By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE future of local track and field continues to shine as the second qualifier in the elementary school category of the PSS-NMA McDonald’s All School Athletics SY25-26 showcased strong performances from student-athletes across the 60m, 200m, and 800m events held at the Oleai Sports Complex on Thursday, April 9.
The 800m races produced some of the most dramatic finishes of the day, testing the endurance of athletes in the 12U and 9U divisions.
In the 12U Boys 800m, Agape Christian School’s David Yang set a blistering pace with a time of 2:54.23 to take first place. He was followed closely by teammate Johnny Shen, who finished second at 3:00.42. In a separate heat, Garapan Elementary School’s Lael Conlu led his group with a time of 3:13.11.
On the girls’ side, Garapan Elementary School’s Claire Fehrenbacker dominated the 12U division, finishing in 3:16.15. She was followed by Agape Christian School’s Connie Zhu (3:21.77) and San Vicente Elementary School’s Lauren Camacho (3:26.86).
In the 9U age group, San Vicente Elementary School’s Caden Flores claimed first place in the boys division with a time of 3:18.06, edging out Garapan Elementary School’s Ellis Fehrenbacker (3:19.86) and Koen Poole (3:21.15). In the girls division, Oleai Elementary School’s Auriana Shumai led her heat with a time of 3:45.28, followed by Grace Christian Academy’s Ella Zhueng (3:50.80) and Garapan Elementary School’s Hazel Cadag (3:52.30).
In the 60m events, athletes posted lightning-fast times, particularly in the 12U Boys division. Oleai Elementary School’s Matthew Ondra and Koblerville Elementary School’s Patrick Mansfield stood out, with Ondra clocking 9.56 and Mansfield recording 9.27. Garapan Elementary School’s Adrian Mercado also impressed with a 9.39 finish.
In the 12U Girls 60m, Mount Carmel School’s Chloe Morales delivered a sub-10-second performance, finishing in 9.79. Heat winners included Koblerville Elementary School’s Emma Lee (10.26) and Garapan Elementary School’s Elene Luo (10.05).
In the 9U Boys division, Oleai Elementary School’s Lee Shaun Emanonipiy (10.28), Gideon Libante II (10.29), and Koblerville Elementary School’s Valor Yaroitemal (10.65) highlighted the field. In the girls division, Garapan Elementary School’s Hazel Cadag (11.06), Koblerville Elementary School’s Baylee Lizama (9.91), and Antonette Castro (10.25) led their respective heats.
Competition remained fierce in the 200m events.
• 9U Boys: Koblerville Elementary School’s Jake Risana (35.36), Mount Carmel School’s Thomas Flores (35.88), and Oleai Elementary School’s Gideon Libante II (34.69).
• 9U Girls: Koblerville Elementary School’s Antonette Castro (36.80), [school name needed for 38.59 finisher], and Koblerville Elementary School’s Baylee Lizama (34.73).
• 12U Boys: Agape Christian School’s David Yang (31.06), Koblerville Elementary School’s Patrick Mansfield (32.44), Oleai Elementary School’s DJ Taisakan (31.51), and Mount Carmel School’s Eduardo Diaz II (35.30).
• 12U Girls: Garapan Elementary School’s Claire Fehrenbacker (34.75), Mount Carmel School’s Chloe Mostales (32.63), and Garapan Elementary School’s Carah Reyes (33.80).
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.
