KAGMAN High School’s men’s and women’s teams displayed their strength and endurance in the water as they topped four of the six categories in the 2021 Public School System Interscholastic High School Canoe Race Series held Saturday at Kilili Beach.
The KHS men took over the 500m and 1000m categories.
In the 500m preliminary race, the KHS Ayuyus showcased their teamwork as they blasted through the water, speeding past the competition and completing the course with a time of 00:02:39.390.
The Ayuyus finished with more than enough time to celebrate as Saipan Southern High School came in later in second place, clocking 00:02:43.730 while Marianas High School placed third with a time of 00:02:55.370.
The 500m finals was no different as KHS remained in charge, rowing through the finish line in first place with a time of 00:02:44.020. The SSHS Manta Rays picked up the pace as they were only a few seconds behind, finishing at 00:02:48.940 while the MHS Dolphins were third, 00:02:50.210.
The men of KHS continued to show their prowess as they also took over the 1000m category.
KHS completed the prelim course by clocking in at 00:05:43.900 while MHS (00:05:53.670) finished ahead of SSHS (00:06:13:920).
Fatigue started to hit the paddlers in the finals, but KHS still remained on top, crossing the finish line with a time of 00:05:50.450 followed by MHS (00:05:59.630) and SSHS (00:06:25.230).
Women’s division
For their part, the women of KHS claimed the 500m category.
In the prelim, KHS clocked 00:03:07.970 beating MHS (00:03:13.920) and SSHS (00:03:26.140).
KHS slowed down in the finals but still finished first with a time of 00:03:18.630. MHS (00:03:24.330) was second while SSHS (00:03:29.310) finished third.
KHS tried to keep the streak going in the 1000m category as the Ayuyus completed the preliminary round in first place with a time of 00:07:02.670 followed by SSHS at 00:07:28.400 while MHS was disqualified.
But in the final round, the SSHS Manta Rays took over the spotlight as they started off in rhythm and executed each turn properly to stay ahead, finishing first with a time of 00:07:18.740 while MHS (00:07:24.120) was second and KHS (00:07:35.150) had to settle for third place.
In the co-ed division, KHS scored more wins.
In the prelims of the 500m category, the Ayuyus powered their way to victory, clocking at 00:03:01.570, beating SSHS (00:03:03.710) and MHS (00:03:11.710).
In the next round, KHS finished first once again with a time of 00:03:04.490 followed by SSHS (00:03:06.030) and MHS (00:03:18.090).
The KHS mixed team topped the 1000m after finishing first in the prelims with a time of 00:06:33.820 beating SSHS (00:06:58.070) and MHS (00:06:58.640).
However, in the finals, SSHS came from behind in a stunning performance to win first place with a time 00:06:34.700. KHS came in second at 00:06:48.910 while MHS was third with a time of 00:07:14.960.
In this “warm up” event, no points were awarded. The battle for points will begin this Saturday.
The KHS women push through during the debut of the 2021 PSS Interscholastic High School Canoe Race Series at Kilili Beach on Saturday.
Contributed photo
