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By Patrick Lujan

A volleyball net with six high school girls championship banners below was set up at the rear of St. Joseph’s Church in historic Inarajan on Friday as long-time volleyball coach Blaine Afaisen was set for his final resting place.

Family and friends wore blue t-shirts with Afaisen’s picture and memorable slogans to honor the 50-year-old Chamoru teacher and volleyball professor who died on Dec. 22, 2012.

Many of his former players were on hand wearing old volleyball jackets or jerseys during their playing days under Afaisen, who coached the ND Royals to six championships in seven years (1984-1990) – truly a Royal Legacy!

The likes of Shelly Cruz Taisipic, Debra Bell Sablan, Sharon del Mundo and Dana Terlaje sported their old uniforms dating back to the 1989 Far East tournament and 1991 South Pacific Games where Afaisen was the head coach of the women’s team in Papua New Guinea.

Also present to show their respects were former men’s national players such as Ken Borja, Joel Quitugua, Ray Salas and Ray Mantanona.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

(courtesy photo from Debra Sablan)

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