By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE 7th Annual Wahoo in the Marianas is back on the calendar after a brief standoff with mother nature and a small craft advisory over the weekend. Organizers from the youth non-profit Tasi To Table have officially rescheduled the highly anticipated fishing derby for Saturday, March 14.
The event, originally slated for early March, was forced into a temporary hiatus when a small craft advisory for Marianas waters was issued. With safety as the top priority, TTT student organizers made the call to postpone until conditions settled.
What makes this tournament a standout in the local sports scene is not just the prize money — it’s the personnel. The Wahoo in the Marianas is a student-led operation from top to bottom. TTT’s high school members manage every aspect of the event, from logistics and marketing to registration and assisting with fish weighing.
Beyond the thrill of the catch, the derby serves a vital mission. All profits raised are funneled directly back into Tasi To Table’s student programs, which provide CNMI youth with hands-on experience in sustainable fishing, marine stewardship, and leadership.
The logo for this year’s Wahoo in the Marianas was designed by Da’Ok Academy senior and TTT student member Nathalie Matsunaga.
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.
