary Schools placed the most children in the top ten.  Each school placed seventeen while North Alamo and Garcia Elementary schools placed sixteen and eleven respectively.  Trevino, Bowie and Carnahan Elementary schools tied for fifth place as each school placed nine of their athletes in the top ten.

Video excerpts of the races may be seen on the clubs www.eteamz.com/stwc web page starting Monday May 23rd.   

The top winners, their school and times in each of the Wednesday 5/4/11 race walks were as follows:           

8 year old girls – Jayda Ureña – Clover Elementary School……………………….5:33 

8 year old boys – Bryan Hernandez – Ford Elementary School…………………..5:19

9 year old girls – Gisela Flores – Ford Elementary School……………………….. 4:43   

9 year old boys – Jonathon Aguilar – Farias Elementary School………………….4:35

10 year old girls – Cielo Martinez – Napper Elementary School…………………..5:01

10 year old boys – Ryan Hernandez – Ford Elementary School………………….4:23

11 year old girls – Fanny Reyes – Reed-Mock Elementary School………………5:08

11 year old boys – Robert Colula – Napper Elementary School………………….5:11

The top winners, their school and times in each of the Thursday 5/5/11 race walks were as follows:

8 year old girls – Mariana Juarez – North Alamo Elementary School…………….4:56

8 year old boys – Jared Rivera – North Alamo Elementary School……………….5:25  

9 year old girls – Gladys Sanchez – Pharr Elementary School……………………4:38   

9 year old boys – Marcos Martinez – Pharr Elementary School…………………..4:51 

10 year old girls – Julisa Juarez – North Alamo Elementary School……………..4:11 

10 year old boys – Alexis Garcia – Graciela Garcia Elementary School…………4:56 

11 year old girls – Itzel Gonzalez – Sgt. Leonel Treviño Elementary School……4:35   

11 year old boys – Max Moya – Doedyns Elementary School…………………….5:11

South Texas Walking Club head coach A.C. Jaime credits PSJA I.S.D. Physical Education Coordinator Coach Jaime Chavana and all his elementary school coaches for the exceptional success of their race walking program.  “This is the only elementary school race walking program in the USA, “ Coach A.C. Jaime said, “and because of its great success, our USA Track & Field South Texas Association has been awarded a grant by the USA Track & Field National Office to assist all regions in the USA to start the same program in their elementary schools. 

A National and Regional committees are now being organized to accomplish this task.” The race walking program continues now through the summer under the direction of the South Texas Walking Club.  Practices are being held Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the PSJA High School Stadium on Ridge Road in San Juan.  Parents are encouraged to register their children with club secretary Diana Flores at anyone of the afternoon practices.  A $14.00 annual fee for insurance coverage is required. 

Chavez Wins Another Championship 

PSJA High School star athlete Alex Chavez claimed his second race walk National One Mile Championship this Saturday.  The seventeen year old fifteen time high school All-American senior won the Nike Indoor National Championship in Boston two years ago and easily won the New Balance One Mile Indoor National Championship in New York Saturday lapping the entire field of eleven young men in a time of six minutes twenty-six seconds. Alex had just returned from New Mexico two weeks ago where he walked the 3^rd fastest 3K indoor race walk ever walked by a high school student in the USA.  This, in addition to having walked the 12^th fastest 10K last month in Florida; the 6^th fastest 5K in Pharr on January 1^st and the 2^nd fastest indoor one mile walk ever walked by a high school junior two years ago in Boston. 

He will now prepare to travel to Medellin Columbia on March 24^th where he will represent the USA at the Pan American Race Walking Cup Competition. This event became the last indoor high school race walk for Alex and the first ever walked by Kasandra Rodriguez of Alamo. 

Kasandra, an honor role 6^th grade student at the Idea Academy in Alamo, became one of the youngest girls to ever qualify and participate at a national high school championship.  “I was overwhelmed,” she said as she finished her heat among the top ten and twenty-third overall among the other twenty-seven high school girls.  Kasandra found herself in last place at the end of her first lap but overwhelmed or not, she still managed to go around one junior and three senior girls before crossing the finish line. Kasandra was a straight “A” student at Bowie Elementary School last year and the AAU National Race Walk Silver Medalist in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

She will now prepare to attend the AAU and USATF Junior National Race Walk Championships that will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana and Wichita, Kansas respectively this July.

From:  USATF Junior Elite Race Walk – Olympic Development Camp, Pharr, Texas

Two-time Olympian Tim Seaman fought back the challenges of Sweden’s Andreas Gustafsson and Texas high school star Alejandro Chavez, to capture the USA’s first race walk competition of the new year.   Seaman’s winning time was a modest, for him, 22:07.5 but it was Chavez, racing on the wide boulevards of hometown of Parr who nearly stole the show.  

A high school senior at PSJA High School in Pharr, Alejando Chavez lead several times during the race by a stride or two before Seaman surged to the win.  Chavez, of the South Texas Walking Club, faded slightly in the final straight but held on to score a new personal record of over a minute with his third place finish in 22:18.  Gustafsson, a 50 kilometer specialist who trains in San Diego California, edged Chavez at the line in 22:17.

In the women’s race Canadian Rachel Seaman, New Yorker Miranda Melville, and Mexican Nirvana Zolba went win, place show.   Seaman defended her 2010 victory by walking the 3.1 mile distance in 22:48.   Rochester New York’s Melville, a senior at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, also realized a personal best with her second place time of 24:02.  Third went to Chihuahua, Mexico’s Nirvana Zalba in 24:24.

Also breaking the 25 minute barrier with career bests were Katie Burnett from William Penn University in Iowa and Hong Kong’s Jessica Chin.   Burnett was 7^th overall in 24:49 with Chin, a student at Lindenwood University in Missouri, a step behind in 8^th at 24:50.

Ohio was represented by a pair of Miami Valley TC athletes.   Erika Shaver, a student at Furman University in South Carolina, was 9^th out of the field of 37 participants with a time of 25:14.  Brickson was the second HS male across the line with his tenth place finish in 25:22.

