CNMI men’s indoor volleyball team named

Members of the CNMI men’s indoor volleyball team pose for a photo after their selection was announced last week. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association has released the roster for the CNMI men’s indoor volleyball team that will be competing in the 9th Micronesian Games in Yap in July.

Named on the national squad are Ryan R. Camacho, Mychal K. Omar, Alfredo Q. Guevarra, Jr., Jerrett C. Rosario, Danilo G. Borlain, Nakashima “Billy” Nakashima, Don Marshall D. Cabrera, John J. Neikaifes, John Michael O. Costales, Logan J. Mister, Nick Gross, Tahj O. Salas, and Eric A. Kiser. All will be making their first Micro Games appearance in indoor volleyball. The players were selected from the 21 athletes that attended the two-day open tryouts coordinated by Saipan Volleyball Club last April 14 and 15 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium and based on their attendance at Saipan Volleyball Club weekly training sessions from April 16 to May 5.

NMIVA expects this young team will make a good showing in the Micro Games, which will be held at the Yap Sports Complex. Although the entire squad will be making their first appearance in the Micro Games, the core of the group has participated in numerous indoor tournaments in Saipan and trained with Saipan Volleyball Club in an open gym format twice a week, from 2015 to 2017.

“This combination of athletes stands out due to their fundamental ability to work together, their positive attitude towards each other as athletes, and their motivation to train,” said Saipan Volleyball Club coach Shawn Davis.

Under the guidance of Davis and Omar and with the input of Gross, the team established a good strength conditioning routine in addition to three times a week skills training. Reports about their training are provided to NMIVA and NMSA on monthly basis.

“NMIVA is grateful to Saipan Volleyball Club for stepping up and taking the lead in organizing the tryouts, training and fundraising efforts for these athletes to be able to compete in this summer’s Micro Games,” NMIVA president Laurie Peterka said.

Athletes are fundraising to cover the costs of airfare, accommodations and uniforms. As part of their fundraising efforts last May 11, the CNMI men’s indoor volleyball team collaborated with Marianas Health Group at the Marianas March Against Cancer and held a car wash at Shell Puerto Rico. A huge shoutout to Shell for providing the space for the event. Last April 21, athletes provided community support while fundraising by cleaning up 340 pounds of trash at Agingan Point.

“If you are a volleyball fan, NMIVA is asking for your support to help our team raise the $15,000 needed to attend the games,” Peterka added.

Saipan Volleyball Club provided a proposal to NMIVA in early April 2018, offering to take the lead on organizing tryouts, team training, and fundraising to be able to help CNMI volleyball players get the opportunity to play in Yap. NMIVA and Saipan Volleyball Club agreed to a memorandum of understanding where administrative activities would be shared by both parties to make it possible to send athletes to the Games. Saipan Volleyball Club would be responsible for coaching and training, while NMIVA is the fiduciary agent for all fundraising activities and donations. All expenses are also being managed by NMIVA. Official requests for assistance and support have been provided to all athletes to help with their fundraising efforts.

For more information about how you can help, email or call Davis at shawnd62@hotmail.com, 483- 9505 or Laurie Peterka at president@nmivolleyball.org, 483-7499. (PR)