By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE track at the Oleai Sports Complex was filled with elite athletes and rising stars on Wednesday as the PSS-NMA All School Athletics SY25-26 officially moved into its middle and high school qualifiers, where older student-athletes took center stage to battle for top spots in the 200m, 800m, and 3000m events.
The day was defined by familiar names asserting their dominance.
Middle schoolers set the pace
In the 14U Boys 3000m, Quido Jambor of Saipan International School continued his streak of excellence, comfortably clinching first place with a time of 12:04.75. He was followed by James Van Dam of Saipan Community School, who secured second at 12:28.24, and SIS’ Jake Duenas, who placed third with 12:46.24.
The 14U Girls 3000m saw a commanding performance from SIS’ Neveah Arriola, who crossed the finish line first at 14:24.57. Saipan Community School’s Nadine Van Dam and SIS’ Kaylen Taflinger rounded out the top three with times of 14:40.59 and 14:45.02, respectively, showcasing the strong endurance programs at both schools.
The middle school sprints were equally competitive.
• 800m: Hopwood Middle School’s Zian Lavarias (2:33.96), Dandan Middle School’s Jeffrey Pangelinan (2:30.67), and Agape Christian School’s Chris Cai (2:35.56) took first place in their respective heats for the 14U boys, while SIS’ Kaylen Taflinger (3:15.41) and SIS’ Neveah Arriola (2:58.19) claimed the girls’ titles in their respective heats.
• 200m: Leading the 14U boys division were DMS’ Jeffrey Pangelinan (26.16), Chacha Ocean View Middle School’s Sean Borja (29.48), HMS’ Kenneth Aguon (27.09), and DMS’ J-vin Bernard (26.98). For the girls, HMS’ Princess Gariguez (31.59), SCS’ Nadine Van Dam (33.22), and HMS’ Anica Aquino (30.32) took first place in their respective heats.
High school elite take the track
The 18U divisions brought high-octane energy, particularly in the long-distance races. SIS’ Nash Santos remained the top long-distance runner, dominating the 18U Boys 3000m with a time of 10:10.27. He was followed by his schoolmate and brother, Neil Santos, who clocked 10:49.00, while Raffy Cai of ACS placed third with 11:45.44.
On the girls’ side, SIS’ Addalee Taflinger proved why she remains a top contender, winning the 18U 3000m in 12:48.86. Grace Christian Academy’s Dianna Zheng took second at 13:14.21, with Marianas High School’s Orica George finishing third in 13:33.74.
The sprinting events saw repeat winners.
• 800m: Landen Taflinger of SIS secured first place for the boys with a time of 2:13.15, followed by MHS’ Kaide Benson at 2:18.46. Addalee Taflinger pulled off a double victory by winning the girls’ 800m in 2:38.56, while ACS’ Sablina Shen clocked 2:47.38.
• 200m: The 200m sprints featured a photo-finish atmosphere, with MHS’ Dave Odicta (23.69), SSHS’ Chris Cruz (24.73), and MHS’ William Camacho (25.79) leading the 18U boys division, while MHS’ Aubrey White (29.54) and MHS’ Iris Rasa (28.92) led the 18U girls division.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