 1) Tim Seaman (M38) New York AC                          22:07.5

 2) Andreas Gustafsson (M29)  Sweden                       22:17

 3) Alejandro Chavez (M17) South Texas WC              22:18

 4) Rachel Seaman (F24)  Canada                                 22:48

 5) Miranda Melville (F21) U.of Wis.-Parkside             24:02

 6) Nirvana Zolba (F17) Mexico                                    24:25

 7) Katie Burnett (F22) William Penn U., Iowa            24:49

 8) Jessica Ching (F23) Hong Kong (Lindenwood U)  24:51

 9) Erika Shaver (F18) Miami Valley TC (Oh)              25:13

10) Mitchell Brickson (M17) Miami Valley TC (Oh)    25:22

11) Jonathan Hallman (M17) Pickens HS (SC)             25:37

12) Janelle Brown (F22) Cornerstone U (Mich)            25:38

13) Aleks Jakobsen (M20) Ashland U (Iowa)               26:52

14) Rachel Zoyhoski (F19)  R.I.T. (NY)                       26:56

15) Molly Josephs (F16) Garden City HS, NY             27:53

16) Lila Haba (F15) Lynbrook HS, Ca.                         28:43

17) Katie Michta (F14) Sachem North HS, NY            29:27

18) Annie Schide (F17) Gardiner Area HS, Maine       29:36

19) Geraldo Flores (M14) South Texas WC                  30:03

20) Mallory White (F16) Lakeland Christian HS, Fla   30:33

21) Ellerie Lagerhauser (F17) Dobson HS, Ariz.           30:33

22) Emily Reed (F18) Farmington HS, Maine              31:59

23) Kasandra Rodriguez (F12) South Texas WC          32:11

24) Ruth Barless (F16) WHHE, Katy, Tx                     32:33

25) Jonathan Aguilar (M10) South Texas WC              33:53

26) Dianita Flores (F16) South Texas WC                    35:07

27) Desiree Espericueta (F12) South Texas WC           35:15

28) Katrina Aggelopoulos (F54) Sinton, TX                 36:24

29) Norman Izard (M78) Weslaco, TX                          36:58

30) Ryan Hernandez (M10) South Texas WC               38:44

31) Abisa Aguilar (M13) South Texas WC                   39:55

32) Olga Bazan (F58) McAllen, TX                              43:04

33) Joe Castor (M65) Carvieter, KS                              44:08

34) Gracie Olabarriete (F53) Pharr, TX                         45:47

35) Brenda Rodriguez (F39) Mercedes, TX                  47:20

36) Connie Haluska (F61) McAllen, TX                       48:10

37) Thelma Lanfrancz (F58) Pharr, TX                         48:11

~~~ ~~~

5k Run Results:

 1) Carlos Serna (M24) Alamo, TX                                16:37.6

 2) Luis Reyes (M18) Edinburg North HS                    17:13

 3) Christopher Garza (M19)  McAllen, TX                  17:22

 4) Rick Arellano (M14) Harwell M.S., Edinburg         18:22

 5) Eddie Caraver (M18) PSJA North HS                     19:22

 6) no card                                                                     

 7) Hector Gomez (M16) PSJA North                           20:56

 8) Javier Escamillo (M47) McAllen, TX                       21:27

 9) Leo Cartes (M34) McAllen, TX                               21:43

10) Stephen Walker (M63) Canada                               21:45

11) Miguel Juarez (M50) Reynosa, Mexico                   21:48

12) Joey Berry (M15) Clement HS, Missouri, TX         22:01

13) Brian Rodriguez (M27) Donna, Tx                         22:17

14) Esteban Garza (M38) McAllen, Tx                         22:18

15) William Lopez (M52) Weaver, Al                           22:42

16) Rolando Garza (M57) Premont, Tx                         23:19

17) Dora Hinoins (F35) Weslaco, Tx                             23:27

18) Felipe Garza (M32) Tampico, Mexico                     23:42

19) Lupita Munoz (F45) Brownsville, Tx                      24:12

20) Ricardo Gonzalez (M51)  Elsa, Tx                          24:18

21) Rafael Vazquez (M37)  Pharr, Tx                            24:30

22) Luis Romo (M20)  St. Mary’s University                24:30

23) Noe Alverey (M49) McAllen                                  24:31

24) Ernie Rosalez (M26) Pharr, Tx                                24:51

25) Brenda Willex (F56) Canada                                   24:51

26) John Praska (M44) Laredo, Tx                                24:59

27) Albert Guerra (M36) McAllen, Tx                          25:03

28) Mark Nering (M58) Edinburg, Tx                           25:08

29) Daniel Hiniojosa (M32) Weslaco, Tx                      25:31

30) Evelyn Scoto (F15) HEC HS, Hildalgo, Tx            25:31

31) Acuha Josefina (F47) Reynosa, Mexico                  25:40

32) Iaaac Chavarro (M31) Alamo, Tx                            25:56

33) Mario Theres (M39) McAllen, Tx                            26:41

34) Luis Romo (M50) Mission, Tx                                26:52

35) Sandra Gallardo (F31) San Juan, Tx                       26:53

36) Eloy Rosalez (M26) Rio Grande City, Tx.              26:54

37) Quetzal Toren (F11) Veterans M.S, Alamo, Tx      26:59

38) George Bladey (M59)  Edinburg, Tx                      27:15

39) Carlos Losoyn (M53) Pharr, Tx                               27:34

40) Nora Alicia Rivera (F37) San Juan, Tx                    28:11

41) Lloyd Buenett (M62) McAllen, Tx                         28:32

42) Renee Sauer (F37) Weslaco, Tx                              28:49

43) Roy Fernandez (M56) Alamo, Tx                           29:37

44) John Lonsway (M63) San Benito, Tx                      29:55

45) Leslie Guzman (F26) McAllen, Tx                          30:21

46) Jackie Gillos (F55) HGH                                         32:47

47) Wayne Ames (M49) Brownsville, Tx                      32:51

48) Severina Toren (F44) Alamo, Tx                             33:34

49) Elaine Dispo (F29) Our Lady of the Lake Univ.    33:38

50) Lila Saenz (F35) Mission, Tx                                   33:43

51) Judy Lonsway (F66) San Benito                             44:56

From:  USATF Junior Elite Race Walk – Olympic Development Camp

The week long camp took a break today from the daily grind of twice a day workouts to assess the high end speed of the camps attendees.   In the always friendly competition billed as Texas’s Largest 1 Mile Race Walk - and without doubt it is - numerous PRs were set. 

Hometown hero Alex Chavez, walking on his high school’s track, dominated the field in posting a 6:31.4 winning time.   Rachel Seaman, one of the camp’s instructors’, helped lend an international flavor of the field by claiming the women’s title.  

Second place in the men’s race went to Edinburg’s own Ricardo Vergara who attends college at Lindsey Wilson University in Kentucky.  Third went to Pickens, South Carolina, high school senior Jonathan Hallman.

Second in the women’s event went to Chihuahua, Mexico, high school star Nirvana Zalbo, in a lifetime best of 7:16.   Katie Burnett, who attends William Penn University in Iowa was third, also in a lifetime best.

In the division for 13 & 14 year old girls Katie Michta from Long Island, New York, was the winner.  Pharr’s own Geraldo Flores took home the title on the men’s side.   In the 12 year old division for girls Kasandra Rodriguez from Alamo was the winner.  In the 11 year old category Brianna Sanchez from Alamo was champion.  On the boys side it was Alamo’s Jonathan Aguilar taking the title for boys 10 year olds and younger.   Bianca Garza from Pharr was tops in the 10 year old and younger girls division.

The race walk camp will continue thru Sunday with TEXAS’ LARGEST 5 K RACE WALK taking place Saturday morning, January 1^st, 8am.  That event, and an accompanying 5 kilometer run, will begin and finish at Liberty Middle School, at the corner of Ridge Road and Fir in Pharr.

1 Mile results:

1) Alejandro Chavez (17M) South Texas WC                  6:31.4

2) Rachel Seaman (24F) Canada                                      6:50.6

3) Ricardo Vergara (20M) Lindsey-Wilson College         6:51.2

4) Jonathan Hallman (17M) Pickens HS, SC                    7:08.2

5) Nirvana Zalbo (17F) Chihuahua, Mexico                     7:16.0

6) Katie Burnett (22F) William Penn Univ.                      7:23.4

7) Jessica Ching (23F) Hong Kong (Lindenwood U)      7:24.0

8) Janelle Brown (22F) Cornerstone Univ.                       7:29.2

9) Mitchell Brickson (16M) Miami Valley TC, Ohio        7:38.2

10) Miranda Melville (21F) U.of Wisconside-Parkside    7:41.4

11) Erika Shaver (18F) Miami Valley TC, Ohio               7:41.6

12) Molly Joshephs (16F) Garden City HS, NY              7:48.7

13) Rachel Zoyholsky (19F) R.I.T., NY                           7:59.2

14) Aleks Jakobson (20M) Ashford College, Iowa          8:01.8

15) Katie Michta (14F) Sachem HS, NY                         8:21.0

16) Geraldo Flores (14M) South Texas WC                     8:22.4

17) Mallory White (16F) Lakeland Christian HS, Fla      8:24.7

18) Annie Schiede (17F) Gardiner Area HS, Maine        8:28.0

19) Lila Haba (15F) Lynbrook HS, Saratoga, Ca.            8:32.5

20) Emily Reed (18F) Farmington HS, Maine                 8:48.8

21) Ellerie Lagerausen (17F) Dobson HS, Mesa, AZ       8:53.1

22) Ruth Barless (16F) WHHE, Katy, Tx.                       9:27.3

23) Kasandra Rodriguez (12F) South Texas WC             9:30.4

24) Jonathan Aguilar (10M) South Texas WC                 9:32.4

25) Diana Flores (16F) South Texas WC                          9:44.3

26) Bianca Garza (10F) South Texas WC                        9:48.6

27) Desiree Espericueta (12F) South Texas WC              9:50.0

28) Julisa Juarez (10F) South Texas WC                          9:52.2

29) Brianna Sanchez (11F) South Texas WC                   10:20.8

30) Ryan Hernandez (10M) South Texas WC                  10:38.2

31) Abisai Aguilar (13M) South Texas WC                     11:37.4

32) Mariana Juarez (9F) South Texas WC                        11:57.5

33) Kayla Rodriguez (8F) South Texas WC                     12:28.7

34) Natasha Zarate (12F) South Texas WC                      12:52.7

35) Bryan Hernandez (7M) South Texas WC                  12:53.0

36) Willian Lopez (52M) Wearm, Alabama                      13:05.6

37) Sabrina Aguilar (12F) South Texas WC                     13:40.4

38) Elaine Dispo (29F) Our Lady of the Lake Univ.       15:07.4

39) Melanie Cruiz (8F) South Texas WC                         15:12.6

40) Ashley Cruz (9F) South Texas WC                            15:13.0

41) Richard Jaime (14M) PSJA HS, Pharr Tx                  16:27.8

42) Ochou Marifer (4F)  San Juan, TX                             16:45.6

43) Ulysses Samerripa (22M) Danna, TX                         16:50.3

44) Silvia Duran (15F)  PSJA HS, San Juan, Tx              16:50.8

DNF Roberto Vergara (20M) Lindsey-Wilson College

3000m Race Walk:

1) Tim Seaman (38M) New York AC                              12:08.9

2) Vince Peters (56M) Miami Valley TC                          16:16.4

DNF  Jonathan Aguilar (10M) South Texas WC

DNF  Elaine Dispo (29F) Our Lady of the Lake Univ

Judges:  Tish Hanna, Dave Gwyn, Janis Blum, Pete Ramero

~~~ 0 ~~~

13 & under and over 23 welcome at the Texas Winter Race Walk Camp.  

US Olympian Tim Seaman and Coach AC Jaime have extended the camp to include youth under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 23 for the annual training camp from Dec 26^th thru January 2^nd, 2011.

All athletes will be allowed to train together.  However, a special free 1 and 1/2 hour period will be set aside daily to train children under the age of 14.  Exact dates and times will soon be determined. 

All youth under the age of 14 are able to stay at one of the local hotels with an adult from the child’s club or family member who will be responsible for transportation between the hotel and Coach Jaime’s house.   

For those over 23, they are able to stay at one of the local hotels, either by themselves or we will try and find a roommate for them to share expenses.  Local transportation to and from the training sites and to and from the McAllen or Harlingen airports.   

For both groups, all meals will be included with the $150 eight day camp cost for those staying in one of the local hotels.   

