NMI runners in Japan for cross-country regional champs

Twenty elite student-athletes from the Northern Mariana Islands will represent the region at the 2024 Asia Pacific Invitational Cross Country Championship, set for Oct. 21-22 at Resol no Mori, Japan. This prestigious event will feature athletes from Agape Christian School, Marianas High School, Saipan International School, and Saipan Southern High School.

The boys’ team includes Victor Nash Santos (SIS), Takeru Jim (MHS), Yile Wang (ACS), Michael Miller (MHS), Yongqi Fan (ACS), Ziheng Cai (ACS), Simon Tang (SSHS), Landen Taflinger (SIS), Ruizhe Zhu (ACS), and Lang Yang (ACS). Michael Miller, a standout from Marianas High School, was named to the All-Island team at last year’s API in Guam, where he impressed with his performance.

The girls’ team features Kaithlyn Chavez (SIS), Addalee Taflinger (SIS), Zhaoyu Shen (ACS), Aubrey White (SIS), Jiamei Hong (ACS), Ruishi Zhu (ACS), Julie Chavez (SIS), Catherine Pan (MHS), Jian Chun (MHS), and Panpan Zhang (ACS). Kaithlyn Chavez (SIS) also earned a spot on last year’s All-Island team, following a stellar showing at the 2023 API in Guam.

The championship will take place on a challenging 5-kilometer course nestled in the forested area of Resol no Mori, with the athletes also participating in relay events. The team has been training intensively, guided by coaches Ron Snyder, Angela Taflinger, and Kok Pang.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to compete internationally and demonstrate their hard work and dedication,” said Snyder, Northern Marianas Athletics distance coach. “We’re thrilled for the team, and we know they’ll make the NMI proud.”

The Asia Pacific Invitational not only provides a platform for intense competition but also encourages cultural exchange and sportsmanship among athletes from diverse nations. The NMI delegation is eager to compete, with the entire community backing them in their efforts to bring pride to the islands.

This year’s uniforms were designed by Kaithlyn Chavez and Addalee Taflinger. The NMI delegation’s participation was made possible thanks to the generous support of Run Saipan, Northern Marianas Athletics, and PSS Athletics, with Federal Programs Office funding providing crucial financial backing for this life-changing experience.

For more information, visit the API website at: https://kantoxc.caj.ac.jp/details.html. (PR)