Little runners shine in 9U/12U divisions

The littlest and youngest athletes took their short legs as fast as it could take them through the last course of the PSS/NMA All Schools Cross-Country 2024-2025 season—the championships last Saturday at the Saipan Vegas Country Club.

The elementary school 12U divisions were swept all season by two of the season’s fastest runners: Grace Christian Academy’s Beau Baeur in the boys division, and Brilliant Star School’s Lovel Spaeth in the girls division.

Bauer swept all four qualifiers and wrapped the gold around his finger in the championship with a time of 6:30 through the 1-mile, 1-lap course.

Silver went to Saipan International School’s Gabriel Walsh at 6:43, while bronze went to Garapan Elementary School’s Evan Poole.

For Spaeth, she took home the gold in the 12U girls division, while she also clocked in as the second fastest runner overall with her time of 6:41. She, like Bauer, dominated all four qualifiers with a sweep of the season.

After Spaeth was SIS’ Kaylen Taflinger at 7:41 for silver, and bronze was Agape Christian School’s Angel You at 8:03.

In the younger 9U divisions, Kagman Elementary School’s Brayden Brennfleck won gold at 7:27 in the boys division. Silver was won by GES’ Koen Poole at 7:33, while bronze went to BSS’ Ellis Fehrenbacker at 7:35.

For the girls 9U division, BSS’ Claire Fehrenbacker ran for gold with a time of 7:35. Silver was SIS’ Olivia Walsh at 7:57, and bronze went to Mount Carmel School’s Chloe Mostales.

Spaeth said that her performance and the championships was “good.” Throughout the season, she was right behind Bauer who was always a step ahead of her and had hoped to beat him, but she said she just did her best.

She said the hardest course for her this season was at the CPA Airport Field, while the easiest course was the championship course.

As for her BSS team that swept the elementary school division, she said, “They tried really hard, and I think that was really important for our team. It was really fun running with them and having them be really supportive of everyone.”

ACS administrator Kok H. Pang, whose high school girls and boys teams won the championship, said, “First and foremost, we give all glory to God and our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and mercy in empowering our student-athletes to achieve this success.”

“Our high school students have worked tirelessly throughout the season, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication and discipline. For a small independent school like ours to be ranked among the best in the Northern Mariana Islands is a source of great pride for us coaches. I am especially proud of our high school girls, who managed to balance their academic responsibilities with participation in volleyball tournaments while excelling in cross country. Their commitment has been truly remarkable to witness,” said Pang.

He then said, “I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the PSS Athletics Program officials, NMA officials, and Run Saipan organizers, with a special note of gratitude to Saipan Country Club for their generous support in granting us access to the golf course for both the championship and our practices. Your partnership and support have been invaluable to our success.”