Good throwing mark second MAC qualifier

Second of two parts

While fast runners were busy burning rubber on the track, other athletes were showcasing their strengths in their push to qualify for the 2005 Micronesian Athletics Championships last Saturday at the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility.

Among those who posted impressive performances was former CNMI national track and field athlete Sidro Tebuteb, who won the men’s shot put when his first throw landed some 10.89 meters away, while Ronald Olopai and Kim John Manglona placed second and third with throws of 10.70 and 9.75 meters. Jesse Atalig also competed and took fourth with a throw of 9.39 meters.

Tebuteb also topped the men’s discus throw when he showed good form and threw the disc some 35.89 meters across the field. Olopai took runner-up honors as his second attempt landed 29.91 meters away, while Atalig placed third with a distance of 25.47 meters. Manglona also competed in the event and posted a distance of 21.59 meters.

Tebuteb then closed his day by taking second place in the javelin with his best throw recorded at 44.97 meters. Topping the event was Nick Gross, who caught the eyes of all in attendance when he threw the spear 51.93 meters.

Veterans of off-island competitions Julie Tokyo and Dolores Rangamar topped the women’s shot put, with Tokyo taking first with a distance of 8.81 meters and Rangamar second with 8.28 meters. Arcy Moncrief (7.55), Lei Rangamar (6.53), and Rachel Rangamar (5.48) also showcased their skills.

Rangamar put up a stronger show in the following events to take top honors in the javelin and discus.

The current Micronesian Games discus-throwing record holder mustered a first-place throw of 28.25 meters, while Tokyo and Rangamar’s daughter Lei placed second and third with throws of 24.38 and 23.93 meters. Moncrief (20.97), and Rachel Rangamar (19.94) also put up respectable performances in the event.

Dolores was back at it again and her third and final attempt in the javelin enabled her to take the top spot. Her distance measured at 22.97 meters, while Moncrief and Rachel Rangamar followed with distances of 21.45 and 19.47 meters. Lei Rangamar punched in a performance of 16.58 meters.

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. All delegations have confirmed arriving on Dec. 13.

During the Championships, Team CNMI will be led by head coach Bob Winkfield. Another qualifying trial will be held this month. After the trials, officials will determine who secured slots under the CNMI banner. The CNMI was allotted three slots for males and females in each event.

Northern Marianas Athletics is also looking for volunteers who would assist officials before and during the Championships.

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