Please also contact me if you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way to come to the camp. Coach AC Jaime

Just an update:

For those COLLEGE ATHLETES who have to pay for their own stay at the hotel will be able to pay a reduced rate for the training camp.  Instead of $250, we are now only charging $150. That way, the other $100 that you would have spent on the camp fees, can be redirected towards paying for the hotel.  If we are able to secure a sponsor to pay for your hotel, then the camp fee will go back up to $250.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Tim 

Hello,

This is an OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT for the annual USATF Jr. Elite Race Walk Training camp conducted by the South Texas Walking Club.

The dates will be from Dec 26th thru January 2nd.  The cost is $250 and it includes transportation to and from the McAllen airport or Harlingen Airport.  It also includes housing for the first 20 high school athletes who contact us.  Meals are also included.

For the college aged athletes, or those older athletes that wish to join us, we have locked in 10 rooms at a cost of $39.99/night for two double beds for you. Each additional person will cost $10/night.  You should be able to fit 2 to 4 athletes in each room.  The name of the hotel is the San Juan Inn and it is just a mile away from Coach Jaime's house. The address of the hotel is 112 W. Expressway in San Juan, TX.  Their phone # is 956-782-1510.  Please mention "USATF Elite Race Walk Camp" to get the discount.

If the high school kids do not fill up all of the slots at Coach Jaime's house or his son's house, then you will be more than welcome to stay there to save money. 

Please contact Coach AC Jaime at acjaime "at" sbcglobal.net if you have additional questions.  Please send your checks to:

South Texas Walking Club

621 N. 10th Street, Suite C

McAllen, TX 78501 

Please advise Rachel Seaman if you would like to attend.  Her address is seaman.rachel "at" hotmail.com 

Please note - the "at" is "@"

Thanks,

Tim 

PRESS RELEASE effective August 8, 2010.  

From: A.C. Jaime, Coach, South Texas Walking Club, Phone-956-821-6659    

National Champions, Again  

“The greatest satisfaction for a coach to receive is for his team to do well in any event and racewalking is not any different,” said South Texas Walking Club Head Coach A.C. Jaime upon returning from California, Virginia and Toronto, Canada Tuesday night. The South Texas Walking Club received many congratulatory E-mails from different college coaches, parents and race walkers for the fact that they had won their 2^nd National Championship of the year.  

The South Texas Walking Club won its sixth USATF National Junior Olympic Championship last week in Sacramento, California and this week they won their eleven consecutive AAU National Junior Olympic Championship in Norfolk, Virginia. PSJA High school senior Alex Chavez did double duty taking a second place medal at the USA-Canada 10k Junior Racewalk Championship in Toronto, Canada on Friday, flying to Virginia on Saturday and setting a new 3000 meter racewalk AAU Young Men Junior Olympic record on Sunday. Alex put on a tremendous performance as he went around the track seven and one-half times at an unbelievable 1:44 per lap pace to set the new AAU national record of 12:59.89. The old record of 13:15.01 was set by former team member Roberto Vergara of Edinburg who is now attending Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky on a full scholarship along with his twin brother, Ricardo. Alex will now be aiming for the USATF Youth Record of 12:54.88 set by two time Olympian Kevin Eastler of Maine in 1994. The chances of Alex breaking that record are good since he will still be classified as a youth next year. Alex’s medal was only one of many won this week-end by the club members.

Mariana Juarez who is coached by Hector Rios at North Alamo Elementary School walked an exciting race against twenty of the top nine year olds in the country. She started last at the beginning of her race and gradually worked her way up to the front of the leading pack as is customary for all South Texas Walking Club team members. She was in third place as she was rounding her last turn of her fourth lap but experienced a difficult time getting past Naria Purham of Virginia in second place as she inadvertently blocked her when Mariana was attempting to pass her. Mariana finally went around Naria on her second try with only one hundred meters to the finish line, but still within striking distance of Rebecca Turner of Virginia who had been leading the race since the beginning. Mariana managed to go around Rebecca some twenty feet from the finish line but as she did Rebecca vomited all over her own and Mariana’s shoes but still managed to finish two seconds behind Mariana in second place. 

Ten year old Julisa Juarez, also coached by Hector Rios at North Alamo Elementary School, was one of the top summer club runners last year. She did an exceptional feat at the finish line by out pacing Bianca Garza of Palmer Elementary School, last year’s AAU National nine year old gold medalist and record holder. Bianca, who is coached by Art de Hoyes, had been hospitalized and away from practice sessions for more than a month and could not stay up with Julisa through the finish line. The two girls did a remarkable job in taking the lead early in the race along with team members Ivanna Cavasos of North Alamo Elementary School and Bella Pichardo of Bonham Elementary School in McAllen. The four girls finished first, second, fourth and fifth place respectively with only Audry Doby of Pennsylvania working her way into the middle of this pack among the thirty-three girls participating in this race.

Ten year old Jonathon Aguilar, coached by Daniel Rodriguez and Rosie Banda at Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School in Edinburg, worked hard to bring home a gold medal but settled for silver when he could not catch up with Jordan Crawford of Georgia. Jordan started well in front and was fourteen seconds ahead of Jonathon as they completed the first lap. He proved too strong for Jonathon to overcome as he was able to maintain that lead through the finish line.

Twelve year old Crystle Florido coached by Eric Yanes at Carnahan Elementary school in Pharr, Kassandra Rodriguez and Deseri Esperiqueta coached by Edward Martinez  at Bowie Elementary school in Alamo, did very well among the twenty four twelve year old participants. Crystal and Kassandra gradually worked their way up to the lead pack with Crystle taking the lead never to relinquish same. Kassandra was eventually able to get into third place but could not over take Jessica Solomon of Pennsylvania who proved to be a very strong competitor. The two girls looked magnificent coming into the last fifty yards shoulder to shoulder where the outcome was uncertain until Kassandra managed enough strength to outpace Jessica by a mere three hundredths of a second at the finish line.

Thirteen year old Amberly Melendez who was previously coached by Jaime Chavana and fourteen year old High School All-American Geraldo Flores, both of San Juan Middle School, never had any competition to speak of in winning their individual 3000 meters racewalk in practically identical times of 17:14.16 and 17:14.10. Twelve year old Matias Serna, coached by Aaron Gonzalez of Trevino Elementary School in San Juan, told his mother two days before his race that he intended to win a gold medal in Virginia but never dreamed that his Washington D.C flight connection to Norfolk, Virginia would be cancelled at the last minute. Mrs. Serna obtained a rental car at the last minute and drove five hours arriving in Norfolk at midnight thus making it possible for Matias dream of a gold medal to become a reality. The meet announcer made everyone aware that Matias was displaying great racewalking technique as Matias went around all other eighteen competitors with ease to win the race. Jasmine Sanchez also coached by Edward Martinez at Bowie Elementary School had a tough time getting out at the start of the race and more so with the leaders. She went around twenty-five of the competitors but it seemed like an eternity catching up with the front pack. Jasmine was in fifth place some thirty yards behind the third and fourth place girls at the turn of the last lap but managed to outpace those two girls at the finish line to bring home a third place medal.

Newcomer Carlos Ramirez of Liberty Middle School had a difficult time since he only attended four weeks of practice but still managed to win an eleventh place spot. Sixteen year old Diana Lee Flores of PSJA High School, the team’s 2007 National 13 year old champion, did an exceptional job. However, trying to stay up with Maite Moscoso, the USA-Canada meet champion and other top girls proved difficult but Diana still managed to win a 5^th place medal.

Congratulations to the all of the athletes with the South Texas Walking Club for putting on a tremendous performance today at the USATF National Jr. Olympic Championships in Sacramento, California!

Amberly walked her way to a SILVER MEDAL in a time of 17:03 in the Youth Girls 3,000m walk.

Julisa and Bianca for earning the GOLD and SILVER medals in the Bantam girls 1500m walk.

Crystal for getting a SILVER MEDAL in the Midget Girls 1500m walk.

There were many great performances today, but Turtle News is just listing the top performers of the day :)

It is that time of the year again.....the Junior Olympics are once again upon us.  The Fighting Turtles are ready to put on a wonderful show once again.  Leading the way will be Amberly Melendez, who at just 12 years old, just walked a 16:51 for 3,000m.

Stay tuned for results here as soon as they become available.

The four hundred sixty-nine students participated in seventeen 800 meter racewalks over the two day period with thirty-one coming back on Saturday for another three racewalks.  Over one hundred volunteers donated their time and energy to help make the twenty events as successful as they were.  Among the judge volunteers were officers of the Texas Department of Public Safety plus officers from the Pharr, San Juan and Alamo Police and Fire Departments.  Other volunteers included many high school teachers, parents and members of the track team. It was a joy to see three or four of the older South Texas Walking Club kids warming up thirty to forty of the elementary school kids while another three to four had another group of thirty to forty kids going through the drills and yet you could see another group of thirty to forty kids on the track walking their 800 meter walk at the same time.  Many positive comments were heard from parents and other spectators that had never witness a racewalk before.  The children looked very impressive.            

