SSC pays tribute to departing swimmers

Saipan Swim Club had a send-off party for its senior members Christian Villacrusis and Kento Akimaru last weekend to honor the two’s contributions to the group and CNMI swimming.

“Both Kento and Christian have played an integral part in SSC and CNMI swimming’s growth and success for the last six years. Both have been excellent role models for the younger generation and outstanding ambassadors for the CNMI to the world. I am proud of the young men that they have become, and sad to see them leave, but excited for all the new opportunities they will have. Swimming has afforded them a unique opportunity to see the world as well as challenge them daily,” SSC coach Jacoby Winkfield.

Villacrusis and Akimaru are leaving Saipan to go to college with the former heading to Oregon and the latter to Japan. The two SSC veterans are thankful for all the opportunities they got and the lessons they learned on and off the pool during their stay with the club and while suiting up for the CNMI national team. Akimaru’s recent stint with the Commonwealth squad was during the 9th Micronesian Games in Yap last month, while Villacrusis represented the islands in the 12th Oceania Swimming Championships in Papua New Guinea in June this year.

“Having the opportunity to represent the CNMI in off-island competitions for swimming was great. It helped me become more aware of the world around me and I was able to grow and be a better individual. I would like to thank the NMI Swim Federation for giving me the chance to represent the CNMI in many big events,” said Villacrusis.

The Mt. Carmel School graduate also thanked all the SSC coaches who helped him during his stay with the club.

“During my time with SSC, I was taught by four great swim coaches. I would like to thank coach Michael Villagomez and Lisa Kimball for helping me start my swimming career. The other two coaches, coach Gary and coach Jacoby, made me the person I am today. They have been working with us for many years and are still working hard every day to keep the club running. We all know about the sacrifices they both have to make for us, and I just want to say thank you to them. Thank you for never giving up on us after all these years. Thank you for believing in us and for striving to make us amazing people in and out of the pool,” Villacrusis said.

As for Akimaru, he was with SSC longer than Villacrusis, and the 13 years his spent with the club were fruitful ones, as he set one record after another and earned top honors for the group.

“It was a great experience that not a lot of people can have,” said Akimaru, who is heading to Osaka to pursue a college degree.

Meanwhile, Winkfield is counting on the remaining SSC swimmers to step up in absence of Akimaru and Villacrusis.

“It is going to be different without Kento and Christian around and there will a noticeable void with their absence, but I am confident that other swimmers will step up to lead the team. I am excited to see the team grow and step up in their absence, just like they did when Victoria (Chentsova) left,” Winkfield said.

“SSC works hard to give its swimmers the tools they need to confidently move on to the next challenge. I am confident they are well prepared and I am excited for them,” he added.