Scenes from the 2022 U.S. Paralympics Cycling Open
Raytheon Technologies and its volunteers again supported the annual international competition in Huntsville, Alabama
Some 30 military veterans were among 75 athletes who competed in the 2022 U.S. Paralympics Cycling Open in Huntsville, Alabama. Over the April 8-10 event, co-presenting sponsor Raytheon Technologies and many of its employees turned out to help, as they did last year.
We love seeing Raytheon Technologies’ leadership and team members embrace these races,” said Erin Koshut, an event organizer and executive director of the Cummings Research Park in Huntsville.
The three-day competition attracted top para-cyclists from around the world who are vying for spots in upcoming World Cup races in Europe. And it was another opportunity for Raytheon Technologies to show its support for Huntsville. Rocket City, as it’s known, is the only place in the world where all four Raytheon Technologies businesses have a physical location.
The U.S. Paralympics Cycling Open is an inspiration for the whole family,” Koshut said, “Many of the company’s employees not only brought their spouses and children to cheer on the athletes, but they also volunteered during the race activities.
In support of their local community, employees from across the company, along with their families and friends, pitched in. Most were marshals, keeping the courses clear of debris, traffic and pedestrians in two locations: the time trials and road races took place in Cummings Research Park while the hand-cycle team relays were held around Big Spring Park.
Some Raytheon volunteers formed a corps of nine photographers dedicated to documenting the purpose and spirit of the event. Here are some of the moments they captured.
Click here for descriptions of the Paralympics event classifications noted with * in the captions
(from left) Matt Tingley, Travis Gaertner and Zachary Stinson, a U.S. Marine veteran, share the podium in the *MH4 category for hand-cycling. Michael Cox, at right, of Raytheon, presented their medals. Photo: Dineille Villaroel
(left photo, from left) Mark-Anthony Sanchez in front and Chester Triplett, a U.S. Army veteran, in back, finished first in tandem cycling. The second placegetters were Brandon Welch in front of the bike and Stan Moore in the back. Photo: Dineille Villaroel
(photo at right) Allison Jones, an eight-time U.S. Paralympian, was the only cyclist competing in the women’s *C2 time trial and road race in Huntsville, winning both events. Photo: Monica Gruber
The concert band from the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering played The Star-Spangled Banner before the start of the road races. Since ASCTE’s opening in August 2020, Raytheon Technologies has supported the school, both as a foundation donor and through its employees’ volunteer efforts. Photo: Rosemary Hodges
Clara Brown, at front, lined up for the start of the *WC3 time trial. After she won the event, Brown told WHNT TV that she appreciated “how friendly the volunteers and the whole staff running the races have been.” Photo: Tony Trout
(back to front) Alicia Dana ultimately overtook Jenna Rollman to win the *WH3 hand-cycling road race. The U.S. Paralympics Cycling Open started the competition season for many of the para-athletes. It will culminate in the World Championships in August. Photo: Joe O’Connell
As spectators lined Explorer Boulevard, Allison Jones finished in first place in the *WC2 women’s cycling event. On stage (left), Tori Trice of Medalist Sports prepared for the awards ceremonies and also assisted ESPN The Zone co-host Scott Theisen(right), who announced the races. Photo: Tony Trout
(left photo) The top three in the men’s cycling event were (from left) Billy Lister (2nd), Aaron Keith (1st) and Todd Key (3rd.) Photo: Natalie Lapacek-Trout
(photo at right, left-to-right) Josue Barron, a U.S. Marine veteran, finished sixth in his category of the hand-cycle races. And, U.S. Army veteran Alfredo De Los Santos won his category. Photo: Natalie Lapacek-Trout
(left photo) At the start of the women’s cycling time trial, Mike Durner (at right) of U.S. Paralympics Cycling assisted Elizabeth Mis, who won the silver medal. Photo: Tony Trout
(right photo, left-to-right) Amanda Kloepfer and Jill Walsh celebrate their successes – silver and gold, respectively – in the *T2 tricycles event. Photo: Natalie Lapacek-Trout
Charles Moore (bottom right), is a program manager for Raytheon in Huntsville and global chair of Raytheon Technologies’ Veterans Employee Resource Group. He and his wife, Amber (top right) attended the Paralympics Cycling Open with their children: (from left) Cori, Abigail, Jackson and Jonathan. Photo: Rosemary Hodges
Cummings Research Park, where the time trials and road races took place, is the second-largest research park in the country and the fourth biggest in the world. It’s home to two Raytheon Technologies facilities. Photo: Joe O’Connell
Click here to explore all the ways Raytheon Technologies and its employees support veterans and local communities across the U.S.
