Sept. 3, 2008

COLUMBIA, Ky. - Three of Lindsey Wilson College's newest student-athletes are competing and succeeding at the highest level. Ricardo and Roberto Vergara and Evan Crowdus participated in the 2008 USA vs. Canada Junior Race Walk Match on August 16 in British Columbia, Canada.

"You always want to represent your country and I believe we did that," said Ricardo Vergara.

The trio of Lindsey Wilson freshmen all finished in the top 10 at the annual event.

Ricardo -- the oldest Vergara twin -- finished third with a time of 51 minutes and 1.5 seconds over the 10,000 meters, while Roberto finished fourth with a time of 51:07. Crowdus finished eighth with a time of 53:17.

The three finishes helped lead the way for the USA to take the match 12-10 over Canada.

"International competition is always tougher than college competition because you are facing new racers, a whole new breed," said Crowdus.

The three had to qualify for the event by placing in the top five during a race in Columbus, Ohio. Interestingly enough, Ricardo and Roberto finished third and fourth again while Crowdus came in fifth, sending all three to Canada for the competition.

The Vergara twins push each other to the max in order to compete at the highest level.

"We are always training together so our times are similar, helping each other is key, but we both want to beat each other so it makes us perform better," said Roberto.

For the upcoming season at Lindsey Wilson the two siblings will both be on the track and field team, while Crowdus will participate for the cross country team.

Crowdus has set some lofty goals for an incoming freshman new to college competition.

"Hopefully I can stay in the 23-minute range on the 5k and in the 13-minute range for the 3k," said Crowdus.

As for the Vergara twins Ricardo said it best, "I want to compete to the best of my ability and improve everyday."

The Blue Raiders cross country team starts their seasons in September, while the track and field team begins their indoor season next February.