MARIANAS High School claimed the girls title, but the boys of Saipan Southern High School topped their division in the PSS Interscholastic Outrigger Race Series with a flawless total of 85 points on Saturday at Kilili Beach.
In the 500m event, SSHS went head to head with MHS from the start to the well-executed turn and back. However, during the final stretch, SSHS managed to keep the momentum flowing to clinch first place and earn 10 points with a time of 02:57.800. MHS settled for second place, with a time of 02:58.160 to earn six points while Kagman High School came in third with a time of 03:07.030 for two points.
In the finals, the SSHS boys worked on their weaknesses as they steered their way to the finish line, this time by a comfortable four-second advantage, clocking 02:58.370.
MHS came in second with a time of 03:03.050 while KHS finished third with a time of 03:07.470.
In the 1000m event, SSHS was superior in every aspect of the three-lap race. They took first place in the preliminary round with a time of 06:20.290 followed by MHS in second with a time of 06:25.100 and KHS in third at 06:36.460.
In the final race, SSHS solidified its dominance in the water by finishing first with a time of 06:25.510. MHS settled for second place at 06:39.190 and KHS was third with a time of 06:40.100.
Amassing a total of 85 points, SSHS claimed the boys division championship. “[The] competition is always fierce, every year. Kids put in 110%; we did our best and pulled out on top,” said coach Joe Weaver.
He noted his crew’s chemistry as they have been together for a couple of years now. He said two of the students have been with the team for four years. “They were in sync and just wanted to win the title,” he added.
“Special thanks to the Saipan Paddling Club, coach Justin Andrew, Nick Gross and everybody at PSS,” Weaver said.
The boys of Saipan Southern High School approach the finish line in the 500m event of the PSS Interscholastic Outrigger Race Series at Kilili Beach on Saturday.
