Riders race at the Kan Pacific grounds last month. (Joseph Chin)

Motocross action will return to the Kan Pacific grounds this Sunday, as the Marianas Racing Association holds a competition at its temporary track.

MRA, which had its regular training rides at the former CowTown Raceway last weekend to test the grounds that have started to undergo clearing in preparation for the construction of the Marianas Motocross Park, will have this Sunday’s races divided into two heats (forward and reverse). The tournament will feature both kids and adult riders in dirt/MX bikes and ATVs.

Shane Alvarez takes on one of the humps along the course. (Marianas Racing Association)

Riders are required to attend a brief meeting at 2pm, while the first race on Heat 1 will start at 2:15pm and will be for peewee kids division. Riders in the first race will have to go through the course (big track) three times or five times using the small track.

For the second race in Heat 1, mini 1 and 2 will cover five laps with the competition beginning at 2:30pm, while riders in the veteran class will go through the course six times, starting at 2:45pm. At 3:05pm, it will be the turn of participants in the novice division and they will do five laps of the course.

A young rider carefully navigates a turn along the course. (Joseph Chin)

The longest distance on Heat 1 is for riders in the expert class, as they will have to log eight laps at the 3:25pm race.

To close Heat 1, ATV riders will hit the course at 3:45pm and participants will must complete five laps. Heat 1 races follow the regular (forward) route of the course.

Riders in the veteran class get ready at the starting line during a training race early this month at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Marianas Racing Association)

For Heat 2, the same order of race will be followed with minor changes in the distance. The peewee kids division (optional), minis 1 and 2 at 4pm and 4:15pm will have the same distance, while the veteran class riders are required to do only four laps when their race kicks off at 4:30pm. The novice division race at 4:45pm will still have five laps, while the expert rider class that will start at 5pm is down to seven laps. The ATV race on Heat 2 at 5:20pm will also cover less distance at four laps.

According to MRA vice president Cuki Alvarez they’ve been doing the reverse heat (racing the track backwards) lately to mix things up and get the riders used to a different track.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning riders at the end of the competition.

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Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, left, talks to Northern Marianas Sports Association vice president and 2022 Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee official Ramon Tebuteb during a meeting last Friday at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The 2022 Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee has been formed, marking a significant development to the CNMI’s preparations for the hosting of the regional competition.

Marco Peter, who represented Gov. Ralph DLG Torres in the Pacific Games Council meeting in Samoa last year to reaffirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to the Mini Games, will chair the committee.

The lawmaker will be joined on the body by Saipan Mayor David Apatang, Department of Public Works Secretary James Ada, and Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Tony Benavente (logistics); Depart of Public Safety Commissioner Robert A. Guerrero (security); Ramon Tebuteb (sports); Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada and Hotel Association of the NMI chair Gloria Cavanagh (games village and support services/accommodations); incoming Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph Deleon Guerrero (medals and ceremonies); Department of Finance Secretary David Atalig, Northern Marianas Sports Association treasurer John Hirsh, and Ben Babauta (finance); Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Dennis Mendiola and Public Health Preparedness Program director Warren Villagomez (medical); Office of the Governor-CNMI Public Assistance Office’s Patrick Guerrero (food); and Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Priscilla Iakopo (media and public relations).

The governor has yet to appoint a chair for the protocols sub-committee, while the transportation sub-committee will be coordinated with Ada, too, as PSS buses will be used to transport the Mini Games participants to and from the venues.

2022 Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee chair Marco Peter, bottom photo of the screen image, asks questions to Pacific Games Council chief executive officer Andrew Minogue, who attended last weekend’s meeting virtually. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Meanwhile, Torres’ senior policy adviser Robert Hunter is also on the organizing committee along with Pacific Games Council chief executive officer Andrew Minogue. The organizing group’s head and committee members were introduced during a meeting at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan last Friday. Torres and NMSA officials led by president Jerry Tan were also present at the meeting, while Minogue observed the proceedings virtually and answered questions about the 2022 Mini Games.

The PGC official said forming the organizing committee proved that the CNMI has taken a big step forward as far as the Commonwealth’s preparations for the hosting of the rescheduled competition are concerned. The regional competition, which was originally set for next year, will now be held from June 17 to 25 in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It sends a strong signal to the participating countries that the CNMI is fully committed to successfully hosting the Mini Games,” Minogue said.

Torres, in addressing the committee members appointed, said that more work will be done in the next two years and the CNMI will need all the help it could get both from the public and private sectors to deliver the Mini Games.

Peter echoed the governor’s comments and added that the organizing committee is ready to move forward to make things happen for athletes in the Pacific and capitalize on the opportunities the Mini Games hosting will bring to the CNMI.

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A mother and her daughter walk along the
Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway. (Rommel Buenaflor)

If members of the running community on Saipan will have a list of what they are grateful for this Thanksgiving, having the lights back at the Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway will be on it.

“I’m glad and very thankful that the Governor’s Office and their team were able to bring the lights at the pathway back on,” said Edward Dela Cruz Jr, who includes the pathway in his regular running routes.

Since late last month, lights have been re-installed along the pathway with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and his office coordinating the project through the help of the Office of the Grants Management, Department of Public Works, and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. The lights reinstalled and relit are from the Gilbert C. Ada Gym up to where the Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway signage is located (across the JP Center Building), while the fixtures will be stretched to the Garapan Fishing Base. Overall, 250 lights will be relit and the project also includes the Bank of Guam-DFS intersection on Beach Road to Chalan Pale Arnold (Middle Road).

Dela Cruz said the relighting of the pathway is good news not only for runners, but as well as bikers and walkers.

One of the lights along the Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway has been turned back on this month. (Contributed Photo)

“The Beach Road pathway is a path of travel for people especially for those who have no transportation. It’s safer to walk or bike Beach Road versus taking Middle Road. Having the lights make people feel safe and comfortable traveling especially when it’s dark and there’s no moon illumination nights. I’m very sure that there are many people due to their schedule can only work out before sunrise or after sunset and their preferred area to do their workout is on the pathway,” said Dela Cruz, who is logging mileage at the pathway as he is now competing in a virtual race.

When the pathway has yet to be relit Dela Cruz said blind corners in the tree line near the tank monument are a challenge for competitive runners like him.

Jessica Ortizo, another pathway regular, said now that the lights are back on, she can start running along Beach Road with her kids even at night and do some chores first in the afternoon.

A biker passes through the Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway on his way home. (Rommel Buenaflor)

Rommel Buenaflor, who usually does his run early morning, said having the pathway as a venue for exercise like walking and running is good for one’s physical and mental being, especially at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that those who are pressed for time in the morning now have the opportunity to go out and do their activities along Beach Road at night with the lights relit.

