July 1, 2002

By Sharon Robb
Sun-Sentinel

Florida Atlantic freshman Manuel Huerta won the USA Triathlon Junior Series season-opener Sunday in San Antonio.

The 19-year-old Cuban-born Huerta, one of the nation's top juniors, earned points to qualify for the Nov. 9 ITU World Championships in Cancun, Mexico, in the first of four junior races in the United States.

Huerta topped both the 16-19 and 20-23 age groups for his first major national triathlon title.

Huerta came out of the swim in the second pack, worked his way to the leaders during the bike portion and overtook the lead during the 3.1-mile run. Huerta runs cross country and track at FAU.