The top six schools, their coaches and the points earned by each were: 

 North Alamo Elementary School coached by Hector Rios, Maricella Ibarra and                                 Santos Flores ---- 119

Carnahan Elementary School coached by Eric Yanez and Arturo Gonzalez  -  7

2Bowie Elementary School coached by Eduardo Martinez, Gavino Villegas Jr. and Olivia Garza -- 58

Trevino Elementary School coached by Arturo Gonzalez and Tomas Martinez  -- 57

Longoria Elementary School coached by Jaime Chavana and  Marisol de la Garza  -- 53

Reed-Mock Elementary School coached by Maria Garza and Cesar Escobedo --49 

The schools with the most first place winners were North Alamo with three and Bowie, Carnahan and Palmer Elementary Schools with two each. The top winners, their school and times in each of the Tuesday racewalks were as follows:

8 year old girls – Fatima Flores – Longoria Elementary School -  5:17

8 year old boys – Marcos Martinez – Pharr Elementary School -  5:22

9 year old girls – Julisa Juarez – North Alamo Elementary School  - 4:43

9 year old boys – Angel Rodriguez – Bowie Elementary School -  5:14

10 year old girls – Briana Sanchez – Bowie Elementary School -  4:34

10 year old boys – Edgar Lozano – North Alamo Elementary School  - 5:11 

11 year old girls – Ana Vasquez – Ramirez Elementary School  - 5:06

11 year old boys – Isaiah Palomar – North Alamo Elementary School  5:11 

The top winners, their school and times in each of the Thursday racewalks were as follows:

8 year old girls (Heat #1) – Gisela Flores – Ford Elementary School  - 5:48

8 year old girls (Heat #2) – Shelby Johnson – Dr. Long Elementary School  - 5:37

8 year old boys – Sergio Archer – Carnahan Elementary School - 5:21

9 year old girls – Cielo Martinez – Napper Elementary School --  5:02

9 year old boys – Eduardo Uria – Palmer Elementary School  - 4:53

10 year old girls – Bianca Garza – Palmer Elementary School --  4:30

10 year old boys – Jorge Contreras – Doedyns Elementary School -- 5:20

11 year old girls – Crystle Florido – Carnahan Elementary School -- 4:16 

The top winners, their school and times in each of Saturday’s racewalks were as follows:

8 year old girls – Mariana Juarez – North Alamo Elementary School -- 5:49

8 year old boys – Carlos Rodriguez – Ford Elementary School --  6:36

9 year old girls – Julisa Juarez – North Alamo Elementary School  -- 4:40

9 year old boys – Jonathon Aguilar – Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School -- 4:25

10 year old girls – Bianca Garza – Palmer Elementary School -- 4:19

10 year old boys – Eduardo Uria – Palmer Elementary School -- 4:47

11 year old girls – Crystle Florido – Carnahan Elementary School -- 4:18

12 year old girls – Amberly Melendez – San Juan Middle School -- 3:50

13 year old boys – Abisai Aguilar – South Middle School --  5:34

 A Rio Grande Valley Children’s free 1000 meter (2 ½ laps) racewalk will now be held on Saturday May 22^nd at the San Juan High School Stadium followed by other walks during the summer.  The free walks will start at 9:00 a.m. and all Valley children are invited to attend and also consider joining the South Texas Walking Club.  Please call 956-821-6659 for further information.

            PSJA sixteen year old High School junior Alex Chavez felt that being one of the top mile junior racewalkers in the country would not help him at Sunday’s 10K World Cup Trials in New York.  This was an endurance race where he was ranked forth and considered an underdog by more than two minutes to the 3^rd place ranked junior and only the top three would make the World Cup Championship.

            High school senior Trevor Barron of Pennsylvania, forth place at last years World Youth 10K Racewalk held in Italy, ranked 1^st going into this race.  Ranked second was Tyler Sorronsen of California, followed by Maine High School senior Mathew Forgues, all of which had been training at high altitude in Arizona during part of the past six months.  Alex longed for this type of training but the best he could do was to go up and down I Road and over and down the flood levies.

            Coach A.C. Jaime felt that arriving in New York a day before the racewalk was absolutely essential, for a new course, unfamiliar to all, had been selected by the race director.

            Nothing good was heard from Alex and the other racewalkers that arrived early to work out on the new course.  The two kilometer course started at a parking lot in one school with a turn around point at another schools parking lot with many turns in between.  It also quickly became apparent to Coach Jaime that New York’s heavy snows and recent torrential rains had taken their toll on the new course, for the roadway and parking lot were littered with pot holes.

            The top racewalkers from throughout the USA, led by two time USA Olympian Tim Seaman, started arriving early for the race on Sunday.  Juniors were to walk a 10K while seniors were attempting to qualify for the 20K racewalk championship.

            Trevor Barron immediately jumped out at the sound of the gun and soon proved to all that he expects to be a strong contender for the gold medal at next months Junior World Cup Championship in Chihuahua Mexico.  Tim Seaman’s intensions were soon evident as he began pacing Tyler, who is expected to be a top contender at the August IAAF Youth Olympics in Singapore, to a second place finish leaving Alex and Mathew to fight it out for the third place spot on the World Cup Championship 10K USA Team.

            Nineteen year old Mathew Forgues, a 2008 Junior World Cup participant who will be walking for an Ohio college on a full scholarship next year, had the upper hand on Alex when it came to 10K walks.  He had beaten Alex at all four prior 10K walks where he and Alex had competed together, the last one by nearly three minutes in Oregon last June.  On the other hand, Alex had proven superior to Mathew in the one mile walks having outraced Mathew on all previous three one mile encounters, but today was not a one mile walk and Alex knew it.

            The first casualty of the day among the sixty-three elite racewalkers was America’s top women 20K racewalker, Teresa Vaill, who pulled out with a swollen knee shortly after the first three laps followed by three others that were unable to finish their race.

            The one thing no one had even dreamed about was a slight incline that started halfway through the course that somewhat simulated the small floodway inclines that exist along I Road in Pharr.  Alex has walked that path many times in the past year and while he lost an average of eight seconds every time he went up the race incline today, he was nevertheless able to make up the time coming down.  It soon became evident that while many were complaining and unable to walk at their expected pace, Alex was not only walking well, but was well ahead of his pace.

March 19, 2010

Nineteen time high school All-American Alex Chavez of PSJA High School walked the second fastest one mile ever walked by a high school junior in the USA this Saturday.  The event took place in front of more than two thousand spectators at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, the site of the Nike Indoor High School Championship.           

Alex finished second behind last years fourth place World Youth finisher Trevor Barron, a high school senior from Pennsylvania, and came to within one and one half second of breaking the existing USA high school junior record when he crossed the finish line in an amazing personal best time of 6:19.35.           

Alex will now concentrate on getting ready to attend the New York World Cup Trials on April 11^th and hopes to qualify to attend the May 15^th  2010 World Cup Championship to be held in Chihuahua, Mexico.  Chihuahua will be host to more than sixty of the world’s top junior racewalkers including the highly ranked racewalkers from Russia, China & Mexico.           

2009 thirteen year age bracket Junior Olympic Gold Medalist Geraldo Flores of San Juan Middle School was the only eighth grader to qualify to participate at this meet.  He crossed the finish line in seventh place, one place short of winning a high school All-American honor.  The thirteen year old also managed to come home with a personal best time of 8:14.46.           

2008 fourteen year age bracket Junior Olympic Gold Medal winner Diana Lee Flores of PSJA High School was not about to be out performed by the boys.  The now fifteen year old high school sophomore was the only girl team member to travel to a meet this week and she, like Alex and Geraldo, managed to also come home with a personal best time of 8:52.47 from the National Scholastic Indoor High School One Mile Championship held at the New York City Armory on Sunday.            

The team is now concentrating on recruiting children from eight to eighteen years of age from throughout the Valley.  Practice sessions are held daily from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the PSJA High School track field in San Juan.  Any parent interested in having their children join the team may contact Coach A.C. Jaime at 956-821-6659.

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     

Pharr City Commission Proclaims August 18th as Bianca Garza and Alex Chavez Day

On August 18th at the Pharr City Commission meeting Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios proclaimed August 18, 2009 as Bianca Garza and Alex Chavez Day.  The Mayor proudly stated "Bianca and Alex have put Pharr on the map" referring to the recent racewalking records that Alex and Bianca have broken at the AAU Junior Olympic National meet in Des Moines, Iowa. 

The Pharr City Commission also recognized the South Texas Walking Club for their outstanding performance.  Including Amberly Melendez, gold medal winner, Geraldo Flores, gold medal winner, Diana Flores, 4th place,and Cristal Florido, silver medal winner.

AAU National Championship Statistics

August 2009

Fifteen (9%) of the 163 racewalkers in attendance were members of the South Texas Walking Club.

The only two new National records set at the meet were set by members of the South Texas Walking Club.

Five (31%) of the sixteen gold medals earned were earned by South Texas Walking Club members.

Four (22%) of the sixteen silver medals earned were earned by South Texas Walking Club members.

Fifteen (20% of the top five medals earned in all age brackets were earned by South Texas Walking Club members.

The points earned by the racewalk children from the South Texas Walking Club and the top five States were as follows:

South Texas Walking Club      99         

Other Texas Cities                   85

Georgia                                     56

Florida                                       52

Tennessee                                45

Missouri                                     40

Other States combined          169 

          TOTAL                            546

Garza and Chavez Set New Records 

The crowd went wild chanting “Go Bianca, Go Bianca” as the announcer made it known that Bianca Garza of Pharr, Texas was on a record setting pace at the beginning of her last 1500 meter racewalking lap.  Her average lap time to that point was 2:20 and according to the announcer, she had 2:43 left to break the existing 9:08 record set by her own teammate, Claudia Ortiz in 2002. 