“Having the lights on at night will encourage people to still go out and walk/run for their physical and mental health,” Buenaflor said.

Dela Cruz shared Buenaflor’s sentiments saying that the it’s much harder for people to go out and do their activities in daylight hours.

The firefighter also has an appeal to the community.

“Please help take care of these lights. Please do not damage or break apart the lights to steal parts,” Dela Cruz said.

Meanwhile, business owners along the Bank of Guam-DFS intersection also welcomed the relighting in their area.

“It makes us, as well as our customers feel safer,” said Windy Fernandez, who operates a restaurant in Garapan.

Cecille Camama, a general merchandize store owner in Garapan, said the relighting somehow provided them a sense of hope at this time of the pandemic.

“When you are used to Garapan being the life of Saipan, it’s kind of odd not to see many people going here because of the pandemic and limited hours of business operation. We felt the partial desolation, but with this relighting project, at least it has lifted our spirit as we look forward for our recovery from this crisis,” Camama said.

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The weights room at the Oleai Sports Complex has been cleared and repainted. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Marianas Sports Association has identified four priority projects at the Oleai Sports Complex as part of its continued efforts to improve the main sports facility in the Commonwealth.

NMSA executive director Carline Sablan, during the group’s meeting last week at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, said that there’s a long list of repair and renovation work needed at the complex, but they will initially be focusing on four areas as they required immediate attention.

First on the schedule is the roofing at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium as it has been leaking since Saipan was struck by Super Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 and its condition turned from bad to worse when another strong storm (Super Typhoon Yutu) hammered the islands three years later. The leaking roof even forced NMSA to remove the floor tiles at the Ada Gym, as they have been peeled off and many have formed bubbles, making it unsafe for use.

Northern Marianas Sports Association has identified fixing the lights at the Oleai Sports Complex’s track oval as a priority project. (Contributed Photo)

NMSA has also identified the lighting fixtures at the track and field oval and the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield as a priority along with turning the Ada Gym into an airconditioned facility and purchasing a generator for the complex’s adjacent offices and other facilities.

Sablan said that the money that will be used for these priority projects will come from the $3.1-million typhoon recovery funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She added that NMSA is coordinating with Patrick Guerrero of CNMI Public Assistance Office for assessment on these improvement work to determine the costs of each undertaking and the process involved to move forward with the projects.

Meanwhile, though the Olea Sports Complex is closed for competition and other activities (only the track oval is open for runners/walkers and other small group activities), NMSA through the help of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs have been sprucing up the facilities and offices.

The weights room adjacent to the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium has been repainted. (Contributed Photo)

The weight room has been cleared, cleaned, and repainted, while lights outside the Gilbert C. Ada Gym and its adjacent rooms have been fixed along with the broken windows at the NMSA offices.

More improvement work will be done at the Oleai Sports Complex in the next two years, as the CNMI prepares for the hosting of the Pacific Mini Games, which will run from June 17 to 25 in 2022.

Six sports have been approved for the Mini Games program, including athletics and baseball that will have their respective competitions at the track oval and “Tan Ko” Ballfield. Badminton, beach volleyball, golf, and triathlon are the four other sports initially approved for the regional meet, but NMSA has appealed to the Pacific Games Council to consider adding tennis and weightlifting to the list.

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High school runners, including three-time winner Tiana Camacho, second right, head out to the course during the second leg of the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series held early this month at the CPA Airport Field. (roselyn B. Monroyo)

Saipan International School’s Tiana Cabrera went 3-for-3 in the qualifying races for the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series after topping the final trial for the girls U18 division Saturday.

The SIS senior rounded out the 3.1-mile course at the CPA Airport Field in 22:45 to beat six other students in her age group and complete the sweep of the three qualifiers. Cabrera, who reached the finish line last weekend nearly nine minutes ahead of runner-up and fellow SIS student Jinnie Thompson (30:54), is likely to cap her domination of this season’s cross country event on Dec. 5 when organizers NMA and PSS hold the championship races.

The Geckos had a Top 3 finish in last weekend’s final qualifier, as Pyper Liske-Clark came in at third place with a time of 32:48. Other finishers in the girls U18 race were Mt. Carmel School’s Penelope Sablan (33:24) and Amaya Reyes (37:00) and SIS’ Rachel Shin (36:16) and Francine Camacho (37:01).

In the boys U18 division, Marianas High School’s Josh Joson earned entry into the finals next month after joining the third and final qualifier and posting the fastest time in the entire high school field. Joson completed three-lap course in 20:15 beating the times of opening leg winner Rex Pixley (20:31) of SIS and second leg top finisher Peter Hu (22:32) of Agape Christian School.

Pixley also ran in the last qualifier and submitted 21:30 to finish second and SIS went on to dominate the Top 5 in the boys U18 contest with Sam Culp (22:13) placing third and followed by Jimin Woo (22:44) and Jayden Shim (22:49).

Meanwhile, besides Joson, MHS fielded five other runners in the last qualifier with Sildrey Velorio (24:17), Daniel Mar Pablo (25:54), Dylan Mister (25:01), Sam Tengco (31:15), and Kevin Batino (35:26) rounding out the Dolphins’ finishers list. SIS’ Jesus Sablan (24:40) and Mt. Carmel’s Robin Alvarez (29:56) also completed the course.

Lucero, Litulumar win U14 races
Francisco M. Sablan Middle School’s Christian Lucero missed beating his time in the second leg, but still ruled the third and last qualifier in the boys U14 division.

Lucero, who finished the 2.1-mile course for the middle school race around the 14-minute mark, this time registered 15:30, which was enough to push him ahead of 13 other runners in his division.

Middle school students compete in the second leg of the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series held early this month at the CPA Airport Field. (Contributed Photo)

The FMS student spoiled SIS’ bid for a Top 5 sweep, as he beat the Geckos’ William Lee (16:05), Gyu Hyeon Park (16:29), Casey Chambers (16:32), and Christian Newman (16:35).

Saipan Community School’s Elija Ye (17:15), Dwight Crisostomo (18:21), and David Ye (22:29), Mt. Carmel’s June Yu (18:11), Hopwood Middle School’s Charles Guiang (19:47) and Tyrone Manipon (27:49), SIS’ Kyle Kramer (18:57), and FMS’ Daniel Sano (27:50) rounded out the boys middle school finishers roster.

