Familiar names top the National Track and Field Championships

The rain held off just long enough to allow for the men and women to compete in the 14th Annual CNMI National Track and Field Championships this past Saturday, and for the first time the athletes were able to utilize the first class facility in competition.

Many familiar names were the first to cross the line as the sprinters lined up for the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m, while the mid and long distance runners showcased their talents in the 800m, 1500m, and the 5000. Jovannie Sablan dominated the women’s field, sprinting her way ahead of the pack in the 60m (8.48), 100m(14.35), 200m (31.20), and the 400m (1:12.16). Following Sablan every step of the way was Nicole Lebria who finished second in the 60m (9.38), 100m (14.76), and 200m(33.52). Reylynn Sapong took third in the 60m (9.94) and in the 100m (16.25), but was edged out of third in the 200m by Lisa Jean Riley (34.65).

In the 400m, Bo Wang took second to Sablan with a time of 1:14, followed by Melissa Coleman (1:16). Wang was the first to cross the line in the 800m and the 1500m with times of 3:00.95 and 6:59.03.Melissa Coleman took second on the 800m (3:02.76) ahead of Liane Grace Riley (3:32.97), but it was Riley in second place for the 1500m with a time of 7:36.90.

The swiftest man in the 60m dash was 39 year-old Tony Ichiuo streaking across the line in 7.15 ahead of Darrel Roligat (7.46) and De Vero Q. Ivan (7.48). Ichiuo did it again in the 100m as he topped the field with a time of 11.39. Second place belonged to Darryl Roligat (11.82) and Joseph Galulu (11.87) landed third.

Ichiuo returned for the 200m and narrowly beat out Joseph Galulu (24.84) and Benjamin Jones Jr. (25.42) with a time of 24.28. Winkfield also returned to the podium with a first place finish in the 400m (56.92) ahead of Ivan (1:01) and Jung Young Kim (1:03).

In the mid distance, Robin Eugenio was the fastest two lapper, finishing the 800m with a time of 2:29.41, ahead of Nathaniel Mettao (2:57.61) and Dhaniel Mateo (3:10.72).

The first to finish four laps around the track was 41-year-old Dan Kimball with a time of 5:22.49. Kimball edged out 52-year-old Chan Whan Jang (5:23.12) and 13-year-old Mateo (6:50.23).

Besting the competition for the men in the Long Jump was Joseph Galulu who leapt 5.90m, followed by Shane Ogumoro (5.82m), and Jack Kabiriel (5.60m). For the women it was Lisa Jean Riley leading the pack with a distance of 3.16m. Kabiriel was rivaled by Lia Rangamar, who managed 2.82m for second place.

In the Discus, it was Doris Rangamar who ruled the roost, hurling the circular projectile 27.88 meters. Ann Marie Satur took second with a distance of 22.25m followed by Lei Rangamar (22.20m).

Doris Rangamar also got the most output from her shot-put as she out-lobbed her competition with a toss of 8.31m, followed by Satur (6.89), and Rangamar (6.45).

Davis Attao finished first for the men with a distance of 10.52, but was challenged by Calvin Tagabuel (10.52m) and Ronald Olopai (9.64m).

The Javelin saw long-time competitor Tony Ichiuo win the event with a best throw of 44.05m. Just behind him was all-around athlete Jeremy Winkfield (42.38), and Elias Rangamar (41.38).

The CNMI National Championships have been held annually since 1991 and usually are held in either June or July.