Posted: August 15, 2005

Athletics: USATF News & Notes - Vol. 6, No. 63

U.S. defeats Canada in junior race walking matches

The USA junior race walk team swept the men's, women's and combined team events Sunday at the 17th annual USA vs. Canada Dual Match in Hauppauge, N.Y.

In the women's 5 km race, U.S. junior champion Maria Michta (Nesconset, N.Y.) raced with her Canadian counterpart, Rachel Lavallee, into the third kilometer before Lavallee pulled away to successfully defend her title in 24 minutes, 54 seconds. Michta was second in 26:28. Laura Richenderfer (Fairport, N.Y.) and Tina Peters (Yellow Springs, Ohio) finished 3-4, in 26:49 and 27:23, to complete the U.S. scoring and give the win to the home team.

In the men's 10 km race, Zachary Pollinger (Mahwah, N.J.) emerged from a lead pack around 5 km to gain individual match honors, finishing in 48:19. Two-time defending champion Pierre-Luc Menard of Canada suffered under the extremely hot and humid weather conditions, but still finished runner-up in 50:43. Four USA uniforms then crossed in rapid succession, the 3-4 placings of Jared Swehoskey (Stayton, Ore. - 53:09) and Roberto Vergara (Edinburg, Texas - 53:13) securing the victory.

The match was held as part of the inaugural NACAC Race Walk Cup event. The U.S. was also victorious in all the team scoring divisions in that competition to win the Amadeo Francis Championship trophy.

For complete results, visit: USATF.org.