In the girls middle school, Shoko Litulumar won her first and last qualifying race after registering 18:11. She was the only runner in the girls U14 division to complete the two-lap course under the 20-minute mark. SIS’ Phoenix Gross logged 20 minutes to rank second and was followed by her schoolmate Rebecca Eaton (20:30), FMS’ Teneasha Diaz (20:52), Hoo Wang (23:36) and Eva Lizunova (25:50), also from SIS, and Nerita Sellem (27:31) of FMS.

Litulumar and other participants in the first three qualifiers may compete in the middle school’s championship races set for Dec. 5, but schools can only field a maximum of 6 runners each in the girls and boys divisions.

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Brooklynn Susulin navigates her ATV around the course during the Marianas Racing Association event last Nov. 15 at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Joseph Chin)

A confident and brave Brooklynn “Ryder Gurl” Susulin had her first race at the Kan Pacific grounds, drawing praises from spectators as she navigated her way around the course.

Susulin is just 4 years old and among the youngest members of the Marianas Racing Association.

“I enjoyed the ride and can’t wait for my best friend, Skylar Togawa, to join me on the track,” she said.

Brooklynn Susulin’s aunt, Britney Camacho, is seen here riding her ATV during a competition at the former CowTown Raceway more than a decade ago. (Contributed Photo)

The young rider is so at ease on the track that her family did not have a hard time convincing her to hop on her ATV 50cc quad runner and raced against older kids, including her older sister Harley.

“It’s exciting to see my little one riding along her sister Harley’s side. She was excited to get on the track. It wasn’t challenging to get her to ride the ATV. It was her idea that she wanted to ride an ATV just like her grandpa Henry (Camacho) and uncle Chris,” said Susulin’s mother, Vanessa.

Brookynn amazed her family and MRA members during the Nov. 15 race, as he rounded the track for the first time, drifting on the turns and dodging the tires.

Brooklynn Susulin, right, poses for a photo with her fellow young riders after a practice round at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Contributed Photo)

“Her grandpa was surprised as to how she controlled her ATV. It’s definitely nice to see another ATV rider in the family. Brooklynn reminds me of my little sister who used to ride an ATV at that age as well,” Vanessa added.

The proud mom was talking of Britney Camacho, who more than a decade ago was a regular competitor in ATV races at the former CowTown Raceway. Britney is now based in Washington.

Meanwhile, Marianas Racing Association vice president Cuki Alvarez said their group would love to see more kids join their weekly rides and eventually hold a competition for them once a new track is built at the old CowTown Raceway.

Young riders race at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Contributed Photo)

“Our younger riders are really getting interested in not only riding their dirt bikes, but racing as well! Other 4- and 5-year-old riders include Baby Joe Santos, Makai Cutting, Bently Koshiro, and Skyler Togawa. We encourage all parents who are planning to buy their child a dirt bike or ATV to please join our club,” Alvarez said.

MRA veterans will be available to help newbies learn their ways around the track safely.

Alvarez and company will be at the Kan Pacific grounds this Sunday for the competitive races for young and adult riders. The tournament will start at 2:30pm with the races divided into two heats and will feature competition in the peewee kids, mini 1 and 2, veteran and expert classes, and ATV.

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In this undated file photo, Patrick Guerrero watches his tee shot during a local tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort. (Contributed Photo)

The winner of the Marianas Golf Association November Ace was decided by a hair with Patrick Guerrero nosing out Gus Palacios and Tony Satur in the monthly competition held at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort.

The 15-handicapper recorded a pair of 40s on the front and back nines of the east course of the Kagman facility for a gross 80 and net 65. Guerrero was up by only one stroke against Satur and Palacios, who shot similar net 66s, but the latter took the runner-up honors after prevailing in the scorecard playoffs. Palacios holds a 24 handicap and carded a 42 in the first nine holes and 48 in the last for a gross 90. The 9-handicapper Satur, on the other hand, had a gross 77 after firing a 36 on the front nine and 37 on the back.

J.J. Atalig registered the best gross in the November competition with his 68 (37 and 31), but settled for fourth place, as he ended up with a net 67. Joey Dela Cruz (net 68) came in at fifth place and was joined in the Top 10 by Dung Tenorio (68), Charlie Peters (69), Mel Sablan (69), Keoni Chariton (69), and Jack Salas (69). Twenty-one other golfers joined the Nov. 21 tournament, including guest players Tony Benavente, Tony Deleon Guerrero, and Sylvester Javier.

Peters, meanwhile, triumphed in one of the closest to the pin contests (hole No. 4) in the event. Other closest to the pin winners were Patrick George (No. 6), Rep. Marco Peter (No. 11), and Jack Salas (No 15)

Marianas Golf Association members pose for a photo before heading out to the course to compete in the November Ace tournament at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort last Nov. 21. (Contributed Photo)

‘Peps’ Turkey Shootout
In honor of its late member, Jason “Peps” Sablan, MGA held a “turkey shootout” simultaneously with the November Ace competition.

“This was special for MGA as we added a turkey shootout in remembrance of long-time member Jason “Peps” Sablan. We recently lost Jason to cancer. Jason loved to play golf and was always looking forward to our monthly aces. He’s been a member since we created MGA in 2013,” MGA vice president Joey Dela Cruz said.

In the shootout, Paul Kaipat and Rep. Marco Peter (R-Saipan) won the closest to fairway pin contest on No. 3 and 12, respectively.

The November Ace was MGA’s seventh competition for the 2020-2021 season and its monthly events will run until April. Interested players can still join the monthly events, as MGA is open for membership. Annual membership fees are $40 for newcomers and $30 for returnees.

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Runners pose for a photo at Mt. Tapochao after completing the 4-2-mile course in the 36th Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run last Thursday. (Contributed Photo)

Edward Dela Cruz Jr. won his debut, while Kaithyn Chavez recorded her best time, as Northern Marianas Athletics went ahead with the 36th Mt. Tapochao Turkey Trot Run, but did it virtually.

Dela Cruz took on the 4.2-mile course with a group of friends and other regulars of Saipan’s traditional trek from Lower Base to the highest peak on the island on Thanksgiving and timed in at 46:47 to notch the top honors in the men’s division.

Chavez had the fastest time this year—with her 45:11—to earn the first place finish in the women’s division and break her previous best mark of 59:15 when she ruled the girls U12 category in 2018. The 13-year-old logged 59:40 last year.

Though she beat her time when she ran the Turkey Trot course despite the pouring rain last Saturday, Chavez said she prefers racing with competitors just like what she did in 2018 and 2019. This year’s Turkey Trot was done virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic with NMA allowing runners to complete the course (single run) on their own pace and selected day (between Nov. 25 and Nov. 28).

