SPORTS BRIEFS

Mobil invitational revs up Feb. 15

The 2005 Mobil Oil Marianas Co-ed Invitational Basketball League is slated to begin on Feb. 15 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The islands’ only co-ed basketball league welcomes new team McDonald’s and guest team CNMI women’s national team for the upcoming season.

Additionally, league pioneers Tan Holdings Corp. and Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach have merged and will be fielding a united front for the 2005 cage wars.

The rest of the participating teams are Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Microl-Toyota, Pacific Development Inc., Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Island Aviation, and host Mobil Oil Marianas.

Games of the Mobil invitational are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Oleai Sports Complex venue. The first game is scheduled at 6:30pm with the second game expected to start at 8pm or immediately after the first game.

For more information on the 2005 Mobil Oil Marianas Invitational Co-ed Basketball League, please call league coordinator Abner Venus at 287-5911 or Jojo Dadivas of Mobil at 483-3363.

BANMI sets 25-and-under caging

The Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands will begin play on Feb 11 with five teams expected to see action.

The five confirmed teams are Toyota Ol’Aces, Hoopaholics, Ghasias Brothers, Ulloa, and Garapan Rollers. The two on the outside looking in are San Vicente Sunrisers and Tanapag Warriors.

Games of the 25-and-under league will initially be played on Wednesdays and Fridays. The first game begins at 6:30pm with the second game scheduled at 8pm or immediately after the conclusion of the first game.

Hoopaholics and Ulloa will see action in the opener on Feb. 11, while the nightcap features Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League rivals Toyota Ol’Aces and Garapan Rollers.

Players eligible to see action in the league are those whose 26th birthday does not predate the opening of the season.

Registration fee for the 25-and-under league is $900 for teams who wish to have uniforms supplied by the league or $600 for teams who already have their own uniforms.

For more information about the 25-and-under league, please call BANMI president Mike Muna at 664-3582, or league coordinators Abner Venus at 287-5911 and Elias Rangamar at 664-2503.

SML teams told to prepare for new season

The Saipan Major League Baseball Association is informing teams interested in joining the upcoming 2005 season to start preparations for the February opening.

Teams are advised to start securing sponsors immediately and not wait for February to arrive.

Teams are allowed to field rosters of not more than 25 players and must be finalized before opening day. Entrance fee is $1,200 and should be made payable under the name of the Saipan Major League.

Interested individuals or teams are asked to contact SML president Rose igitol at 288-5426, vice president Bob Coldeen at 235-KMCV, or league coordinator, Tony Rogolifoi at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium at 664-2508.

Experience mountain-bikers needed

The Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation will be hosting a mountain bike race, followed by the ORAXTERE in March, and in order to get the road racers prepared for the rigors of an off-road race, the NMITF is planning to offer beginner courses in mountain bike operation within the week.

According to the race director of the NMITF Enticer Series, Sue Knecht, the only thing holding them back from offering “Extreme Riding 101” is the scheduling of volunteers for the course.

“We have a lot of nervous newbies going for either XTERRA or XTERRA Sport this year, and I want to help them out because I felt exactly the same way last year. We have not done any off-road Enticer stuff, so we are hoping for volunteers to help clear some trail section on Wireless Road next weekend,” said Knecht.

If you would like to volunteer, you will be asked to select the date, set the course, be the teacher, and contact Knecht with your intentions via email at sueknecht1@yahoo.com