Mini Games tracksters do well in Nationals

South Pacific Mini Games-bound Darrel Roligat and Dexter Dillay put up impressive performances while other top guns had their shining moments during the Northern Mariana Islands Track and Field Federation’s annual National Track and Field Championships Saturday afternoon at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility.

Roligat, who is also the NMI’s bet to the World Championships and World Youth Championships later this year, was his usual dominating self and edged a strong cast in the sprint events.

The Marianas High School wonder still managed to outclass the field and placed first in the 100m dash with a time of 11.78 seconds. Tony Ichiuo raced to second place in 11.89 seconds while Tyrone Omar clocked in at 11.94 seconds.

Omar again put up a strong charge in the 200m, but fell just short as Roligat kicked to turbo mode to finish on top with a time of 24.64 seconds. Omar was hot on his tail and finished in 24.68 seconds, while Ichiuo posted a time of 27.23 seconds.

Rising star Jackie Wonenberg was again the top finisher in the girls’ sprint events, and took the 100m with ease, cruising to the finish line in 14.33 seconds, while youth phenom Reylynn Sapong finished right behind in 15.59 seconds. The two were followed by Lani-Nicole Russell and Grace Kimball.

Wonenberg then closed another successful day with a 29.79 seconds performance in the 200m race and was followed byKimball and Paula Riley.

For his part, Dillay recorded the best distance in the long jump competition and needed only one attempt to take first place after his initial jump was measured at 5.83 meters. Taking second place was Leroy Rangamar (5.15 meters).

Sapong topped the girls competition with a leap of 3.30 meters while Liane Riley finished in second place with a distance of 2.78 meters.

Sapong also had success in the 400m, taking top honors at 1:20.19 while Liane Riley (1:28.07) and Grace Kimball (1:36.00) followed.

Middle distance master Bo Wang was also on top of her game and won the 800m and 1,500m races while Riley took the 12-and-under crown in both events.

For her part, MHS student Lei Rangamar and younger sister Rachel topped the women’s throwing events, with Lei taking top honors in the shot put and discus and Rachel finishing second in both events.

Other winners include Ronald Olopai in the men’s shot put, Mel Tagabuel in the discus, Dillay in the javelin, Robin Eugenio in the men’s 400m, Andrew Kimball in the boys’ 12-and-under long jump , and Vince Riley in the long jump masters category.