Second MAC qualifier in the books

(First of two parts)

The second qualifying trial for the upcoming 2005 Micronesian Athletics Championships is in the books as determined athletes put their skills to the test last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field oval.

Jackie Wonenberg was among the many that had shiny moments during the trial as the Sadog Tasi resident topped three run events.

Wonenberg kicked off her qualifying campaign by breaking her personal best in the 400m with a time of 1:05.64, while youngsters Lia Rangamar and Reylyn Sapong finished in 1:15.66 and 1:15.68 to place second and third. Lyza Lacsina took fourth place in 1:17.96.

Wonenberg then took her dominance to the 100m sprint as she flashed to the finish line in 14.25 seconds. Sapong followed and clocked in at 15.69 seconds while Rangamar placed third in 15.92 seconds.

Wonenberg then capped her day by showing off her versatility after taking top honors in the 800m, completing the two-lap race in 2:52.49. Sapong and Rangamar also competed in the run and placed second and third in 3:40.08 and 3:40.32.

Champ Untalan and Carter Calma also had memorable outings as both won two races in the day.

Untalan ran like the wind to top the 800m event in 2:38.26, while Reggie Ayuyu of Tinian followed in 2:40.84.

Untalan also won a tight 1,500m race after finishing in 5:06.54, just .02 seconds ahead of Ayuyu (5:06.56). Tinian’s Mark Lero also put on a good show with a time of 5:09.57 to take third place, while Nate Mateo finished in fourth with a time of 5:14.18. Also competing in the race were Rezne Wong (5:20.42), Herman Duenas (5:26.78), and Adrian Quitano (5:47.76).

For his part, Calma was the fastest in the 100m and 400m races, taking the 100m dash in 12.66 seconds and the 400m in 58.15 seconds. Mateo followed Calma in the 100m with a time of 13.57.

Lero (1:02.02), Untalan (1:03.11), Duenas (1:08.32), and Wong (1:09.46) rounded up the 400m finishers.

The girls’ 1,500m race was topped by Lacsina in 6:56.29, while Mendiola followed in 7:34.61.

Showing off their endurance were Chang Jang Wang and Noriko Jim, who topped the male and female 5km competition. Chang finished the 12.5-lap race in 20:10 while Jim crossed the finish line in 20:25.

The Championships will be held on Dec. 14 and 15 on Saipan and will play host to about 100 athletes from the CNMI, Guam, Palau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, and Kiribati.

During the Championships, Team CNMI will be led by head coach Bob Winkfield.

The NMA is also welcoming anyone interested in volunteering to assist officials before and during the Championships.

For more information, contact NMA coaches director Elias Rangamar at 664-2502, president Kurt Barnes at 235-5853, or treasurer Robin Sapong at 235-6500.