Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Quinton Wiltbank, left, and Tyler Lewis have been riding a bicycle all year. The Morenci Class of 2023 members are using athletic abilities to raise funds for Saint Jude Children’s Hospital in Tucson. They will participate in a half Ironman Triathlon on Saturday, May 20.
Pair using their athletic ability to benefit others
By Raymundo Frasquillo
MORENCI – Two Morenci Class of 2023 members are preparing to participate in half an Ironman Triathlon to raise funding for Saint Jude Children’s Hospital in Tucson. Tyler Lewis and Quinton Wiltbank plan the event for Saturday, May 20.
The swim portion in the community pool begins at 9 a.m., followed by a bicycle ride and a run throughout the Clifton – Morenci area. Distances for a half-Ironman include a 1.2-mile swim followed by a 56-mile bike ride and finished with a 13.1-mile run.
Early in the week, the pair had five volunteers agreeing to help with hydration points for the bike and run portions. A total of $200 has been raised through Wednesday.
The pair have been staying in shape throughout the year by riding their bikes. Lewis participated on the school track team and Wiltbank on the tennis team this Spring, and both were on the swim (Fall) and soccer (Winter) teams earlier in the school year.
Lewis and Wiltbank will participate in the high school baccalaureate ceremony the next day and graduation later in the week.
“We are up for the challenge,” Lewis said.
