Last day to make qualifying push

After a month of trying to better their performances, athletes in the 9-and-under and 11-and-under categories who are competing for one of the six available slots for each event in the upcoming McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships have only one chance remaining as the Northern Mariana Islands Track and Field Federation hosts the last session of qualifying time trials this afternoon at the Oleai Sports Complex.

The trials was originally scheduled to conclude on April 29, however, it was extended due to several postponements because of inclement weather conditions.

Today’s session begins at 4pm, kicking off with the race for the fastest sprint in the 100m. The fan favorite event will be followed by the 400m and the long jump, both scheduled to unfold at 4:20pm.

Middle distance runners will then have their golden opportunity to shine as they take on the 1,500m event at 4:40pm, while sprinters will get back on the track at 5:10pm for the 200m.

The trials cap off with the relays events, as the 4X100m relay is scheduled for 5:30pm and the 4X400m at 6pm.

The NMITFF advises all participants and coaches to gather at the facility at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to the start o the first event for registration.

A total of eight slots for each event is up for grabs, however, NMITFF officials have already designated two slots for Rota and Tinian, leaving six for Saipan athletes.

Each athlete is allowed to compete in only four events. Athletes in the 9-and-under and 11-and-under age groups who participate in either the 800m or 1,500m events will be allowed to take part in two events only.

A list of the official qualifiers is expected to be released early this week.

The Championships will finally take center stage this Saturday, May 7. The top three finishers in each event will each receive a medal while the school with the most points in each age category will go home with the championship trophy.

Points will be based on the individual placing of a school representative in each event, with first place receiving 10 points. Second place receives eight points, third get six points, fourth gets four points, and fifth gets two points, and sixth place two points.

For more information, contact Elias Rangamar at 664-2502 or via email at eli_rang@yahoo.com, NMITFF president Kurt Barnes at 234-5498 ext. 1008 or email at kurtb@nmcnet.edu, or federation treasurer Robin Sapong at sapong@vzpacifica.net.