NMI’s Tiamzon feted at UoG

University of Guam’s Jherico Tiamzon, right, kicks the ball during one of their games in the 2nd Guam Football Association’s Budweiser Premier League at the GFA National Training Center this year. (Guam Football Association)

Former CNMI Boys U14 National Team member Jherico Tiamzon was recognized as one of the top athletes of University of Guam.

Tiamzon, who plays for the Tritons in men’s soccer was selected Best Offensive Player, joining his three other teammates on the awardees list for the 2019-2020 season. The Triton Athletics Department of UoG named Tiamzon and 15 other awardees, including Student Athlete of the Year Colleen Naden (women’s soccer) last Thursday.

Tiamzon, who started in the sport when he was 12 and played for the TanHoldings Football Club, was honored with the recognition and thanked his teammates and coaches, present and past, for helping him get better every season.

“I am grateful for this award and I would not have gotten this without the help of my teammates and coaches,” said Tiamzon, recalling how he trained under the guidance of Bogs Tanghal when TanHoldings FC won two straight championships (U15 titles in 2014 and 2015) in the NMIFA Youth League.

The 20-year-old also remembered donning the colors of the CNMI in the AFC U14 Championship 2014 Qualifiers in Beijing, China in 2013. The team, which was coached by Wai Wo “Jacky” Lee and Jershwin Angeles, defeated Guam, 1-0, for the first time in an age group competition sanctioned by the Asian Football Confederation.

Angeles took note of Tiamzon’s commitment with the NMI U14 and his promising skills as an offensive player seven years ago.

“Jherico was committed with the NT training before going to China. He was eager to learn and always tried his best doing what the coaches told him. He has the speed, good ball control, and good attacking awareness that’s why the team relied on him when attacking,” Angeles said.

With UoG this season, Tiamzon’s highlight game was when he helped the Tritons rally past the Sidekicks Soccer Club in the 2nd Guam Football Association’s Budweiser Premier League at the GFA National Training Center. UoG was down at halftime, 0-1, when Tuamzon drilled a pair of goals in the second half, allowing the Tritons to steal the victory.

After being honored for his performance in the shortened season, Tiamzon is more motivated to get better and help his team win competitions.

“I want us to shoot for the stars and try to get first place because I know if we work hard enough, we’ll be able to get first and land that star.”