“It’s better to have an actual race with a lot of runners because you will have more motivation to push yourself harder,” the Mt. Carmel School student said.

Edward Dela Cruz Jr, left, seen here in a screen grab, makes his way to the paved road up to Mt. Tapochao last Thursday, while Kaithlynn Chavez poses for a photo after finishing the race in record time last Saturday. (Contributed Photo)

Dela Cruz also looks forward to the actual race next year, as he acknowledged how tough the course is.

“Right after clearing the Capitol Hill slope all I could think was how did Keith Longuski (five-time winner, including last year) ran that fast up this course every year. The entire course was brutal,” Dela Cruz said.

“Anyone that says otherwise is obviously not pushing themselves to their breaking point limit in this race. There is literally no rest until maybe the parking before Mt. Tapochao road but even that, it was merciless,” the firefighter added.

Dela Cruz ran the Turkey Trot course after getting an invite from his friend, Joe Villacrusis, and is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the island’s tradition every Thanksgiving.

Turket Trot finishers gather for a traditional group photo after completing the race held on Thanksgiving Day. (Contributed Photo)

“This year was a good fun run to find my base line. I’m going to use this as my baseline to work my way up to Keith’s level for the years to come,” Dela Cruz said.

Meanwhile, Leith Poole and Jeff Race joined Dela Cruz in the Top 3 of the men’s division. Poole also debuted in the Turkey Trot and timed in at 50:25, while Race extended his appearance in the event to 30-plus after submitting 52:02 in last Thursday’s run.

In the women’s division, Denis Myers came in at second place with her 54:55, while Lydia Tan did her third Turkey Trot and also finished third in this year’s event after checking in at 58:58.

NMA secretary general Robin Sapong said more than 30 runners registered for the event, while several others also ran the course, unofficially.

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A Matansa Football Club player kicks the ball in front of Southern United Football Club defenders during last year’s NMIFA Spring Youth League at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. (Contributed Photo)

Northern Mariana Islands Football Association will kick off a series of tryouts for two women’s national teams tomorrow at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

The open tryouts are for the CNMI’s girls U16 and U19 national teams, according to NMIFA coaching staff member Angie Ito. There will be 10 sessions for the December tryouts, while the next schedule is still being finalized. The tryouts for returning and new players are set from 4pm to 6pm on Dec. 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, 18, 21, 23, 28, and 30.

Players interested in joining the tryouts must be born between 2002 and 2005 for the girls U19 national team and between 2005 and 2008 for the girls U16 national squad. They must also hold a valid U.S. passport and complete the NMIFA COVID-19 waiver. NMIFA will strictly implement COVID-19 safety protocols before, during, and after the tryouts or as long as players are at the premise of the NMISTC.

In this file photo, the CNMI’s Christina Atalig pushes the ball away from Hong Kong defenders during their game in the 2019 East Asian Football Federation U15 Girls Festival at the Mokpo International Football Training Center in South Korea. (EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION)

Players that will earn spots on the national team will have a chance to represent the CNMI to two Asian Football Confederation-sanctioned competitions. According to Ito, initially the Commonwealth is supposed to send its national squad to the AFC U20 and U17 Championship Qualifiers slated for March and April next year, respectively. NMIFA is still waiting for AFC announcements on the new dates for various competitions in the zone, as the confederation’s calendar of events were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last off-island tournament that Commonwealth female players participated in was the East Asian Football Federation U15 Girls Festival in August 2019 in South Korea. The CNMI bets played against Guam, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Chinese-Taipei, and China.

NMIFA, despite the absence of regular competitions on and off-island this year due to the pandemic, is hoping to draw more female players to the national team program to boost its stock and prepare for the resumption of international tournaments.

“This training and tryout sessions will further help develop our women’s, youth, and national team programs,” Ito said.

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Dicky Feria, right photo, poses for the judges during the 2020 National Physique Committee National Championships held last Nov. 21 in Florida. Left photo shows Feria when he competed in the 2015 Marianas Muscle Bodybuilding Competition at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center. (NPC National)

Marianas High School graduate Dicky Feria moved a step closer to gaining pro rankings after qualifying for the 2020 National Physique Committee National Championships.

The 21-year-old competed in the men’s bodybuilding open bantamweight division of the NPC Nationals and placed eighth, beating five other competitions in his group. NPC is the largest amateur bodybuilding organization in the United States and the only amateur group recognized by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Pro League. The Nationals is an IFBB Pro Qualifier and the Top 2 finishers in each division contest are given pro status. Jarlew Barlow and Patrick Johns got the pro cards in Feria’s division.

Despite falling short in his first attempt to turn pro, Feria was pleased with the opportunity to compete in the Nationals, especially at these challenging times.

NPC NATIONALS
Dicky Feria, third left, poses with fellow competitors in the men’s bodybuilding open bantamweight division. (NPC National)

“I prepared for Nationals since November 2019. I was supposed to do a few warm-up shows but the COVID-19 pandemic happen. So, I decided to just stay on prep year-round and focus on Nationals,” said Feria.

Before competing in the NPC Nationals which was held last Nov. 21 in Orlando, Florida, Feria joined a national qualifier and topped his division to advance to the big stage.

Back home, he was part of the big group of bodybuilders that participated in the inaugural Marianas Muscle Bodybuilding Competition at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center in 2015. He finished third in the junior bodybuilding event behind Regino Celis and George Pangelinan.

Dicky Feria flexes his muscle during the 2020 National Physique Committee National Championships held on Nov. 19-21 in Florida. (NPC National)

“Then I took four years off and let myself go. Gained all the weight back. When I left the island, I decided I wanted to lose the weight again. In June 2018 I was 245 lbs. By June 2019, I did my first NPC show (Mississippi Battle in Gulf Coast) at 143 lbs. In August 2019 I did MaxFit Classic in Florida and got my nationals qualification there,” Feria said.

He added that he got back into bodybuilding through one of his friends who was prepping for asked me to be his workout partner. It was 16 weeks out, so Feria decided to just jump on prep and do the show as well.

“From there on I fell in love with the sport again. Now, plans for 2021 is go back to the NPC Nationals and attempt my IFBB pro card again. There’s a couple other national shows I could do, but my eyes are set for November 2021,” the former Chalan Kanoa resident said.

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Elementary students compete in the first leg of the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series last month at the CPA Airport Field. (Contributed Photo)

More than 50 runners have registered for the elementary division finale in the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series.

Agape Christian School’s Jessie Campbell, who won all three qualifiers (Heat 2) in the co-ed U11 division, and Heat 1 two-time winner Moshe Sikkel of Brilliant Star School will lead the 56 finalists as they conclude the season this Friday at the CPA Airport Field.