Bianca had been boxed in on the first lap of her USA Track & Field Championship race four days before in North Carolina losing considerable time zig-zagging between twenty-eight other girls trying to break out while the leaders got away.  This time, she broke out early with a pack of four other girls but soon left them in the dust as the nine year old from Palmer Elementary school in Pharr finished her first lap in a time of 2:13.  She paid dearly for breaking out so fast as her muscles started to tighten during her last lap but still managed to walk a 2:28 lap crossing the finish line in an unbelievable time of 8:50 to break the existing record by eighteen seconds to the roar of the crowd and becoming the first “All American” of the day.

 “Those are the Turtles that appear on the racewalking DVD” said one spectator as Itzel Gonzalez of Trevino Elementary in San Juan and Bella Pichardo of McAllen crossed the finish line in second and third place respectively for an unprecedented national team sweep of the race.  All three girls were inspired by the crowd as they all set personal best times. 

This was the first racewalk of the meet and the last ended just as exciting on Sunday afternoon.  Sixteen year old Alex Chavez of PSJA High School in Pharr had announced his desire of breaking the existing 3000 meter record set by fifteen time high school “All American” and former teammate, Roberto Vergara in 2006.  Alex, a seven time high school “All American” and himself a record holder for the fourteen year age bracket boys in 2007, knew that breaking Roberto’s record was not going to be a “walk in the park”.  He had been training long and hard walking many a 20k walk on I road from the PSJA stadium to the river and back on Sunday after Sunday.

An event official had stopped Coach A.C. Jaime at the entrance before the race and said “Please allow me to shake your hand for you all have made racewalking so exciting and enjoyable to host as everyone was saying at the official meeting last night.”  These types of comments were heard by our parents and kids throughout the meet and needless to say, inspired everyone. Alex and all the kids needed this inspiration for they had driven more that twenty-seven hundred miles by way of North Carolina to get to Iowa two days before and were somewhat exhausted.  Seeing that Bianca got away walking her first lap faster than normal, Alex decided that he to wanted to do the same and turned in a blistering 1:40 lap taking a big chance of burning out under the 2:00 p.m. sun and heat of the day.  Never before had he worn sunglasses but he had them on today and he was not wearing them just for looks.  He went through the first mile in an incredible time of 6:58 but slowed down to a 1:52 fifth lap, slow enough to worry Coach Jaime somewhat. The announcer made it known that Alex too, like Bianca the day before, was on a record setting pace at the end of his sixth lap and everyone started chanting “Go Alex Go, Go Alex Go”.  The announcer furthermore blurred out that Alex had just thrown his glasses to one side and that he apparently meant business. 

Finally, with one lap to go, the announcer said that Alex only had to do a two minute last lap to officially break the record.  Everyone kept chanting and came to their feet to see Alex breeze in a final lap time of 1:50 to knock off ten seconds from the old 13:47 record and help the South Texas Walking Club win its fourteenth consecutive National Racewalking Championship.

This story was written by a young, aspiring athlete named Hannah:

My Third Grandfather

Over Christmas break, I traveled down to Pharr, Texas for nine days; it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Coach Jaime was only one person who made this trip what it was for me. He did everything in his ability to make this adventure the best it could be. He was generous beyond belief, and he invested his time and money in every single one of the athletes.

I believe that generosity is one of the best qualities a person can carry. A quick 40 minutes into my trip, Coach Jaime had already taken me and a couple of his own athletes out to lunch, just like a person in your family would. I had been told that Coach would be like a grandfather to me, but I found it hard to believe. From the moment I met him, and saw his interaction with his own athletes, I realized this wasn’t a lie. He gave to them like he would give to his own family. There were around twenty of us from all over the country, and even a few from Canada, who came down to train. We all had one common goal: to become the most elite racewalkers in the nation and, for some of the “older kids”, even the world.

Coach Jaime always said “what is mine is yours”. He opened his house to all twenty of us; his cars became our cars. The kitchen stayed stocked with food for the entire nine days. He did his very best to make sure we had everything we needed to make us the best athletes we could be.Not only was Coach Jaime extremely generous, but the other families from Texas were extremely giving. These parents treated us like we were their own children. Every night, a homemade dinner was prepared by one of the Texan families. They were willing to take their own time and money to whip up a delicious dinner for us. The families also took their time to help around the house, drive us to the next place on the schedule, and cheer us on during practices and races.

On the last night together, we all gathered at Coach’s house, and he told us that “many people would consider what I do a sacrifice, but I consider it an investment”. This quote shows his pure generosity towards any athlete, no matter how long he has known them. Not only is he willing to do anything to make us better athletes, but he treats me like I am his own grandchild. He gives to me like he would give to his own family. We talk on the phone and we exchange hugs every time we see each other. I hope that someday I can be generous and giving, with a purpose, like Coach Jaime is.  

PRESS RELEASESubmitted by A.C. Jaime (956.821.6659)  

April 25, 2009  

CHAVEZ WINS AT PENN RELAYS 

Alex Chavez of PSJA High School, the apparent heir to the South Texas Walking Club as referred to by USA Track and Field National Racewalk Chairman Vince Peters, won the prestigious one – hundred year old Penn Relays Junior 10K Racewalk today.   The seven time national high school All – American is the first South Texas Walking Club athlete ever to win this meet. 

The Edinburg thirteen and fifteen time high school All – American twins Roberto and Ricardo Vergara were a sure bet to win this meet last year but cancelled the trip at the last minute because of their high school graduation banquet.   The PSJA High School sophomore, who is often times seen walking up and down I Road from the Pharr Stadium to the river, experienced a hard time in winning this championship.  A 10K is not the norm for the sixteen year old youth who, until this year, was accustomed to the short one mile and 3K racewalks.  He won and set a new Junior Olympic 3K record in Virginia two years ago and last month he won the prestigious Boston One Mile Racewalk Championship.  

Coach Charlie Smith of Virginia, who has come to know and respect the South Texas Walking Club members and Alex in particular, frantically began yelling at Coach A.C. Jaime telling him that Alex had fallen down half way through his nineteenth lap.  By then Alex was already getting up and gradually getting his composure back as he finished his nineteenth lap but he had six more to go and looked exceptionally tired.  It could be seen that he was struggling and in danger of being disqualified if he did not maintain good technique.  He then made a smart decision slowing down to laps of 2:00 to 2:07 instead or the blistering 1:54 – 1:57 laps he had been walking.  He finally got his full composure back and managed to walk a 1:56 last lap finishing well ahead of his competitors.  Surprisingly, Judge Michael Roth of North Carolina was heard telling a group of judges and others having lunch after the event that Alex demonstrated the best form and technique among the fifteen competitors on the field.   

PSJA Elementary School Tri – City Championship Results  Ten year old Eduardo Uria of Palmer Elementary School took the lead at the beginning of the eight to ten year old competitors’ racewalk in what National USATF Chairman Vince Peters described as “inspiring for our country’s top walkers by this young crowd’s energy and enthusiasm.” Our country’s Olympians and other elite racewalkers from throughout the nation had just participated at the “Americas Cup Trials” held in Pharr and Texas for the first time ever.  They had each chosen one of the PSJA Elementary School participants to be their water boy/girl during their racewalk and now elected to walk along side each to encourage them during their 1500 meter racewalk. Maria Michta, our country’s top female 20K racewalker at Sunday’s event said, “I was tired after my race and had to run to stay up with Crystal, (referring to Crystal Florido of Carnahan)” as Crystal was on her way to winning second place in the girls eleven year old division.   

All racewalks were exciting but the one that drew the most attention was the eleven year old age bracket girls where thirteen girls from the Tri – City Area fought for the first place trophy.  The favorites were North Pharr Champion Idaliz Rivera of Longoria Elementary School; South Pharr Champion Crystal Florido of Carnahan Elementary School; North San Juan Champion Diana Castilleja of Treviño Elementary School and South Pharr Silver Medal Winner Anna Velasquez of Whitney Elementary School.  Crystal had an edge on all the girls as demonstrated with her performance during the City Championships a week before.  However, today she was to meet all her rivals in the fourth and final round of the Tri – City Elementary School Championship Series.  Diana, who was ranked second behind Crystal by one second took the lead at the outset and never looked back.  She had an amazing thirteen second per lap improvement to outpace all other competitors finishing her first ever 1500 meter racewalk in a time of 9:09.  She finished behind meet overall winner twelve year old Amberly Melendez of Longoria Elementary School who finished in a time of 8:39.

