Major All-Stars focused on Fukuoka

By the time many wake up tomorrow morning, the CNMI Major Little League All-Stars will be well on their way to Fukuoka, Japan, where they will compete in the 2005 Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament, with the winner earning a slot to the Little League World Series.

Since winning the CNMI District Tournament, the team has switched its focus to winning the Japan tournament, and has shown that not even wet weather will prevent them from preparing the best they could.

“Rain or shine, we have to get ready to get to our next stop,” said assistant coach Joan Aldan during the team’s practice session at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium Tuesday. The team was not able to use the Tan Ge field due to rain.

“We don’t really do our regular practice like we do outside, but we have to make the best of what we have,” Aldan added.

Manager Patrick Tenorio echoed similar comments, citing that the high level of competition in Japan requires the team to remain focus on their mission.

“We have to work because the tournament level we’re going to be facing is a higher level, much higher than the one we faced in Rota,” Tenorio said. “Practice cannot stop even though it’s raining.”

Tenorio stressed that the team is in good shape and is ready for the show.

“The progress so far is very good and I’ve been impressed with the kids…they’re working hard and our practice is every day, so we see improvement everyday,” he said. Physically and mentally, they’re more than prepared. They’re ready for the next challenge and the next level of the tournament.”

The team practiced six days a week, from 12:30pm to 4:30pm on Mondays through Fridays, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Aldan added that both hitting and pitching is pretty sharp, with hitters being trained with smaller balls.

“The boys are really improving, the pitching is looking good…that’s where we start our game, with the pitching,” she said.

In regards to team chemistry, Aldan said the youngsters are working well together.

“We really explained to them that all we need is teamwork, and that makes everything go better,” she said.

The team had its final practice yesterday. Tenorio said the crew would rest today, get everything organized, and prepare for tomorrow’s 4am trip.

Meanwhile, Tenorio took time to express appreciation to the community and parents of the players for their support.

“The community and the parents…when they help us its always for our benefit and we can’t thank them enough to help us with the raffle ticket they’ve been purchasing and also coming to practice and supporting us. Also when the kids are done with practice, they usually prepare food for the kids.”

Tenorio also expressed appreciation to the director Tony Rogolifoi and the Division of Sports and Recreation for “allowing the boys to use the facility [gym] when it rains.”

Members of the team include Eric Tenorio, Nokkie Lizama, JD Sablan, Peter Tenorio, Eli Pangelinan, Melvin Yamit, Anthony Salas, Dave Jones Jonathan Tydingco, Joel Kaipat, Josh Jones, Esebei Arurang, and Chris Meyers.

Joining Tenorio and Aldan on the sidelines is head coach Elmer Sablan.