Cuyamaca College Alumni and Current students Competing Across the World
From Cuyamaca to Rome!
Two Cuyamaca Alumni and one current Coyote competed today in Earth City, Missouri at the World Team Trials for racewalking. All three are going to Rome!
Emmanuel Corvera led the Coyote alum with his time of 1:29:07 in the 20km racewalk event. Battling 20+ mph winds, Emmanuel started off in 4th place and moved up throughout the race. It was the highest national finish he has ever recorded and it solidified him as one of the best race walkers in America. After finishing at Cuyamaca, Emmanuel went on to San Diego State where he finished his Bachelor's degree in History. He is currently working on his masters through an online program that is being offered by West Virginia University, while currently training full time.
Next up for the Coyote alumni was Nick Christie. Nick, who finished 2nd at the US Olympic 50km Trials 5 weeks ago, and 2nd at the US Indoor Nationals two weeks ago, placed 3rd overall today with his time of 1:29:47. Nick had the option to choose the 50km in Rome or the 20km, and he confirmed today that he will try and obtain the 50km Olympic Standard on May 8th next to the infamous Coliseum. This will be Nick's best chance to obtain the Olympic Standard to compete in Rio.
Last but not least was freshman standout Alex Belavance. Alex, who is still a junior, competed in the under-20 event, the 10km race walk. Having started just 4 months ago, Alex has shown huge talent for the event. Today, he was able to test his mettle against America's best junior racewalkers. His time of 47:58, was under the qualifying time of 48:30 set forth by USA Track and Field. Alex placed 3rd overall. The Junior race was won by Cameron Haught from Ohio with his time of 43:53, with 2nd place going to AJ Gruttadauro from Rochester, NY with his time of 47:50.
Alex finished strong, walking a negative split the 2nd half of the race by more than 40 seconds. Alex did 24:24 his first 5km, which was a PR, and he did 23:37 the 2nd 5km! Throwing up all over himself the last kilometer, he still managed to hit 4:32, his fastest split of the day. Double PR day for Alex.
All three men will earn their right to wear USA across their chest as they compete against the best race walkers in the world.
We all know though, that while USA will be on their chests, the Cuyamaca Coyote will be in their hearts and spirits pushing them to perform well.
All three were taught to race walk by Tim Seaman, Cuyamaca's Men's Head Cross Country Coach and Women's Head Track and Field Coach. Seaman, in his 6th year of coaching at Cuyamaca, is the current American record holder in the event and a 2x Olympian.