NMA concludes ‘Talent Identification Camp’

Participants of the last day of the Northern Marianas Athletics “Talent Identification Camp” along with NMA developmental officer Elias Rangamar, middle, standing fourth from left, pose for a photo at the Oleai track and field on Saturday. (LEIGH GASES)

The Northern Marianas Athletics “Talent Identification Camp” concluded its four-week camp last Saturday morning at a bustling Oleai track and field.

The camp began on Saturday, Feb. 4, with a mid- and -long distance race. Last Feb. 11, the events were sprints/hurdles and last Feb. 18 the events shifted to  discus/javelin/hammer/shotput throws. The camp concluded last Saturday with long/high/triple jumps.

NMA developmental officer and coach Elias Rangamar said that the turnout for the camps was average, between 12 to 15 athletes each camp day, but it turned out well because they were able to do one-on-one training.

Theodore Rodgers attempts a high jump during the Northern Marianas Athletics “Talent Identification Camp” last Saturday at the Oleai track and field.(LEIGH GASES)

He said that the camps were designed to scout for “some talents” for the upcoming Micronesian Games in July and the 4th Oceania Cup and Masters Athletics Championships on Saipan in June.

As for the performance of the athletes that participated, he said that a lot of them were beginners. Particularly in the high jump training portion of last Saturday, Rangamar made them do drills that he thought they needed to learn. “A lot of them haven’t tried the high jump before, which is what I expected,” said Rangamar.

Even with that, Rangamar is upbeat about the athletes’ performance and said that “I think there were a few talents that I saw—maybe three or four that can probably make the high jump team.”

Kagman High School student Leon Sablan Dela Cruz took part in the the Northern Marianas Athletics “Talent Identification Camp” and attempted a high jump during their last day of training last Saturday at the Oleai track and field. (LEIGH GASES)

He said that they also did the triple jump and the long jump, which is a lot easier to pick athletes for than the high jump as it is more technical and the height of the athlete is a factor as well.

With the sprints and distance running discipline, Rangamar said that the turnout was good for that as well. 

Athletics team coach Dr. Ron Snyder handled that portion and Rangamar said that with some of the athletes’ constant training with the running club Run Saipan or on their own, “they’re pretty good.”

Rangamar then said that the athletics team trains about twice a week at the track and field and said that they are still open to anyone that wants to try out the different athletics disciplines.

As the days of the competitive season draw closer, Rangamar said that training will be more frequent later on. But for now, he sees the importance of balancing school, work, and training—though “as the season progresses and we get closer to competition, then they’re going to have to pick it up.”

Rangamar said that they will conduct this training camp and a master’s camp as well in the future. “Anyone can participate. It’s not only for those who want to compete, but if you want to get healthy and moving, they can try it out,” he said.

The camp was conducted by Rangamar, Snyder, along with some members of the NMA national team. 

Members of the camp may potentially be selected to join the national program and other camps as NMA prepares for the 2023 season.