Last ‘Escape’ for Villacrusis, Akimaru

Saipan Swim Club’s Christian Villacrusis, fourth left, and Kento Akimaru, right pose for a photo with other swimmers after successfully making the cross from Managaha Island to Micro Beach during last Saturday’s Escape from Managaha. (Contributed Photo)

Saipan Swim Club’s Kento Akimaru and Christian Villacrusis did their last “Escape from Managaha,” joining more than 20 swimmers in the 2.4-kilometer crossing from Saipan’s famous island to Micro Beach last Saturday.

Akimaru went out with a bang, as he topped the race for the eighth straight year after completing the swim in 32:54—his fastest since he started braving the course when he was just seven years old. Akimaru registered 32:55 last year, while his other times were 33:25 (2016), 38:06 (2015), 36:50 (2014), 38:00 (2013), 38:09 (2012), and 40:04 (20:11).

“My last ‘Escape’ was really fun. I had a little shark (Jinnosuke Suzuki ) following me all the way. The water was a little rough and the current was pushing us out to the channels. I didn’t see much of sea creatures but the water was pretty clear so I was able to see the bottom of the channels,” said Akimaru, who will be heading to Japan this fall to continue his study.

Since he had his ‘Escape” farewell, the 17-year-old Akimaru can’t help but reminisce about his debut in the SSC-organized event.

“I was 7 years old following my coach (Mike Stewart) through the swim. It was memorable since I was young and it was my first ever experience in the outer ocean. I was scared of the dark water at that time and since I was wearing a wet suit, I had so much chafing,” the Marianas High School student said.

Akimaru was joined in the Top 3 by Villacrusis, who timed in at 37:00 and placed behind Jinnosuke (33:08) in last weekend’s race. Villacrusis, who will leave for the U.S. this fall to go to college, treasures his last crossing with swimmers he considers his family.

“My last ‘Escape’ was really one to remember. The swim this year was rough due to the current, but it’s something I got used to after doing this event six times. I honestly don’t like long distance swimming, but my most memorable moment in the ‘Escape’ is getting to spend my time with the swim team. The hardest part about leaving for college this fall is having to leave my family behind, including my SSC family,” the Mt. Carmel School student said.

SSC coach Jacoby Winkfield commended both Akimaru and Villacrusis for excelling in open water swims.

“It was nice seeing the boys swim the ‘Escape.’ They have become excellent open water swimmers and hopefully they will be able to participate in open water swims in Japan and stateside,” the SSC mentor said.

“The ‘Escape’ went well without any major problems. The weather system had left the area so conditions on the water were not that bad. We have defiantly swum in worse conditions. There were 30 swimmers who made the crossing, with several first time participants (12) as well as several last time participants,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jinju Thompson was the first female finisher in the crossing after checking in at 40:18, while 12 more swimmers completed the race under one hour.

SSC would like to thank the following for making the ‘Escape from Managaha’ a successful and safe event: DPS Boating Safety, Jomar Danas, World Resort and G4S lifeguards, Eddie Johnson, Kristy Springer, Sean Frink, and Saipan Sea Ventures.