Swimmers go the distance in Marpi

A determined pack of tankers trekked out to Marpi before the sunrise yesterday as the Saipan Swim Club put miles on the tiles of the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool for dollars in the fundraising SSC Marathon.

Forty-six swimmers packed into the pool powered by pledges from community supporters and local businesses on a mission to raised funds to help them travel the globe representing the CNMI in international competition.

The top swimmers had their work cut out for them as they stroked for 100 laps in the pool for a total of 5,000 meters to raise money that will also help keep their coach pacing the deck during predawn practices, lunchtime laps, and evening workouts seven days a week.

The fastest of the century swimmers was Rezne Wong who completed his 99 flip turns in 1:11:41. Cooper Graf finished less than two minutes later at the 1:13:20 mark followed by the Kimura brothers, Kensuke and Shin, at 1:15:20.

The trio swam non-stop for over three miles with teammates Amanda Johnson, Amber Roberts, Dominique Austin, Jellian Majors, Kai Staal, Sarah Johnson, and Selyna Leon Guerrero.

Nina Mosley and Blair Nicholls checked in earlier than their counterparts at the pool because they had classes to attend at Marianas Baptist Academy, but they still cranked out their laps as well.

The swimmers in the Developmental Group also participated in the marathon as the up-and-coming tankers swam either for one hour or 50 lengths—whichever came first. Tomorrow’s stars got one heck of a workout in the water and SSC president Linda Graf said that their times weren’t recorded because the feat was impressive.

“They swam hard no times for these kids and the SSC really appreciates each swimmer for each length. That is a tough job,” said Graf.

After they finished, the swimmers were treated to a waffle breakfast by their parents and coach Michael Stewart on the deck. Lisa Kimball was one of the waffle makers and said she was so busy cooking that she was never able to eat one. While she never got to sample the fruits of her efforts she said that everyone kept coming back for seconds and thirds so they must have been good.

The swimmers raised $7,158.50 for their club but that fell short of their overall goal. Despite missing the mark, Graf thanked all of the tankers and supporters for working hard for a worthy event.

“I would like to thank all the swimmers for getting out and getting the pledges and then swimming so hard. The parental support and the support of the community has been great. It was a tough swim but from the smiles on the faces of the swimmers it was a fun event,” said Graf.

The SSC is continuing its fundraising efforts with the sale of the 2007 SSC Calendar which will be released soon.

According to Graf, the calendar features photos of the SSC swimmers, their favorite recipes, and pictures of Saipan taken by their parents. Information regarding the calendar’s release will be announced soon but the price is already set at $10 apiece.