BARRANQUILLA, Columbia -- University of the Incarnate Word men's swimming and diving junior Hector Ruvalcaba Cruz represented the Mexican National Team at the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games on July 20-24. Over 5,000 athletes from 37 countries competed in these games.
 
On the first day of competition, Ruvalcaba Cruz earned second in the Men's 200 meter Butterfly competition, with a time of 1:59.13. On Saturday, Ruvalcaba Cruz collected another spot on the podium by placing third in the Men's 200 Individual Medley, finishing in 2:03.37. In Sunday's finals, Hector was an A Finalist in heat two of the Men's 400 Individual Medley, taking second with a time of 4:25.04.
 
Ruvalcaba Cruz's silver and bronze medals from the meet add to Mexico's total of 43 swimming medals, securing their lead over the competition.
 
Entering his third year at UIW in the fall, Ruvalcaba Cruz, a Tijuana, Mexico, native, is studying engineering. He finished the 2017-2018 season with postseason honors and the CCSA Male Swimmer of the Year title.
 
"It was an amazing experience and an honor to represent my country at an international level," says Ruvalcaba Cruz. "I'm excited for the next season at UIW, I want to keep this momentum going and continue to train hard to fulfill my Olympic dream in 2020."
 
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