Powerhouses split victories in XC

Powerhouses Marianas High School Dolphins and Saipan Southern High School Manta Rays engaged in another down-the-wire battle in the 18-and-under competition of the 2006 All Schools Cross Country Championships at the LaoLao Bay Golf Resort.

The Dolphins were able to take the boys’ competition, edging Saipan Southern by just a point, 36-37.

Saipan Southern still took home a title as the school earned the championship in the girls’ competition.

As reported earlier, the team competition features a scoring format with the team finishing with the lowest points earning the title. Points are earned by the team’s first five runners.

Playing a big role in the Dolphins’ exciting finish was National runner Nate Mateo, who led his team to victory while also winning the individual race after crossing the finish line in an impressive 14:19.

Teammates Champ Untalan placed fourth in 15:06, Mathew Mancao finished sixth in 15:14, Vince Teregeyo was 12th in 16:33, and Hartim William 13th in 16:37.

The Manta Rays were just one point shy after David Bautista placed third in 14:40, Gary Camacho seventh in 15:23, Lawrence Echon eighth in 15:29, Irwin Taitano ninth in 16:00, and Raymond Santos 10th in 16:09.

Third place went to Tinian High School with 68 points. Donnie Dosalua led Tinian’s push with a fifth place finish as he clocked in at 15:13. Teammates Prince Evangelista placed 11th in 16:10, Marton Connor finished 16th in 17:36, Craig Borja 17th in 17:54, and Nick Ayuyu 19th in 18:51.

For his part, Chris Santos of Kagman High School finished in second place with a time of 14:29. His school placed fourth in the team competition with 92 points.

Meanwhile, Dam Bi Choi of Saipan International School was the first finisher in the girls’ division as she sped away from the group and clocked in at 16:56.

Saipan Southern took the team championship with a total of 15 points courtesy of the efforts of Hoating Romolor, Gydia Taisacan, Kelun Babauta, Bonitalyn Babauta, and Jenny Ann Ecalenea.

Romolor placed fourth in the individual category with a time of 19:18, while Taisacan and Kelun Babauta were right behind for fifth and sixth place with times of 19:55 and 20:07. Bonitalyn Babauta and Ecalenea placed eighth and ninth in 20:42 and 21:36.

Marianas High School only managed to suit up four runners, and thus, was not eligible to compete in the team competition. The school, however, was well represented in the individual category as Melody Ludwig and Jacque Wonenberg finished in second and third clocking in at 17:30 and 18:25.

The Championship served as the finale of the 2006 All Schools Cross Country Series, which was organized by Northern Marianas Athletics and sponsored by UMDA.