With over 1,800 registered runners and nearly 1,200 in attendance, the 41st UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash, hosted by the UTSA Alumni Association, was a success despite the 30-degree temperature and misty conditions.
“This was a banner year,” Jacob Cavazos, the Board President of the UTSA Alumni Association, stated in an interview with The Paisano. “We had more registered runners than we’ve ever had before. We’re out here in the cold, and it’s been misting all day. I’m curious to see how many we had shown up, but it was over 1,000 today. It was beautiful to see all these people come out to support student scholarships and the university.”
The Diploma Dash is the largest chip-timed 5k in San Antonio, aimed to raise over $150,000 to fund UTSA student scholarships. On Feb. 22, 1,174 people came to run — a significant increase from last year’s 997.
The start and finish line stood in front of the Convocation Center at UTSA’s Main Campus. Runners gathered inside and in front of the building as early as 7 a.m. for the Race Day Festival, while the actual race was scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
There were 26 sponsors this year, some of which set up booths and tents to supply the runners with snacks and refreshments. North Park Subaru presented the event. For the first time, finisher medals were awarded to participants.
Joaquin De La Cruz finished first overall and for males at 16 minutes, 51 seconds. Hannah Cole finished first for females at 21 minutes, 29 seconds, and 27th overall.
The top male and female students were Edwards Irizarray-Santiago and Stephany Castruita. Their times were 19 minutes, 10 seconds, and 22 minutes, 49 seconds, respectively.
Marie Degennaro, who placed 956th after 54 minutes, 53 seconds, runs the Diploma Dash every year with her husband, John Degennaro, and dog Luna; however, this year was different from the rest.
“I got second in my age group, which was 65 and up, but there [were] probably only three women in my age group ‘cause I’ve never placed in anything in my life,” Degennero said.
She shared the significance of the race for her and her family.
“My husband has his master’s from here, my son [his] undergrad and our daughter has her undergrad, and she’ll be graduating with her master’s this spring,” Degennero said. “So it’s just to support the university that our family has attended, and they’ve gotten great educations here in their respective degree programs. I know the funds support the university and all, so it’s a lot to us.”
Cavazos expressed his gratitude for this year’s turnout.
“We’re so thankful for our [alumni], the community, students, faculty to come out and support our events, but more specifically, the UTSA Diploma Dash,” he said. “It’s one of our signature events that we do every year; [it] raises dollars for students’ scholarships. And so we’re so proud to be able to support universities [and to] support students this way.”
He shared the significance the Diploma Dash holds for him as a UTSA alumnus.
“I graduated in 2006,” Cavazos said. “I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships, receive support from the university, [and] receive support from the community. And so, to be able to be a part of giving back to students, the university, it means the world. And events like this make it happen.”
To view the full extent of the 41st UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash results, visit chuckscore.com.
