Kids Tryathlon series champs named

(First of two parts)

In its effort to ensure a bright future for the CNMI in triathlon, the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation held a series of races that concluded with the recent TagaKids Tryathlon.

With the final race out of the way, the NMITF recognized its top performers in the 2006 Kids Tryathlon Point Series.

Topping the boys’ 6-7 category was Kenyan Schultz, who competed in all four races in the series to finish in first place with total of 36 points. Schultz finished in second in the TagaKids to close the season strong, and earned four bonus points for taking part in all races.

Placing second was Max Braig with 30 points, getting nine points in the second and third races of the season before capturing his age division title in the TagaKids. Right behind him was Bryce Daly, who finished with 21 points and closed his season strong with a third place performance in the TagaKids.

Others in the category include Danny Author (5 points), John Cano (5), Dylan Ackerman (1), and Sam Florencio (1).

For her part, Sabrina Bilston-John was the top performer in the girls’ 6-7 age group as she finished the season with 39 points. Bilston-John won in TagaKids and like Schultz, competed in all four races to earn four bonus points.

Finishing in second place was Taylor Knecht, who also placed second in the TagaKids. Knecht competed in three of the four races and recorded a total of 25 points. TagaKids third place winner Neghar Rastiguy was also third in the Series with 24 points.

Others in the category include Emily Jones (22), Mariana Taitano (8), Julia Sinclair (6), Tammy Ackerman (5), Maile Aldrich (4), Elizabeth Atalig (2), and Ada Griffin (1).

Meanwhile, Andrew Johnson was the best performer in the boys’ 8-9 age group as he edged Angelo Jones with 41 points. Both Johnson and Jones, who finished in second with 37 points, competed in all four races to receive the four bonus points. They finished one-two in the TagaKids, with Johnson taking top honors.

Third place in the Series went to Misaki Cramer, who posted 21 points and got a four-point boost after competing in all events to finish with 25 points. Micah Griffin (19) and Jack Sharer (15) followed.

For her part, Opal Northen won the girls’ 8-9 age category with ease as she won all her races en route to finishing with 41 points. Adele Hudkins and Olivia Austin were tied with seven points apiece, and a coin toss enabled Hudkins to take second place and Austin third.

The Series also featured competition in the 10-11 and 12-13 age categories.