Historic sweep for MOC paddlers

Marianas Outrigger Club paddlers gather for a photo before their races in the Micro Cup 2016 held over the weekend in the waters off Meyuns Seaplane Ramp in Koror, Palau. (Contributed Photo)

Marianas Outrigger Club dominated the men’s open division competition in the Micro Cup 2016 held over the weekend in the waters off Meyuns Seaplane Ramp in Koror, Palau.

The Dino Manning-captained MOC ruled the 500m and 1,500m sprints and the long distance race, besting teams from host Palau, Guam, and Hong Kong. MOC’s men’s squad has Jose Quan, Vince Tudela, Bobby Cruz, Rich Salas, Ketson “Jack” Kabiriel, Billy Grow, Angel San Nicolas, and James Lee as members.

MOC paddlers’ first title win came in the 1,500m event last Saturday after they completed the three-lap course in 7:31.85. They made it to the finish line way ahead of runner-up Guam’s Taotao Galaide Ma’aksom, who clocked in at 7:43.53. Only three teams capped the finals race under the eight-minute mark as Belau Kanu Club Waterfalls timed in at 7:53.52.

Three other squads raced in the finale with Guatdan Tasi placing fourth after submitting 8:14.33 and Haggan GWM and Hong Kong United ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, after checking in at 8:43.03 and 8:44.40.

In the 500m finale, which was also held last Saturday, MOC paddlers won anew against six other squads after logging 2:08.56. Manning and company crossed the finish line more than three seconds ahead of Belau Kanu Club Waterfall, which clocked in at 2:12.22. Taotao Galaide Ma’aksom rounded out the Top 3 after recording 2:14.22. Palau’s PCC Mesekiu 3, IFIT, and PCC Mesekiu 1 were the other qualifiers in the 500m finals race after registering 2:14.71, 2:24.22, and 2:25.10.

After going 2-for-2 last Saturday, MOC paddlers returned to the waters off Meyuns Seaplane Ramp yesterday and completed the sweep after finishing the 12-mile long course in 1:28:16. They prevailed against seven other teams and were more than two minutes ahead of Hong Kong United, which logged 1:31:05.

PCC Mesekiu 3 joined MOC and Hong Kong United in the podium after checking in at 1:32:07. Belau Kanu Club Waterfalls placed fourth after submitting 1:32:55 and was followed by Taotao Galaide Ma’aksom (1:35:54), Haggan GWM (1:36:06), Guatdan Tasi (1:36:55), and PCC Mesekiu 2 (1:44:18).

With MOC ruling yesterday’s long course event, the club became the first team from the CNMI to sweep the men’s open competition in the Micro Cup.

Napu Outrigger Canoe Club, Saipan Paddling Club, and Marianas Pacific Paddlers were the other CNMI teams that joined the three-day tournament and results of their races will be reported in Saipan Tribune once they are made available.