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Junior League champions meet with the governor
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Posted on Jul 18 2005
Fresh from completing their drive for five straight Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament titles, the CNMI Junior League All Stars were back in the spotlight yesterday, this time, meeting with Gov. Juan N. Babauta at the Governor’s Office conference room.
Manager Juan Tenorio and his crew, as well as supporters and parents of the players, were on the receiving end of a special recognition as Babauta lauded the cast for their accomplishments in the regional tournament, which concluded last Thursday with CNMI edging southern neighbor Guam, 12-11, in the championship game at the Municipal Field on Tinian.
Also on hand was District Administrator James Ada, who in an interview, stressed that the team prevailed due to teamwork on and off the field.
“Like manager Juan Tenorio said, ‘they have a goal and their goal is to win this one at a time. All it takes is a lot of teamwork and communication between the boys,’” he said.
Ada said the players and coaches’ ability to communicate well and move as one force was the biggest boost in their success run at the regional tournament.
“That really spells the difference,” he said. “They got together and joined hands and definitely that’s why they prevailed. The players are very good, they came down to Tinian composed to play the game of baseball.”
Team CNMI entered the finale after breezing through the elimination round with a spotless 4-0 record. They defeated Guam, 7-4; trounced Hong Kong, 15-0; edged the Philippines, 14-13, and stumped Indonesia, 17-6.
The team consists of Vicente Cabrera Jr., Juan T. Iguel, Marley N. Techur, Ryan Ada, Jonathan Salas, Zachary Flores, Benedicto Taisacan, Isaiah Wabol, Anthony Dela Cruz, Vicente T. Camacho, Ofero G. Taitano, Mario A. Salas Jr., Juan A. Tenorio Jr., and Elton Santos Jr.
Manager Tenorio, meanwhile, is assisted on the sidelines by coaches Ike Taitano and Henry Lizama.
The team leaves for the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan on Aug. 12. The World Series, featuring elite baseball squads from around the world, unfolds on Aug. 14 and concludes on Aug. 20.
