UH-Manoa coach: Rezne has potential

University of Hawaii-Manoa swimming head coach Victor Wales said he allowed Rezne Wong to redshirt this year because he believes the CNMI tanker has potential and has a chance to eventually make the team.

“I really appreciate the effort Rezne has made to become a better swimmer. Many times it’s an athlete’s work ethic that ultimately decides whether they will be successful or not. I’m hoping that once Rezne is put into a situation where training times, facilities, competition and coaching are readily available, he will be able to improve at a rapid rate,” he said.

The Rainbow Warriors head coach said making the varsity squad is all up to the 5’11” Marianas High School senior. Wells said while Wong will train with the UH-Manoa swimming team, he will not have a scholarship in his freshman year.

“I have talked with Rezne about possibly redshirting his freshmen year, but the opportunity to make the team as a freshmen is great considering we have a small class this year. I have given him a chance and hopefully he will make the most of it,” he said.

NMASA Hall of Famer and Saipan Swim Club co-founder Bill Sakovich recommended Wong to Wells and he too believes his former ward has the potential to compete in Division I.

“Rezne used to be skinny and short little kid and he was pretty good for his age group. But he has really shot up and really blossomed. He’s got the potential. Nothing against his current coaches, but I think he has the potential swimming in a more competitive environment,” he said.

Sakovich said he compares the 2008 NMASA Athlete of the Year a lot to his own son, Jonathan Sakovich, who was an Olympian in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

“My son was good down here but he wasn’t great. That’s the case with Rezne right now. I’ve talked with the UH-Manoa coach several times. He could’ve gotten a smaller scholarship from a couple of other schools. But financially wise but it was cheaper to go to Hawaii. Because of his persistence, the coach said, ‘OK, look I will give you the opportunity.’ He’s never done it before. He never had a walk-on. But because of Rezne’s persistence Victor gave him the chance,” he said.

Wong plans to enroll at the marine biology program of UH-Manoa. The Tsunami Swimming Center Saipan stalwart also intends to minor in Athletic Training and Digital Arts.

Wong was a five-time Male Athlete of the Month winner last year—tops among contenders for the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association annual honor—en route to winning the 2008 NMASA Athlete of the Year plum.

“I personally think that Rezne if thrown in that kind of environment he’s just going to improve more and he will be able to earn that scholarship…if not he will be able to earn a spot on the team,” added Sakovich.