Joining Campbell on Agape’s team are Alice Duan, Reyviel Van Escarlar, Benjamin Cai, Joey Xia, Daniel Huang, and alternate Ratul Bhuya. Sikkel, on the other hand, will team up with Evan Poole, Aiden Camacho, Aikeen Edvalson, Scarlett Burrell, and Sophia Smith.

Besides the Top 3 finish in the individual races, elementary school runners will also compete for team honors. To qualify for the team championship, each school must field at least four runners (two boys and two girls). A school can enter a maximum of six runners in the finale, but only the results of its Top 4 finishers will be counted to determine the team champion. Entries were limited this season as a safety precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining Agape and Brilliant Star in this weekend’s championship race are William S. Reyes Elementary School, Saipan International School, Kagman Elementary School, Mt. Carmel School, Isla Montessori, and Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School.

Rota students were not required to compete in the qualifiers and were given automatic slots to the finals. The visiting school will be represented by siblings Jimmy, Krisha, and Calev Aguero, Tyrone Pinaula, Mikayla Masga, Guadalipe Weilbacher, and alternate Keisha Fay Atalig.

Isla Montessori also has a complete team in George Baetge, Katie Manglona, Oliver and Addison Pauling, Jackson Kong, Cooper Fong, and alternate Philip James Seman. SIS will have a loaded roster, too with Finn Altizer leading the Geckos and joining forces with Elizabeth Culp, Faith Arriola, Landon Pudney, Windsor Gross, Suki Peng, and alternate Aubrey White.

Mt. Carmel and Kagman have five students each joining the final race with Franco Tudela, Henry and Stephen Yeom, Daniel Kang, and Gabriela Hernandez suiting up for the Knights and Paige Blanco, Harley, Benaiah, and Bear Americus Murphy, and Jacob Santos running for the Marlins. Rounding out the elementary division finalists are WSR’s Mateo Almada, Elijan Carreon, Marq Hernandez, Jiro Quindoza, Kristen Sierra, and Alliyah Villacrusis.

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Riders in the peewee and ATV divisions head out to the course during the Marianas Racing Association races held last Sunday at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Joseph Chin)

Keenon Togawa and Theresa Borja ruled their respective competitions in the Marianas Racing Association’s tournament held last Sunday at the Kan Pacific grounds.

Togawa

Togawa clinched the top honors in the peewee class, as he won both Heats 1 and 2 of the division, besting four other competitors. The 7-year-old rider collected 25 points each from his first place finishes on Heat 1 (forward) and 2 (reverse) for the 8-point victory over Ezekiel Camacho.

Borja

Camacho placed third on Heat 1 and received 20 points. He then moved up to second overall, as he had a better showing in the final heat, getting the No. 2 spot (22 points) behind Togawa. Heat 1 runner-up finisher Bently Koshiro, who took 22 points after the first race, dropped to fifth on Heat 2 and earned 16 points to settle for the fourth spot.

Harley Susulin booted Koshiro out of the Top 3 finish, as the 8-year-old climbed to third place on Heat 2 after ending up at fourth spot in the first heat. Susulin and Koshiro collected 38 points apiece after the two heats, but the former won the tiebreak due to her better ranking on Heat 2. Zane Fujihira rounded out the finishers list in the peewee class (dirt bike).

In the ATV class, Borja won her one-on-one race against Harley’s younger sister, 4-year-old Brooklyn.

Alvarez noses out Taimanao
Meanwhile, there was a close race for first place in the Minis 1 and 2 class with Mari Alvarez slipping past E.J. Taimanao.

Alvares

Alvarez got off to a strong start when she prevailed on Heat 1 to notch 25 points. On Heat 2, the lone female rider in the division fell to second place, but it was enough to gain her additional 22 points for a 2-point victory over Taimanao, 47-45.

Taimanao ruled Heat 2 to bag 25 points, but he finished only third on Heat 1 for 20 points, hurting his chances to overtake Alvarez for the top overall rankings in the Minis 1 and 2. Mini 1 class is for riders utilizing 65cc 2 stroke to 110 cc 4 stroke bikes, while Mini 2 participants use 85cc (2 stroke)-150cc (4 stroke), but MRA combined the two divisions since only five raced last Sunday.

M.J. Camacho (42 points) and Ethan (36) and Devin (32) Yumul were the other competitors in the division. Camacho was ranked second on Heat 1 and third on Heat 2, while Ethan placed fourth in both heats, and Devin came in fifth.

Besides the pewee, ATV, and Minis 1 and 2 races, MRA also hosted competitions for veteran, expert, novice, and adult ATV classes and results of these races will be reported in Saipan Tribune’s Thursday issue.

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Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan members pose for a photo before resuming their training session at a Navy Hill pool. (Contributed Photo)

Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan members are beating the odds, as they continue to show significant improvements at these trying times.

Left without a standard pool for practice since the closure of the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool in October 2018, Tsunami Saipan swimmers train at a private facility in small groups and limited time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite these challenges, Tsunami Saipan head coach Hiro Kimura said they are proud of what their swimmers have accomplished, particularly the impressive marks they set in a recent time trial.

Kimura said several Tsunami Saipan members recorded outstanding times in their respective events. The club practices in private pool that measures about 19 meters and Kimura converted their times in U.S. standard mark based on a 50-meter pool to determine their progress.

Twelve-year-old Kouki Watanabe is among the swimmers that have shown great improvement in the past months. Also on the list of Tsunami Saipan’s notable members are Kaya Braxton, Maria Guerrero, Richard Zhao, Sharma Barman, Juhn Tenorio, Jinnosuke Suzuki, Isaiah Aleksenko, and Kean Pajarillaga.

Juhn Tenorio, right, finishes ahead of his teammate during a training session. (Contributed Photo)

Watanabe, according to Kimura, marked AAA times in 50m and 100m breaststroke, while the 10-year-old Braxton has earned BB times in eight events. The 9-year-old Guerrero has accomplished BB times in seven events, while 10-year-old Richard Zhao got the same standard in six events.

“Maria and Richard does not have experience in swimming in official meet because they only started swimming after the Marpi pool close. However, they are doing really well and giving our next generation of swimmers a bright future,” Kimura said.

Another swimmer who has yet to compete in an official meet, but has proven that she belongs to the pool is 8-year-old Shana Barman. The youngest participant in last month’s time trial got a BB time in the 50m backstroke.

Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan members wear masks while doing land-based training drills. (Contributed Photo)

Meanwhile, Tsunami Saipan’s top-level swimmers—Suzuki, Aleksenko, Pajarillaga, and Tenorio— are living up to expectations as they keep on showing steady performances during practices and the team trials.

