SSC recognizes outstanding swimmers

Saipan Swim Club commended the outstanding swimmers of the 2014-2015 season during a brief awards ceremony held on June 20 at Pau Pau Beach.

Saipan Swim Club Swimmer of the Year Jinnosuke Suzuki is all smiles after receiving his awards from SSC coach Jacoby Winkfield. (Contributed Photo)

Jinnosuke Suzuki led the list of awardees, as the nine-year-old was named Swimmer of the Year. Jinnozuke capped an impressive season with a first place finish in the Palau Invitational early this month and another first place victory in the 3K course of the Palau Pacific Ocean Swim. In March, he got the second high-point award in the Saipan International Invitational Swim Meet, beating swimmers from Guam and the Marshall Islands.

“Jinnosuke had an amazing year in the pool and in spite of his success he remains humble and hardworking. Jinnosuke is a trainer and racer. He is a beast and has a very bright future,” SSC coach Jacoby Winkfield said in an email to Saipan Tribune.

Three more SSC swimmers—Victoria Chentsova, Kento Akimaru, Taiga Sato—gained awards for their notable showing in the last season. Chentsova bagged the “Everything Award” for her success in and out of the pool.

“Victoria was given this award because she has done it all. She trains hard in the pool, mentors her teammates and leads. Outside the pool, she has excelled in academics, she is the consummate scholar athlete. She exemplifies the values of Saipan Swim Club and we are happy to see her dive into the next chapter of her life. She will be a great ambassador for the CNMI abroad and we are excited for her,” Winkfield said.

Chentsova graduated as salutatorian at Saipan International School and is heading to Massachusetts to pursue a college degree.

Kento Akimaru and Taiga Sato, on the other hand, brought home the “Leadership Award” and “Most Improved Swimmer Award,” respectively.

“Kento’s positive and work ethic along with his desire to teach and mentor the younger swimmers are great for the younger swimmers. From Kento’s leadership they are learning how to become better swimmers,” the SSC coach said.

“Taiga worked very hard this season which resulted in huge drops in time and numerous PBs (personal best times). He is a tireless worker and this has helped him win this award,” Winkfield added.

Meanwhile, SSC also handed out the “Awesome Award” to several club members in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to swimming. The awardees were Christian Villacrusis, Lennosuke Suzuki, R.J. Pierce, Jinju Thompson, Conatsu and Coume Kaga, Dino Sato, Wataru Kadokura Jeffery Sheu, Kaith Lynn Andrei Chavez, Eunice Pagaduan, Savita Sikkel, Kengo Sato, Nash Santos, Kai Manning, and Piper Raho

The club acknowledged its supporters, too.

“Saipan Swim Club would like to thank all its sponsors for another successful and rewarding year. We receive so much support from the community and we are thankful and grateful in the support we received,” Winkfield said.