PSJA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRI – CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS GIRLS:8 and Younger:

NAME                                    TIME                         SCHOOL

1.  Perla Leal                           10:42                           Carman

2.  Karina Velazquez               14:38                           Pharr             

 9 Years Olds:

1.  Bianca Garza                      9:20                             Palmer

2.  Itzel Gonzalez                    10:59                           Treviño

3.  Victoria Frias                     11:24                           Carnahan

4.  Cassandra Gonzalez           11:58                           Palmer

5.  Emily Ruiz                         12:40                           South Pharr  

10 Year Olds:

1.  Daniela Davila                   10:08                           Treviño

2.  Jazmine Sanchez                10:29                           Bowie

3.  Amanda Guajardo             10:44                           Cesar Chavez

4.  Cielo Martinez                   11:45                           Napper

5.  Stephanie Velasquez          12:30                           Pharr

6.  Andrea Sanchez                 14:36                           Cesar Chavez  

11 Year Olds:

1.  Diania Castilleja                 9:09                             Treviño

2.  Crystal Florido                   9:21                             Carnahan

3.  Ana Vasquez                      9:31                             Whitney

4.  Taiz Cortez                         9:39                             South Pharr

5.  Idalis Rivera                       9:40                             Longoria

6.  Yanneli Bustos                   10:05                           South Pharr

7.  Lesly Perez                         10:40                           South Pharr

8.  Arlyn Escobedo                 11:16                           South Pharr

9.  Marisol Ruiz                       11:30                           Cesar Chavez

10. Myrka Chapa                    11:44                           Treviño

11.  Lucero Martinez               11:58                           Napper

12.  Jennifer Ramirez              12:10                           South Pharr

13.  Jessica Villagomez           12:26                           Pharr     

PSJA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRI – CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS (continue)GIRLS (cont.)12 and over:

1.  Amberly Melendez                        8:39                             Longoria

2.  Sofia Leal                           10:28                           Carmen

3.  Alejandra Garza                 10:35                           LBJ Midddle School

4.  Frida Arellano                    11:49                           San Juan Middle School

5.  Analyssa Gonzalez             11:50                           LBJ Middle School    

BOYS8 and Younger:

1.  Luis Cabrera                       11:48                           Carmen  

9 Year Olds:

1.  Issac Ruiz                           11:16                           Cesar Chavez  

10 Year Olds:

1.  Eduardo Uria                     9:27                             Palmer

2.  Jorge Contreras                  10:55                           Doedyns

3.  Carlo Ramirez                    11:17                           Pharr   

PhotoLeft to Right:

Eleven year old winner Diana Castilleja, two time USA Olympian Tim Seaman, twelve year old Bronze Medalist Alejandra Garza, twelve year old Silver Medalist Sofia Leal, USA Elite Racewalker Mathew Forguez of Maine, USA World Cup team member Trevor Barron of Pennsylvania, USA Elite Racewalker Margaret Ditchburn of California and eleven year old Silver Medalist Crystal Florido.   

March 29, 2009 PRESS RELEASE A.C. Jaime 956.821.6659 Americas Racewalk Cup Trials Seven time high school sophomore All-American Alex Chavez of PSJA High School broke fifty minutes at Sunday’s Americas Racewalk Cup Trials in Pharr. Alex was the youngest competitor in the field and at fifteen may get to represent the USA at the Americas Cup to be held on May 1st and 2nd in San Salvador, El Salvador if any of the top boys are unable to make the trip. Making the trip will be 1st place winner Trevor Barron of Pennsylvania; 2nd place winner Mathew Forgues of Maine and former South Texas Walking Club star Ricardo Vergara of Edinburg. On standby will be Chavez and former South Texas Walking Club fifteen time high school All-American from Edinburg, Roberto Vergara. Roberto was a close 4th place winner ahead of Chavez.

Claudia Ortiz of Mission won 2nd place in the girls 10K race in a time of 57:11 and thus qualified to attend the USATF Junior National Championships to be held in Oregon. High School All–American Jessica Reybal of McAllen walked a 1:00:35 10K and thus missed both qualifying times in her first attempt at this distance.

Representing the USA at the Americas Cup for the girls will be seventeen year old All-American Allison Chin of Ohio who won the race in a time of 54:28.

The men will be represented in San Salvador by first place 20K winner NAIA three time Collegiate Champion Patrick Stroupe of Missouri who finished in a time of 1:27 and two time USA Olympian Tim Seaman of California who won 2nd place. Attempting his 1st 20K walk was Adrian Jaime of McAllen who came short of finishing the race by 14 kilometers.

In the women’s 20K race Maria Michta of New York caught fast starting Philadelphian Solomiya Login with 5 kilometers to go. The first year grad student held on to win in a time of 1:46. Erin Taylor of the South Texas Walking Club finished 4th in a time of 1:52.

Name Year School Finals =================================================

1 Chavez, Alejandro 11 661 6:39.79

2 Sorensen, Tyler 12 596 6:52.65

3 Forgues, Matthew 10 251 7:09.98

4 Gunderkline, Jacob 09 26 7:11.46

5 Campbell, Tyler 09 715 7:15.34

6 Vincent, Evan 95 7:34.28

7 Randall, John 10 26 7:46.72

8 Swerdlow, Charles 10 95 8:06.46

-- Bonsall, Fairfield 11 498 DNS

Girls 1-Mile race results:

1. O'Shea, Ashley 09 Stony Brook, NY 7:42.36

2 Zoyhofski, Rachel 09 Rochester, NY 7:48.60

3 Josephs, Molly 12 Garden City, NY 7:48.64

4 Sorensen, Nicolette 13 Lafayette, CA 7:49.80

5 Chin, Allison 10 Tipp City, OH 7:55.12

6 Dunn, Abby 12 Auburn, ME 8:01.68

7 Ortiz, Claudia 11 McAllen, TX 8:05.77

8 Reybal, Jessica 11 McAllen, TX 8:13.41

9 DeFranco, Carley 09 Rush, NY 8:17.96

10 Savage, Tyeasha 05 New Rochelle, NY 8:18.78

11 Lenard, Keara 13 Rossville, KS 8:24.46

12 Kenney, Sarah 12 Yellow Springs, OH 8:25.68

13 Court-Menendez, Nicole 12 Lewiston, ME 8:25.77

14 Bernier, Christie 10 Auburn, ME 8:32.58

15 Walker, Alexandra 09 Henrietta, NY 8:35.33

16 Tylock, Rachael 11 Henrietta, NY 8:53.06

17 Irwin, Rebecca 11 Webster, NY 8:53.77

18 Reed, Emily 11 Farmington, ME 9:00.97

19 Flores, Diana 12 McAllen, TX 9:11.19

-- Shaver, Erika 10 Yellow Springs, OH DQ loss of contact

-- Lalane, Destiny 10 Bay Shore, NY DQ loss of contact 

-- Mercouris, Jennifer 10 Bayport, NY DNS 

 March 8, 2009  PRESS RELEASEFrom: A.C. Jaime956.281.6659PSJA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLRACEWALK TOURNAMENT RESULTS  Sixty-three PSJA Elementary School Children participated at the First and Second rounds of the PSJA Elementary School Racewalk Tournament this Saturday and Sunday, March 7^th and 8^th.  There were some surprises in these first two rounds among the children that have been racewalking less than three weeks and more are anticipated on the third round which will take place on Sunday, March 22^nd at the PSJA High School Stadium on Ridge Road in San Juan.  There were no eliminations on the first two rounds as the children walked their fastest they had ever walked under the watchful eye of our local law and fire department volunteer officers.  The officers were serving as racewalk judges for the first time ever and appeared to enjoy the chance to advise, mingle with and help our children succeed in their events.   All the children succeeded in earning the right to represent their North and South section of their community.  The majority of the children are expected to advance in their different age brackets after this round.  However, the third round will see some eliminations as the Pharr South and North eleven year old girls will compete to earn the right to represent Pharr at the Sunday, March 29^th Tri-City Racewalk Championship.  Eleven year old Idalis Rivera, Leslie Acosta and Lucero Martinez from North Pharr will face a strong contingent of ten South Pharr eleven year olds led by Crystal Nicole Florido, Taiz Cortez, Ana Vasquez and Yanneli Bustos.   Officers serving as judges were Texas State Trooper Maria Martinez and Steve Recci; Hidalgo County Deputy Monica Guajardo and Investigator John Ortega; Pharr Police Officers Daniel Garcia and J.C. Aguirre; San Juan Police Officers Luis Briseño and Angel Yerena; Alamo Police Officers Jacob Garcia and Jonathon Scaggs; Pharr Fire Department Officer Dagoberto Soto; Michigan Retired County Deputy Robert Tarkowski and Club Members Charles Smith from New York and Keith Conquest from Pharr.  The South Texas Walking Club parents conducted the tournament and were assisted by Two- Time National Junior Olympic Silver Medalist Geraldo Flores, Junior Olympic Gold Medalist Diana Lee Flores, Junior Olympic Two Time Gold Medalist  Ariana Guzman, Five Time Junior Olympic Gold Medalist and Record Holder Claudia Ortiz and Five Time High School All American Record Holder Alex Chavez. The Hidalgo County Probation Department also helped make these first two rounds of the tournament a great success.  The results for the 1200 Meter race are attached.    

