Skyhawk on the Move: Student-Athlete Soars in Track and Cross Country

Andrew Cura, who prefers to go by Andres Cura, is a proud graduate of South High School, Class of 2024. During his time in high school, Andres excelled in both track and cross country. Today, he continues to pursue his passion by competing in cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track at Fort Lewis College on scholarship.

Andres is currently majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in Physics. He chose Fort Lewis College because of its beautiful campus and the sense of connection he felt right away. “It’s everything I imagined it would be,” he shared. He also enjoys the scenic running trails in Durango, which make it a perfect fit for a student-athlete like himself.

Not only is Fort Lewis home to top-notch teammates and a supportive coach, but it also offers a strong engineering program that aligns with Andres’s academic goals. He is already balancing a demanding schedule with determination and discipline. “Playing three college-level sports has taught me to manage my time, prioritize my goals, and make sacrifices. I also have to take really good notes and be an active participant in my engineering classes. My goal is to graduate with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a minor in Physics.”

Giving back is important to Andres. He completed the required volunteer work for his PHEF scholarship by helping with his church Christmas tree-cutting event—his favorite way to support the community.

Thanks to support from PHEF, Andres was able to attend Fort Lewis with the help of a scholarship. With his drive and dedication, there’s no doubt he’ll go far.

Keep on running, Andres—you’ve got a bright future ahead!