Wish I could be there…

According to what I read in the Saipan Tribune, the RGA Refaluwasch Golf Association is coming together, hopefully with other golf associations, to host a golf tribute tournament honoring our late brother, cousin, and friend, Jess Ikido Wabol. It is the right thing to do and I just wish I could be a part of this. Jess was a person who loved sports so much, especially golf. He was a multi-talented athlete in many sports, such as baseball, softball, basketball, and golf. He excelled especially in golf.

Jess left our beautiful island of Saipan at a really young age, traveling throughout Micronesia and ending up going to the U.S. mainland, where he attended school. When he came back home with his family, he quickly established himself to become one of the most successful and feared competitors in different sports, both locally and throughout our neighboring Pacific islands. I could go on and on about Jess’ many accomplishments in the many sports he loved playing. We witnessed his many victories representing our beautiful CNMI in off-island competitions like the Micro Games, Mobil Games, South Pacific Games, Guam versus CNMI Ryder Cup, and many others, not to mentions scads of local golf tournaments. His continued victories year after year say it all, earning him a coveted spot in the CNMI Sports Hall of Fame.

Ask any of the RGA members, past and present: Where did our brother Jess get his golf lessons? We really don’t know who taught our brother Jess how to play golf, but come on! First, he is so small yet he hits the golf ball like a-mile-and-a-half further than anyone we know. And what was up with his cross-handed grip? I just had to give it a try one time, playing a round with him, experimenting with his cross-handed grip. I thought I had dislocated my shoulders!

Jess was a phenomenon; that, no one can deny. There will never be another like him. We are surely going to miss him, especially in the sports community. There is so much more to say and so many great stories to share, but I will save them for another time and venue. He was a unique individual, and I am proud to say that he is my favorite relative, and I actually looked up to him as the big brother I never had.

To close out, I would like to say, “Thank you and may your work to honor our brother Jess be a success.” I also want to acknowledge and say my greetings to sister Tua and her children. Also, to sister Vivian and her children, greetings to you all and peace be with you. Lastly, to all my CNMI brothers and sisters, greetings to you all and may the holidays be merry, filled with family, friends, and good cheer.