 March 8, 2009 1200 Meter Racewalk Tournament 

Second Round Results 

 South Pharr Girls – 9 year olds

Place               Name                          Time                           School

1.      Garza, Bianca                       7:36                            Palmer

2.      Wisby, Lourdes                    9:12                            Pharr

3.      Frias, Victoria                       9:24                            Carnahan

4.      Gonzalez, Cassandra           9:33                            Palmer

5.      Baumann, Jayme                  10:50                          Whitney

6.      Ruiz, Emily                           11:20                          Pharr  

South Pharr Girls – 10 year olds

Place               Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Guajardo, Amanda               9:08                            Cesar Chavez

2.      Sanchez, Andrea                  9:17                            Cesar Chavez

3.      Gortarez, Faith                      10:12                          Carnahan  

South Pharr Girls – 11 year olds

Place               Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Florido, Crystal                    7:37                            Carnahan

2.      Cortez, Taiz                           7:49                            South Pharr 

  3.      Vasquez, Ana                        8:04                            Whitney

4.      Bustos, Yanelli                     8:18                            South Pharr

5.      Perez, Lesly                           8:41                            South Pharr

6.      Escobedo, Arlene                 8:58                            South Pharr

7.      Villagomez, Jessica             9:38                            Pharr

8.      Garza, Victoria                     9:46                             Pharr

9.      Ramirez, Jennifer                9:58                             South Pharr

10. Ruiz, Marisol                        9:59                            Cesar Chavez 

 North Pharr Girls – 9 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Pichardo, Bella                     8:59                            Ramirez  

North Pharr Girls – 10 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Martinez, Cielo                     9:34                            Napper 

March 8, 2009 1200 Meter Racewalk Tournament Second Round Results

 North Pharr Girls – 11 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1        Rivera, Idalis                         8:00                            Longoria

2.      Acosta, Leslie                       9:17                            Longoria

3.      Martinez, Lucero                  10:38                          Napper 

 North Pharr Girls – 12 year olds and Older

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1        Melendez, Amberly             7:22                            Longoria

2        Garza, Alejandra                  8:35                            Napper  

North San Juan Girls – 8 year olds and Under

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1        Garza, Kaycee                      11:03                          Reed – Mock

2        Perez, Yanette                       13:42                          Pharr   

North San Juan Girls – 9 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1        Gonzalez, Hazel                   8:53                            Treviño

2        Murillo, Jennifer                  11:09                          Treviño 

 North San Juan Girls – 10 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1        Davila, Daniela                     8:16                            Treviño

2        Martinez, Janelle                  8:21                            Treviño

3        Nicanor, Alisha                    9:06                            Treviño  

North San Juan Girls – 11 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1        Castiellja, Diana                   7:36                            Treviño

2        De Leon, Clarissa                 8:07                            Treviño

3        Elizardo, Regina                   9:01                            Clover

4        Chapa, Myrka                       10:14                          Treviño

March 8, 2009 1200 Meter Racewalk Tournament Second Round Results  North San Juan Girls – 12 year olds and Over

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Diaz, Sasha                            7:14                            Treviño

2.      Guerra, Monica                    9:27                            Treviño  

South San Juan Girls – 8 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Leal, Perla                             8:31                            Carmen  

South San Juan Girls – 12 year olds and Over

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Leal, Sofia                             8:21                            Carmen  

South Alamo Girls – 9 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Martinez, Elizabeth                         11:52                          Farias

South Alamo Girls – 10 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Sanchez, Jasmine                 9:54                            Bowie

March 8, 2009 1200 Meter Racewalk Tournament Second Round Results  South Pharr Boys – 9 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Lopez, Angel                         10:05                          South Pharr  

South Pharr Boys – 10 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Uria, Eduardo                       9:07                            Palmer

2.      Ramirez, Carlo                      9:32                            Pharr  

South Pharr Boys – 11 year olds

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Muñoz, Eduardo                   9:34                            South Pharr  

South Pharr Boys – 12 year olds and Older

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Escobedo, Alejandro           9:33                            South Pharr  

North Pharr Boys – 12 year olds and Older

Place   Name                                      Time                           School

1.      Lopez, Juan                           10:25      

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 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th 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 7^th for the right to represent their area at their North and South City Competitions on Sunday, March 8^th. 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 22^nd.   

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 29^th 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. 

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.

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

Texas Walk Week, the camp here in Pharr, Texas, kicked off today with an easy 3 kilometer work-out-the-kinks walk in the morning. Then, this afternoon, a little 1 hour walk on the track was held to find out where everyone is going into a week of twice a day workouts. There were 4 judges, but the temperature at the 4:30pm start was a toasty 94 degrees. So very few pushed the pace. Luckily, more normal (cooler) temperatures are expected for the rest of the week (A high of 65 is predicted for Sunday).

Texas Walk Week 1 Hour Race Walk

1. Tim Seaman (NY AC) M36 12647 (meters)

2. Trevor Barron (South Park TC) M16 12207

3. Chris Tegtmeier (Concordia U) M21 11334

4. Tyler Sorrenson (Pleasanton Heat) M14 10933

5. Matt Forgues (Maine RWers) M16 10494

6. Alex Chavez (South Texas WC) M15 10420

7. Bruno Carrier (Canada) M16 10221

8. Rachel Lavallee (Canada) F22 10093

9. Nicolette Sorrenson (Pleasanton H.) F13 9623

10. Christie Bernier (Maine RWers) F16 9412

11. Claudia Ortiz (South Texas WC) F15 9155

12. Hannah Kisley (North Carolina) F15 9097

13. Allison Chin (Miami Valley TC) F16 8800

14. Mercedes Mancha (Elgin Sharks) F18 8766

15. Tina Peters (Goshen College) F20 8588

16. Molly Josephs (Walk USA) F14 8535

17. Sarah Kenney (Miami Valley TC) F14 8340

18. Diana Flores (South Texas WC) F14 8087

19. Bianca Garza (South Texas WC) F8 7623

20. Josie Vargai (South Texas WC) F12 7623

21. Ricardo Vergara (Lindsey Wilson C) F18 6000

22. Roberto Vergara (Lindsey Wilson C) F18 5200

Since so many people have contaced us asking to know which one of their friends are coming to the camp, we have decided to put up a partial list of attendees.

Lauren Forgues

Rachel Lavallee (Canada)

Tim Seaman

Trevor Barron

Chris Tegtmeier

Christie Bernier

Janelle Brown

Jonathan Brown

Nicolette Sorensen

Molly Joseph

Bruno Carriere (Canada)

Ricardo Vergara

Roberto Vergara

Alex Chavez

Tyler Sorensen

Allison Chin

Tina Peters

Diana Flores

Claudia Ortiz

Sarah Kinney

Jesica Reybal

Steven Valadez

So far, we have 22 people confirmed to come to the training camp.  If you are interested in joining us, please contact us ASAP because spots will fill up and airline ticket prices will go up.

Well, it is not exactly how it sounds, but we have just heard that three different Coach's will be bring members of their teams to South Texas for the Training camp that American Record Holder Tim Seaman, Canadian National Champion Rachel Lavallee and the South Texas Walking Club will be hosting.

Coach Salvador Velazco of Baja California will be bringing three boys and one girl from their elite racewalking team to our camp in December. 

Also, Coach Fernando Infante from Zitacuaro, Michoacan and Celia Marcen Murio from Monterrey, Mexico have advised Coach Jaime that they will for sure be sending as many elite athletes as they can.

 This is a great moment and special thanks need to be given to Coach AC Jaime for working so hard to build cross border bridges for the kids.

The Pharr–San Juan–Alamo Independent School District, more commonly known as PSJA, has adopted a developmental elementary school Racewalk program that is proving to be a big hit with school coaches and parents.

 Recently, 131 elementary school physical education coaches from PSJA and surrounding school districts attended the second coaches-level Racewalk clinic sponsored by the South Texas Walking Club.  Led by national team member and noted Racewalk author Dave McGovern, and assisted by accomplished national-level Racewalker Loretta Schuellein, the second clinic proved to be just as inspiring and motivational for the coaches as was for the first clinic given by international-level judge Gary Westerfield back in March. 

Taking the lead after the clinics, PSJA ISD plans to educate all its elementary school coaches on the “Art of Racewalking” before November 1.  Then, the coaches will begin teaching Racewalking to the district’s entire third, fourth, and fifth graders--approximately 6500 youngsters.  The administration has also requested that all coaches teach Racewalking at their 26 elementary schools for a period of three weeks and to allow any child that desires to continue Racewalking do so during their Friday classes.  

At our request, PSJA ISD is considering allowing 7^th and 8^th graders, and high school students, ½ credit per semester for participation in the existing Racewalking program.  Other area school districts are considering starting a similar effort—a major reason why clinic attendance significantly increased from 57 in March to 131 in August. 

To give developing athletes, supportive parents, and involved coaches an additional long-term resource, the club commissioned Gary Westerfield and University of Maine’s Dr. Tom Eastler to write a children’s Racewalking book that may be used in this racewalk pilot program.  Eventually, the book will have contributions by Dr Eastler, Gary Westerfield, Diane Graham Henry, Dave McGovern, Vern Muck, Jeff Salvage, Vince Peters, Chris Real, Mary Kirk Cunningham and other prominent names from the world of Racewalking.  We expect the book to be finished soon and in the hands of Bedazzled Ink Publishing Company—hopefully in time for the pilot program. 

Obviously, much remains to be done to make this pilot program a viable success.  We have invested much of our funds in this project but could use further assistance from businesses and parents. Any financial assistance would be greatly appreciated.  

 In December, Gary Westerfield has been invited to give a program update to all teachers at the Texas Teacher State Convention in Corpus. We hope that coaches will adopt Racewalking as a key fitness tool to their training programs.  We see an enormous amount of potential for South Texas youngsters to learn the long-term health benefits of Racewalking, and have fun while in physical education classes.  

A.C. Jaime

621 N. 10^th St.

McAllen, TX 78501

956-686-2337(o)  956-821-6659(c)

 800-383-5733                                                        

We will be having a Jr./Sr. Training camp in the McAllen/Pharr area from December 26th thru January 4th.  This is going to be a training camp not a "talking" camp, so if you are interested in attending, please bring your walking shoes and contact Coach Jaime.

