Roligat shatters NMI junior record in 100m

Local sprinter Darrel Roligat shattered his own CNMI Junior Record in the 100m sprint while competing in the IAAF World Youth Championships in Morocco Wednesday.

The Marianas High School student ran like there was no tomorrow, kicking off the blocks and crossing the finish in 11.41 seconds, breaking the 11.8 seconds he set while taking part in a sprinters and hurdlers training workshop in Australia earlier this year.

The performance was welcome news for coach Elias Rangmar, who earlier said because Roligat was facing the best in the world, he was not expected to make it to the finals. He, however, expected his ward to break a record, which he did in no time.

“That’s a great time,” Rangamar said during an interview yesterday. “His best time in Australia was 11.8…this is the second fastest anybody in the CNMI has ever run in the 100m and he is only 16 years old. [And] to jump to 11.4 from 11.8, believe me, I was so excited to hear that.”

Roligat only trails national record holder Stanley Iakopo, who completed the dash in 11.2 seconds.

Rangamar, however, stressed that he believes Roligat can break the national record before returning home.

“He is capable,” Rangamar said. “With what he did now, I have more confidence that he can break the national record before he comes back. If everything progresses and he doesn’t get hurt, I look for him to improve with each race he competes in.”

Rangamar reiterated exposure to international competition could only serve as something positive for local athletes.

“That exposure really does good doesn’t it,” he said, citing that local athletes competing against stronger and more experienced athletes are usually pushed to put up better performances.

Although Roligat did not advance, he did post a time that bettered 15 other competitors and tying four others in the event. Including Roligat, a total of eight sprinters battled it out in Heat 13, with Roligat beating Elterson Rodriguez of the Federated States of Micronesia and Ceaser Rolanto of Marshall Islands. Blake Yohan of Jamaica won the heat in 10.56 seconds.

Before leaving for Morocco, Roligat explained that although he does not have high expectations in regards to his running performance, he expects to savor every moment, learn as much as he can from the international cast, and return to Saipan with more tools that will play a big role in his development.

“It’s not all about winning, especially since I just started [athletics] not too long ago,” he said. “It’s good that I’m going to really get the feeling of international competition. I’m going to continue to grow.”

Rangamar also added that because Roligat will next compete in the 2005 Palau South Pacific Mini Games, then head to Finland for the IAAF World Championships, he believes the teen could break the 11-second mark before the end of the year, adding that Roligat will have more opportunities, especially since the CNMI will host the Micro Cup this December.

The Mini Games begins on July 25 and concludes on Aug. 5. Roligat and Rangamar will begin their journey to the World Championships, which will be held from Aug. 6 to Aug. 14 and will showcase the best in the sport from around the world. He will compete in the 100m dash.