“They are steadily gaining strength,” Kimura said.” All were medalists in the first Micronesian Swimming Championships held last year in Palau.”

The Tsunami Saipan coach added that Tenorio’s times in three backstroke events (trials) when converted into the 50m, 100, and 200m could earn him CNMI national records (national marks are only considered official when done in a standard 50-meter pool).

“He’s amazing. In 2014, Kensuke Kimura marked three CNMI nationals record in backstroke during the Oceania Championships in New Zealand. At that time, Kensuke was 18 years old. Juhn is still 16 and hopefully has chances to update the CNMI national marks,” Kimura said.

Tsunami Saipan swimmers will continue to train amid the pandemic and the lack of a standard pool, but they are hoping to compete in an official meet when it is safe to do so. The club’s every practice session is limited to 12 swimmers in observance of the social distancing rule and other safety precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Cuki, left, and Shane Alvarez are in a tight race during Heat 2 of the expert open division contest in the Marianas Racing Association event last Sunday at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Joseph Chin)

The expert open division competition in the Marianas Racing Association’s event last Sunday turned out to be a father-and-son showdown with Shane Alvarez nosing out his dad, Cuki.

The older Alvarez drew first blood in last weekend’s races at the Kan Pacific grounds, as he won Heat 1 (forward course). Shane was ranked second and was followed by Melvin Cepeda, Kiko Santos, and Patrick Togawa.

The Alvarezes returned to the racetrack along with Cepeda (Togawa and Santos passed up on the second heat), but this time they took on the reverse course for Heat 2 with Shane edging out Cuki in the battle for first place.

Steve Sablan clears a hill during the veterans 45 and over division race. (Joseph Chin)

With the father-and-son duo splitting top honors in the two heats, Cuki and Shane ended up with 47 points apiece. The winner of each heat received 25 points, while the runner-up got 22. To break the tie, MRA, based on its rules, referred to the results of Heat 2, giving Shane the victory.

Meanwhile, Steve Sablan also saved the best for last when he ruled Heat 2 to prevail in the veterans over 45 division races.

Shane Alvarez, right, leads Heat 2 of the expert open division race in the Marianas Racing Association event last Sunday at the Kan Pacific grounds. (Joseph Chin)

Sablan earned 25 points for his first place finish in the second heat and adding the 22 he scored for getting the No. 2 rankings on Heat 2, he won by only 2 points against Glenn Pangelinan, 47-45. Pangelinan reigned supreme on Heat 1 for his 25 points, but was relegated to second place overall after dropping to third on Heat 2 and gaining only 20 points.

Melvin Cepeda rounded out the Top 3 rankings in the veterans over 45 division after collecting 42 points from his third place on Heat 1 (20) and runner-up on Heat 2 (22). Dave Burger (34 points), Ray Yumul (31 points), and Charles Cepeda (19 points) were the other entries in the division with the latter choosing not to race in the second heat.

Spectators watch Corry Pangelinan jump during the novice open race. (Joseph Chin)

In the novice open division, Pangelinan’s son, Corry, prevailed in both heats to win against four other riders.

Kier Agda (44 points) and Byron Castro (40 points) joined Corry in the podium, while Sus Santos and Thomas Reyes were the other competitors in the division, but only completed Heat 1.

Last weekend’s races were supported by Mobil Marianas, 4Ever CNMI, Angelito Hernaez of Lucals Oils, Esther Camacho, Pacific Trading, Corp., and IT&E.

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Alex Tudela, center, seen here flanked by two Senior Flight players during a local tournament in 2018, won the Saipan Golfers Association October Ace. (Contributed Photo)

Alex Tudela was one of the only two Saipan Golfers Association members to shoot net scores in the 60s during the October Ace tournament, allowing him to take the monthly award.

Tudela, who holds a handicap of 11, carded a 42 on the front nine of the east course of the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort and 38 on the back for a gross 80 and net 69. Matching Tudela’s net score in the 60s was Das Krishnan, who topped the Nov. 22 competition with his 64, but was disqualified from winning the October Ace, as the latter had already secured the May plum.

The 13-handicapper Krishnan posted a 38 in the first nine holes and 39 in the last for a gross 77 . He and Tudela were then joined in the Top 3 by January Ace winner and CNMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan, who owns a 9 handicap and registered a net 72 after making a 40 and 41 on the front and back nines for a gross 81.

Meanwhile, in the closest to the pin contest of last month’s event, Tudela won on the 160-yard No. 4, while Krishnan prevailed on the 154-yard No. 6, Nick Sablan on the 174-yard No. 11, and Ed Sablan on the 125-yard No. 15.

For the longest drive event, Tony Deleon Guerrero delivered on the par-4, 372-yard No. 7 and Juan “Pan” Guerrero had the same feat on the par-5, 506-yard No. 18.

With the October Ace done, SGA is left with two monthly competitions before holding the club championship, which is dubbed as Ace of Aces tournament. The penultimate monthly event—the November Ace—will be held this Sunday, starting at 9am on the west course of the Kagman facility.

Manibusan, Tudela, Krishnan, Ed (August winner) and Nick Sablan (March), and Juan ”Pan” Guerrero (April) have already earned entries to the SGA Ace of Aces along with Jung Eun Teack (February), Larry Deleon Guerrero (June), Steve Balakrishna (July), and John “Nanni” Cruz (September).

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In this 2018 file photo, the CNMI’s Katrina Costales, left, steps in to play defense against a Macau player during their game in the EAFF E-1 Football Championships 2019 Round 1 at the Mongolian Football Federation Stadium in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. (Contributed Photo)

A coach from a collegiate soccer team has reached out to the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association and presented opportunities for the CNMI’s female players.

Eieri Jordan Salivia, the head coach of Kellogg Community College, had a virtual meeting with eight players from the Commonwealth’s national training pool and NMIFA coaching staff member Angie Ito late last month to discuss the Bruin’s program. At the meeting, which was also attended by the parents of three players, Salivia talked about the academic and athletic opportunities that KCC can offer to the islands’ players.

Katrina Costales, one of the eight players that talked to the KCC coach, said the presentation was very encouraging.

“I’m really grateful that we got the opportunity to connect with recruiting coaches in the mainland. Players in the CNMI are still unfamiliar with the college recruiting process and I think it’s a great eye opener and motivating to know that we are eligible for this opportunity to play soccer in the collegiate level,” the Marianas High School senior said.

