March 20, 2003

USA Triathlon named Florida Atlantic University cross-country member Manuel Huerta the 2002 Junior Male Triathlete-of-the-Year. Huerta becomes the first member of FAU to earn the USAT honor in program history.

Huerta, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, FL, holds the number one ranking in the 23 and under division and the 18-19 age group. From 1999 he has consistently been ranked in the top 10 of the country with him ascending to number two in 2001. Huerta is no stranger to being at the head of the pack. The freshman's top performances include a first place overall finish in the Junior Triathlon and Duathlon National Championships, a first place finish in the Draft Legal Series and a first place finish in the Junior National Series in Tampa. Over the last year, Huerta has competed in 12 multi-sport races with the Junior National Triathlon and the Worlds Duathlong being his favorite races.

FAU cross-country will return to action next year and looks to improve its seventh place finish at the Atlantic Sun Championships.

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