By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
WHILE several schools took the spotlight during the opening track events of the PSS-NMA All School Athletics SY 2025–2026 qualifiers at the Oleai Sports Complex on Tuesday, the long jump was dominated by Brilliant Star School, Saipan Community School, and Saipan International School, delivering some of the day’s most intense action in the field events.
In the 9U girls long jump, Lana Frederick of BSS claimed the top spot with a consistent performance, recording a best jump of 2.25 meters on her first attempt. She was followed by Kagman Elementary School’s Navaeh Castro, who placed second with a 2.14-meter leap, while SIS’ Meghan Sanciangco rounded out the top three with a 2.00-meter mark on her final attempt.
The 9U boys division also featured a tight contest. BSS secured its second gold medal courtesy of Makai Owens, who posted a winning jump of 2.89 meters on his first attempt. KAG’s Jace Brennfleck placed second with 2.82 meters, followed by SCS’ Waylon Beyer in third with 2.78 meters.
The 12U division proved just as competitive. In the girls event, SIS’ Eleanor Anderson led the field with a top jump of 3.43 meters on her second attempt. WSR’s Riem Hernandez finished second with 3.28 meters, while BSS’ Sanaya Owens took third with 3.12 meters.
Competition remained fierce in the boys division, where SCS’ William Otto Dunn IV claimed first place with a distance of 3.17 meters. Teammate Cortland Winkfield followed closely in second with 3.14 meters, while WSR’s Jesus Acosta placed third with a jump of 3.05 meters.
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.