“The presentation was very informative and it helped me expand my knowledge and options in pursuing the sport at a higher level. There are so many benefits of being a student-athlete in college. From financial support to high-quality academic programs and athletic scholarships. These are just a few benefits a college student-athlete has access to,” said Costales, a many-time national team member.

Saipan International School student Julianne Hall also attended the virtual meeting with the KCC coach and was pleased that she did, as she really has plans to continue her soccer journey in college.

“I’m interested in playing collegiate soccer and this meeting was very informative. I’m new to the process and all, so it was helpful,” the MP United Football Club member said.

Kellogg Community College head coach Eieri Jordan Salivia virtually joins CNMI female players, their parents, and Northern Mariana Islands Football Association coaching staff member Angie Ito, left, for a group photo after a presentation at the NMIFA office late last month. (Contributed Photo)

“I think that players here are getting more interested in playing collegiate soccer and fortunately, NMIFA is there to support all the players. Thanks to these opportunities a lot more players can have the chance to continue playing and studying at the same time,” Hall said.

Ito, meanwhile, encouraged the Commonwealth’s female players to take advantage of opportunities like this.

“Unlike our mainland counterparts, we don’t have the luxury of wide-range exposure to the collegiate ranks. Scouts can’t simply fly out on a weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis to watch our local leagues or trainings. To have a scout reach out to us, especially at these difficult times, is something our players and their parents should really look into and capitalize on,” said Ito, who served as the women’s national team’s assistant coach and manager in previous tournaments and currently supervises the training pool’s practice sessions.

Costales, who was joined in the online meeting by fellow U19 players Jannah Casarino, Stephanie Flores, Khristelle Itaas, Krizel Tuazon, Britanny Wally, and Marinel Falalimpa, acknowledged the arduous process that student-athletes need to go through to jump into the collegiate ranks. However, she reiterates that the benefits of making it to the team and working on a degree will definitely be worth it in the long run.

KCC is part of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s Western Conference. The Bruin also plays in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region 12. The KCC coach is a former pro soccer player for the Romanian club Astra Ploiesti and used to be the executive director of Kalamazoo Soccer Club. Salivia took over the coaching post with the Bruin in the fall season last year and serves as KCC’s Physical Education program coordinator.

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Joel Buco heads back to Mariana Resort & Spa to finish the Hell of the Marianas race yesterday. (Jonathan Ibajan)

Joel Buco led the finishers list in the 2020 Hell of the Marianas to win the men’s road bike category of yesterday’s race.

Buco rounded the 68-kilometer course in 2:19:37, reaching the finish line at the former Mariana Resort & Spa more than three minutes ahead of Nap Dizon, who submitted 2:22:51. Arvin Velasco completed the Top 3 finishers in the men’s road bike division after checking in at 2:24:01.

This year’s Hell of Marianas had a shortened course (instead of the usual 100K distance) due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the more than 50 bikers starting and ending the race at the Mariana Resort & Spa and passing through Mobil Tanapag, 5 Corners (Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, Banzai Cliff, Radar Tower), La Fiesta, and 4 Corners (Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, and Banzai Cliff).

Meanwhile, the road bike division also featured competitions in various age groups with Fred Remillosa, Jacob Rio, Dennis Baustista, Mark Isip, Robert Tamondong, Virgilio Laxamana, Robyn Spaeth, Shawna Brennfleck, and Yuki Rechucher placing first un their respective categories.

Robyn Spaeth concentrates as she navigates the course in yesterday’s Hell of the Marianas race. (Jonathan Ibajan)

Rechucher won the women’s 40 to 44 division after checking in at 3:08:23. Brennfleck timed in at 2:59:02 to prevail against Kathy Ruszala (3:07:03) and Kerri Bauer (3:10:22) in the 40-and-below age group, while Spaeth was the women’s overall winner after posting 2:46:52, just two seconds ahead of Ayano Braxton (2:46:54) and Kimiko McKagan (2:47:40).

In the men’s 40-and-below division, Remillosa timed in at 2:24:07 to down Ariel John Moses (2:27:41) and Renren Gaviola (2:35:18), while Rio submitted 2:31:36 to edge Edwin Morales (2:40:58) and Elmer Esdrelon (2:46:26) in the 40 to 44 age group.

Dennis Bautista (2:34:24) led the Top 3 finishers in the men’s 45 to 49 division and was joined in the podium by Harold Balana (2:36:19), and Enrique Suba (2:45:33). Isip ruled the 50 to 54 age group after checking in at 2:28:10, while Tyce Mister (2:34:32) and Bernard Laborce (3:01:38) rounded out the Top 3.

Tamondong clinched the top honors in the 55 to 59 age groups after registering 2:29:43, while Floro Derexes (2:46:50) and Roger Valencia (2:49:26) were the runners-up. In the 60-and-anove age group, Laxamana recorded 2:38:30 to down Willy Barbo (2:49:31) and Tony Stearns (2:57:26).

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Brilliant Star School’s Moshe Sikkel heads to the finish line during last Friday’s elementary division championship race in the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series at the CPA Airport Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Brilliant Star School’s Moshe Sikkel and Agape Christian School’s Jessie Campbell reigned supreme in the elementary division of the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series after topping last Friday’s championship races.

Sikkel, who won all the qualifying events this season, capped his dominance in the boys U11 age group after completing the 1.1-mile run in the finals at the CPA Airport Field in 7:02—his fastest time in the competition.

In the girls U11, Campbell checked in at 8:00 for the sweep in her division, as she also topped all three qualifying events in the elementary in her debut in the CNMI cross country competition.

Agape Christian School’s Jessie Campbell is on her way to ruling the girls U11 division race. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Campbell received gold medals during the awards ceremony after the finale and were joined in the podium by girls U12 runner-up Elizabeth Culp of Saipan International School and third placer Emma Sablan of Saipan Community School. Culp finished the one-lap race in 8:03, 12 seconds ahead of Sablan.

In the boys U11 division, Akeen Edvalson of Brilliant Star and third placer Finn Altizer of SIS rounded out the Top 3. Both Edvalson and Altizer broke the eight-minute barrier with the former submitting 7:30 and the latter recording 7:37. Sikkel, Edvalson, and Altizer were the only three runners to complete the course under the eight-minute mark.

SIS gets team top honors
Meanwhile, SIS took the top team honors in the elementary division with Altizer and Culp making it to the Top 2 teams in the individual race.

Saipan International School coach Kathy Ruszala, third left, joins her runners for a group photo before the start of last Friday’s elementary division championship race in the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series at the CPA Airport Field. (Contributed Photo)

The co-ed team rankings were determined based on the performance of each school’s Top 4 finishers (two boys and two girls). Each runner received points based on their finish and the school with the least points won the overall team championship.