Tentative Schedule:

Friday December 26th - Arrival

Saturday December 27th - 1 hour RACE on the track in honor of 1956 Olympian Elliott Denman

Sunday December 28th - 20-25km walk for the Sr. Athletes, 12-15km for the "kids".

Monday Dec 29th -12-15km in the morning + technique work, 8km run in the afternoon. (kids do less)

Tuesday Dec 30th - FARTLEK

Wednesday Dec 31st - 20-25km for the Sr. Athletesin the morning, 6km easy run in the afternoon?

Thursday January 1st - TBD

Friday January 2nd - 1-Mile walk for the kids to qualify for the Indoor Nationals

Saturday January 3rd - Largest Judged 5km racewalk in Texas

Sunday January 4th - 20-25km in the morning, in the afternoon Training Camp ends, travel home.

Ricardo Vergara became the only youth to ever win the High School National Scholastic Indoor One Mile Race Walk Championship in New York for three consecutive years on Sunday, March 15^th.  Three other boys had won this high school championship for two consecutive years but never for three as did the seventeen year old Edinburg High School Senior twin. 

Winning this race proved to be difficult for Ricardo.  He had just won the High School Nike Indoor One Mile National Race Walk Championship in Maryland the day before even though he complained of having difficulty breathing due to a throat infection.  That race had been won by his twin brother Roberto the previous two years but this time Roberto was the one struggling with excruciating pain to his joints which is a side effect of a prescription medication he is taking.  Being able to walk at a six and one half minute per mile pace, as previously planned, proved to be too much for Roberto as Trevor Baron, a high school sophomore from Pennsylvania, went around him half way through the race.  Trevor then went around Ricardo with two of the eight 200 meter laps remaining.  Ricardo, seeing that Roberto was unable to respond to Trevor’s move, put on his after burners and overtook Trevor at the beginning of the last lap to win that Championship in a time of 6:34 with Trevor and Roberto three and ten second behind respectively.  P-SJ-A High School freshman, Alex Chavez, finished the race in fifth place with a personal best time of 7:13 allowing the South Texas Walking Club to place three of its own on the top six All American Team for the forth consecutive year.

As it’s often said, “What goes around, comes around!”  Coach A.C. Jaime had expected Ricardo to set a new record last year at the AAU National Junior Olympic Championship in Tennessee.  However, because Ricardo was having the same problems then that Roberto was experiencing this time around, it was Roberto who stepped in and brought the existing 17-18 year age division record of 13:18 down to 13:15, hoping to once again break that record this year before graduation.

Trevor, being one of the many juniors coached by A.C. Jaime in the past, saw the condition the twins were in and planned to grab hold of the situation.  “Coach, I beat Roberto today, and tomorrow, I also intend to beat Ricardo!”, he snickered to Coach Jaime over dinner Saturday night on their way to the New York race.  He was not the only one wanting to out pace the country’s top two junior race walkers.  Eleven of the top twelve junior walkers were in attendance and anyone of them would have been capable of outpacing the twins on a bad day.

Ricardo was well aware that Trevor knew what and how Coach Jaime trains his team since he had spent two weeks living with Coach Jaime and training with the South Texas Walking Club in Texas.  Furthermore, Ricardo knew that Trevor was now being well assisted and advised by Vince Peters, the U.S.A. Track and Field National Race Walk Chairman and that he no doubt was going to be well prepared in the morning.  The Club’s Assistant Coach, Anelle Chavez, R.N., checked Ricardo once again and had him gargle with medication several times during the day and night.  Even though Ricardo never became febrile, his throat continued to worsen causing him more discomfort and difficulty with breathing.

The morning of the race, Ricardo and Roberto greeted Trevor and the rest of the contenders with the same “gusto” they’ve always had for each other.  Since the majority of the top twelve juniors in the country have trained together with A. C. Jaime, Vince Peters and the other Race Walking coaches, they all see each other as a team and travel together to these meets.  Each of them was introduced as they walked up to the starting line with Ricardo being introduced first.  The boys jockeyed for position at the start of the race with Ricardo out front surprisingly followed closely by Tyler Sorensen, of California, who along with Chavez, were two of the two youngest in the group.  Roberto was right behind Sorensen followed by Trevor who soon went around Roberto at the start of the second lap.  It soon became a four man race each within striking distance of Ricardo who intended to and was setting the pace for all to follow.

Roberto took over third place at the start of the fifth lap, but Sorensen refused to fall back and lingered but one second behind him, just as Trevor remained behind Ricardo and Roberto behind Trevor.  Sorensen began to fade a little at the beginning of the seventh lap as did Roberto at the start of the eighth lap.  Trevor stayed with Ricardo throughout the seventh and part of the last lap but did not have the stamina to keep up to Ricardo’s riveting forty-five second lap finish.  Meanwhile, Sorensen, who was three seconds behind Roberto half way through the last lap, was able to pass him during the last fifty meter stretch but was disqualified for lifting.  This allowed Roberto and Alex to finish in third and fifth place respectively once again just as they had done the previous day in Maryland.  Matthew Forgues and Tyler Campbell of Maine, finished in forth and sixth place respectively making up the All American Team.

Thirteen year old eighth grader, Diana Flores of San Juan Middle School, had a fantastic race finishing in twenty-second place in a field of forty high school girls.  She, along with seventh graders, Ariana Guzman of Sharyland, and Nicolette Sorensen of California, were the only non-high school girls to qualify for this meet.  Nicolette finished in third and forth place in Maryland and New York respectively.  She raised many an eyebrow with her style and ability.  She walked miles of 7:52 and 7:54 and will be one to contend with next year.  Ariana had an eleventh place finish in Maryland behind tenth place contender Claudia Ortiz, a freshman from Sharyland High School.

The team’s only High School All American girl, Jessica Reybal of McAllen, could not compete well after recovering from knee surgery this past December, but is expected to return within a few months.

Click the above link to see the start list for the IAAF Racewalking Challenge that both Ricardo and Roberto will be attending in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Also walking are Americans John Nunn, Philip Dunn and Susan Armenta.

Never in the one hundred year history of the Millrose Games held at the New York Madison Square Garden had two high school boys won the top two places in the one mile Racewalk until today.  The seventeen year old Edinburg High School Vergara twin brothers now hold that distinction coming home with the top two medals and a beautiful 12” high crystal cup to prove their success.

 The event usually attracts some of the top twelve Racewalkers in the country and this year was no exception. The high school senior twins were ranked forth and fifth among those registered and that’s exactly where they found themselves at the end of the first lap.   Michael Kazmierczak, a sophomore at the University Of Road Island and one of the top two college youth in the country, jumped out front at the sound of the gun and walked his first lap at an incredible five minute twenty second mile pace.  Twenty-four year old Richard Luettchau, a graduate of Stockton College in Missouri and a top contender for the Olympic trials, was right behind Michael. Kurt Clausen, our three time USA Olympian, was not about to let Michael and Richard walk away on their own and was in hot pursuit behind them as part of the lead pack.

 Ricardo and Roberto made up the second pack along with fourteen time U.S. National Champion Dave McGovern of Alabama who was right on the twins heels from the outset and had no intentions of letting them out of his sight. 

Michael maintained the lead until Richard took over at the end of the sixth lap.  Ricardo and Roberto, in the meantime, exchanged leads in the second pack as is their trademark with Roberto taking over at the end of the third lap.  Ricardo then came around Roberto at the beginning of the fifth lap and gradually overtook three times Olympian Kurt Clausen with Roberto and Dave McGovern close behind.

 Breaking up the lead pack was just the beginning for the second pack for they gradually also started to gain on Michael who had reluctantly relinquished the lead to Richard. As it turned out, Michael started to slow down a bit and all three in the second pack were able to overtake him in the seventh lap.  Now it was Richard, Ricardo, Roberto and Dave. 

Richard seemed to have an attitude of “Catch me if you can”. He had a pace that could not be overcome by anyone in the second pack; however, he had accumulated two red cards while maintaining the lead until Ricardo was finally able to go around him at the beginning of the ninth lap.  Once again Richard attempted to take the lead on the last two laps but received his third red card and thus was disqualified allowing Ricardo and Roberto to finish first and second respectively, becoming the first two high school boys to ever finish in that order at this prestigious national event. Roberto maintains that he, out of respect, allowed his older twin brother to finish in first place and win the beautiful crystal cup Ricardo bought home after finishing the race in a time of 6:29.92. Times for Roberto, Dave, Michael and Kurt were 6:37.17, 6:39.64, 6:40.15, and 6:51.95 respectively.  Other walkers and their times were Mathew Forgues 7:00.68, Julio Alva 7:27.42 and Geoff Karhoff 7:30.48. 

Who is the fastest Vergara?  The same person who is the fastest 1-mile racewalker in America.  Last night at the 101st Millrose Games in New York City at Madison Square Garden, Ricardo and brother Roberto put on a show.  Ricardo walked 6:29, to take the Cup home, while Roberto out sprinted Dave McGovern to place 2nd in a time of 6:37.  Dave McGovern placed 3rd in a time of 6:39.  Make Kazmierczac was 4th in a time of 6:40.  3x Olympian Curt Clausen, recoverying from the flu was 5th in a time of 6:51.

 This was only the 2nd time in the 101 year history that a high schooler won the 1-mile walk.  The first time was by Zac Pollinger in 2003 when he won in 6:41.