SPORTS BRIEFS

YEAR’S FIRST PEPSI KING OF THE LANES DUE

The Saipan Bowling Association will hold its first Pepsi King of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament of the year this Sunday, Jan. 30, and Monday, Jan. 31, at the Capitol Bowling Center in Garapan.

Sunday’s roll-off would begin as early as 4pm, while Monday’s competition starts at 6pm. Awarding ceremonies immediately follow the end of competition on Monday.

Members have the option to bowl on the Sunday or Monday, or on both days, provided that the $15 entry fee is paid. Bowlers who did not bowl on Sunday will be given priority for the Monday shift.

For more information on the Pepsi King of the Lanes Tournament please e-mail SBA through Ross Zapanta at zapanta@vzpacifica.net or Ador Dimaano at ador_dimaano@tanholdings.com.

NEW PROGRAMS MULLED BY LITTLE LEAGUE

The Saipan Little League is exploring the possibility of starting tee-ball, Minor League, and girls softball programs for the upcoming 2005 season.

The proposed tee-ball program is for kids five to eight years old. The Minor League is for kids nine to 10 years old, while the all-girls softball league are for girls ages 11 to 18 years old.

Interested parents and their children, who want to participate in a future tee-ball, Minor League, or girls softball program, are requested to show up at the amphitheater of the American Memorial Park tomorrow, Jan 29, 3pm-5pm.

If parents and their children are unable to attend, they can still express their interests by contacting the Saipan Little League, through its president Joe Salas, at 322-3444, or Paul Baron at 322-7814 or 483-7815.

More information on Little League Youth Programs can be found at http://www.littleleague.org.

MOBIL INVITATIONAL REVS UP FEB. 15

The 2005 Mobil Oil Marianas Co-ed Invitational Basketball League is slated to begin on Feb. 15 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The islands’ only co-ed basketball league welcomes new team McDonald’s and guest team CNMI women’s national team for the upcoming season.

Additionally, league pioneers Tan Holdings Corp. and Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach have merged and will be fielding a united front for the 2005 cage wars.

The rest of the participating teams are Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Microl-Toyota, Pacific Development Inc., Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Island Aviation, and host Mobil Oil Marianas.

Games of the Mobil invitational are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Oleai Sports Complex venue. The first game is scheduled at 6:30pm with the second game expected to start at 8pm or immediately after the first game.

For more information on the 2005 Mobil Oil Marianas Invitational Co-ed Basketball League, please call league coordinator Abner Venus at 287-5911 or Jojo Dadivas of Mobil at 483-3363.

BANMI SETS 25-AND-UNDER CAGING

The Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands will begin play on Feb 11 with five teams expected to see action.

The five confirmed teams are Toyota Ol’Aces, Hoopaholics, Ghasias Brothers, Ulloa, and Garapan Rollers. The two on the outside looking in are San Vicente Sunrisers and Tanapag Warriors.

Games of the 25-and-under league will initially be played on Wednesdays and Fridays. The first game begins at 6:30pm with the second game scheduled at 8pm or immediately after the conclusion of the first game.

Hoopaholics and Ulloa will see action in the opener on Feb. 11, while the nightcap features Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League rivals Toyota Ol’Aces and Garapan Rollers.

Players eligible to see action in the league are those whose 26th birthday does not predate the opening of the season.

Registration fee for the 25-and-under league is $900 for teams who wish to have uniforms supplied by the league or $600 for teams who already have their own uniforms.

For more information about the 25-and-under league, please call BANMI president Mike Muna at 664-3582, or league coordinators Abner Venus at 287-5911 and Elias Rangamar at 664-2503.

SML TEAMS TOLD TO PREPARE FOR NEW SEASON

The Saipan Major League Baseball Association is informing teams interested in joining the upcoming 2005 season to start preparations for the February opening.

Teams are advised to start securing sponsors immediately and not wait for February to arrive.

Teams are allowed to field rosters of not more than 25 players and must be finalized before opening day. Entrance fee is $1,200 and should be made payable under the name of the Saipan Major League.

Interested individuals or teams are asked to contact SML president Rose igitol at 288-5426, vice president Bob Coldeen at 235-KMCV, or league coordinator, Tony Rogolifoi at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium at 664-2508.