The Geckos collected 29 points with Altizer (2 points) and Culp (5), Suki Peng (10) and Faith Arriola (12). Peng clocked in at 8:18 to finish No. 10 overall, while Arriola took the No. 12 spot after registering 8:36.

Sinapalo Elementary School runners
(in yellow t-shirts) head out to the course. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Saipan Community School (35) notched the runner-up award in the co-ed team division behind Richard Zhao (8:10) and Jose Sablan’s (8:11) 6 and 7 points in the boys division and Emma Sablan and Ali Brasuell’s (8:39) 9 and 13 markers in the girls category.

Round out the Top 3 honors in the co-ed team division was Agape, which gained 62 points or just a hair ahead of BSS. Agape drew 4 points from Campell, 15 from Benjamin Cai (8:48), 18 from Reyviel Van Escarlan (9:14), and 25 from Alice Duan (9:51).

Meanwhile, other schools entered in the team event were Kagman Elementary School (113), Isla Montessori School (117), William S. Reyes Elementary School (120), and Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School (160). Mt. Carmel School also joined the finale races, but did not have enough runners to qualify for the team competition.

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Charlie Sendin, seen here in competing in an earlier tournament in Marpi, won the MTB race in last Sunday’s Hell of Marianas. (Contributed Photo)

Charlie Sendin topped the mountain bike category of the 2020 Hell of the Marianas held last Sunday.

Sendin clocked in at 2:31:12 in the 68-kilometer race that started and ended at the Mariana Resort & Spa and brought bikers to Mobil Tanapag, 5 Corners (Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, Banzai Cliff, Radar Tower), La Fiesta, and 4 Corners (Suicide Cliff, Bird Island, Grotto, and Banzai Cliff). The 37-year-old rider reached the finish line more than three minutes ahead of runner-up Noe Valdisimo (2:35:45) and over five minutes against Butch Sublemente (2:37:38).

In the 40-and-under age group, Michael Aparte took the top honors, as he also completed the course under the three-hour mark after posting 2:41:46. At far second was Renzo Avila, who clocked in at 3:14:42, while Kevin Rejano rounded out the Top 3 after registering 3:30:42.

In the 45 to 49 division, Hernando Cristobal logged 2:52:13 to beat Nelson Pagaduan (2:59:03) and Ronald Villafria (3:29:23). In the 60-and-above age group, Pax Guevarra was the lone finisher to break the three-our barrier with his 2:57:28, as he downed Boboy Aguilar (3:27:18) and Rey Tentia (4:01:58).

Meanwhile, other top age group finishers in last weekend’s race were Christopher Sterling (3:46:17) in the 40 to 44 division; Nestor Abing (3:01:58) in the 50 to 54); and Norlo Jacosalem (2:43:50) in the 55 to 59. Jacosalem won over Noel Altamirano (2:45:39), while Abing prevailed against Ric Antonio (3:41:16).

There were also relay races last Sunday with Jacob’s Bake Shop & BBQ (2:46:29), Team Estepa (2:55:33), and Team Apol (3:09:58) ruling the men’s road bike, mixed road bike, and men’s MTB categories, respectively.

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High school runners head out to the course during the finale of the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series last Saturday at the CPA Airport Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Marianas High School’s Josh Joson and Saipan International School’s Tiana Cabrera finished the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series in style after making a record run last Saturday at the CPA Airport Field.

Joson completed the 3.1-mile race course in the finale race in 19:44—the fastest this season—to take the top honors in the boys high school division. The MHS student is the lone runner to break the 20-minute barrier in the three-lap course, as he surpassed his time (20:15) in the third and last qualifying race (held last Nov. 21).

Marianas High School’s Josh Joson smiles as he heads to the finish line. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The 17-year-old had a record run in the last weekend’s championship race despite a participant’s repeated attempts to interfere with the former’s running path.

“It was kind of frustrating to see him doing the interference and I am just relieved that race officials saw his violations. Despite his tactics, I tried to stay focused and pushed myself harder,” Joson said.

Meanwhile, in the girls U18 division, Cabrera was the undisputed queen of high school races this season.

Saipan International School’s Tiana Cabrera leads the girls U18 race on her way for the second lap of the course. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The SIS student finished the finals race in 22:09—her best record in the competition. Cabrera swept the first three qualifiers, submitting 23:19 in the opening leg, 22:32 in the second, and 22:45 in the third.

SIS grabs boys U18 title
The battle for the top team honors in the boys U18 division was a close one with SIS beating 2019 champion Agape Christian School in the tiebreak.

The team championship was decided by points awarded to the Top 4 finishers of each school and the squad with the lowest score won. The Geckos and Torchbearers ended up scoring 22 points apiece for the deadlock.

Rex Pixley handed SIS 2 points for his second place finish overall after reaching the finish line in 20:20. Samuel Culp (20:51) was ranked No. 4, while Charles McDonald (21:47) and Andrew Sablan (23:06) placed seventh and ninth, respectively.

Agape, on the other hand, got its points from third placer Ray Qi (20:35), No. 5 finisher Eason Tang (21:17), No. 6 Jason Cao (21:31), and No. 8 Samuel He (21:50).

Saipan International School’s Sam Culp, left, and Rex Pixley, pace the second lead group early into the high school division race in the 2020-2021 Public School System/Northern Marianas Athletics All Schools Cross Country Series last Saturday at the CPA Airport Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

To break the standoff, meet organizers took the results of SIS and Agape’s fifth-best finisher. Jimin Woo went on to deliver for the Geckos as his finish time of 23:31 put him at the No. 12 spot, three notches higher than Agape’s Peter Hu (24:05).

Joining SIS and Agape in the Top 3 in the boys team category was MHS, which had 35 points, while Mt. Carmel School collected 77 and placed fourth.

Agape keeps girls U18 crown
Agape gained 14 points to retain the girls U18 tiara.

The champion squad finished way ahead of its competitors, as runner-up SIS bagged 34 markers, and MHS and Mt. Carmel tallied 51 and 58, respectively.

Agape was the runaway winner in the division, as it had two runners making it to the podium with Cabrera. Emma Pang placed second with a time of 22:53, while Grace Si came in third after registering 23:21. Eunice Xu (23:35) and Elizabeth Xu (24:29) were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, for Agape’s convincing win.

SIS, after getting a point from Cabrera’s first place finish, had Linxi Cai (28:25/No. 9 ranking), Jinnie Thompson (29:43/No.11), and Pyper Liske-Clark (29:59/No.13) completing the Geckos’ finishers roster.

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