By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE track may draw most of the attention in athletics, but the sand pits were just as competitive as student-athletes from Koblerville Elementary School and Garapan Elementary School dominated the 9U and 12U long jump events during the second qualifier of the PSS-NMA McDonald’s All-School Athletics SY 2025–2026 held Thursday, April 9, at the Oleai Sports Complex.
In the 9U age group, Koblerville delivered a dominant performance.
The boys division showcased explosive power, with KOB’s Valor Yarofitemal claiming first place with a jump of 3.86 meters on his opening attempt. GES’ Koen Poole followed in second with 3.59 meters on his second attempt, while schoolmate Ellis Fehrenbacker placed third with 3.38 meters on his third try.
The girls division featured a standout effort from KOB’s Baylee Lizama, whose first jump of 2.56 meters secured first place. San Vicente Elementary School’s Savannah Sumagpang finished second with 2.48 meters on her second attempt, while Oleai Elementary School’s Auriana Shumai took third with a 2.38-meter jump on her third attempt.
In the 12U boys division, KOB’s Patrick Mansfield recorded the top distance of the day, leaping 4.19 meters on his second attempt to establish himself as the athlete to beat. He was challenged by Agape Christian School’s Johnny Shen, who placed second with 4.08 meters on his first attempt, while Oleai Elementary School’s DJ Taisakan finished third with a best jump of 3.88 meters.
Koblerville’s streak was broken in the 12U girls division, where GES’ Carah Reyes captured first place with a mark of 3.68 meters. Mount Carmel School’s Chloe Mostales finished second with 3.46 meters, while ACS’ Connie Zhu placed third with 3.31 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.
