
By Robert Balajadia
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Guam’s smallest populated sports team competing in the 2014 Micro Games in Pohnpei is by far not it’s least competitive. With only four players on the roster the table tennis team is ready to dig deep and make some noise with each player just eager to showcase their skills.
2014 Micro Games Table Tennis Roster
Norby Ocampo (player coach)
Arman Burgos
Colleen Simpson
Frank Candaso
The team runs practices over three hour stretches over twice a week to sharpen their skills and heighten their awareness to get ready for the games.
Arman Burgos is the only member on the roster with Micro Games experience having competed in 2010 and he’s just out to improve from the 2010 trip where nerves got the best of him.
“I’m hoping to at least win in the first round,” Burgos admitted. “I thought I was really good at the time, but the nerves got to me. It was only second international competition.”
Burgos is no stranger to international competition having competed in the 2009 East Asian Games, 2010 Micro Games, 2011 South Pacific Games and 2014 Championships in Japan along with teammate Norby Ocampo.
Ocampo is focused on just making sure his team performs at their best.
“We’re making sure we practice what we’re good at and use it as one of our tools to win this. We also practice all our flaws to add balance in our game,” said Ocampo on the daily training. “I make sure I practice my forearm since that’s what I’m most good at.”
Competitors Frank Candaso and Colleen Simpson are of the older bunch to be competing in the games, but they are just as eager and every bit of excited as the other athletes, especially since this will be a first time for both of them.
“I’ve been playing table tennis for a long time and I’m an ‘old school’ player. I’m very proud to be selected and I appreciate the cooperation by people to help send me there. This is going to be a learning experience and I hopefully I get something to bring back here,” said Candaso.
“It’s exciting to just go and represent Guam. It’s going to be a lot of fun and a great learning experience. We just do the best we can and I think the idea is just to be rested and stay loose. We’re going to see new things so for us we just have to learn to adapt,” said Simpson.
The rigorous hours that have gone into training is all part of making the players feel as comfortable as they can through all the emotions the tournament is sure to bring.
Both Ocampo and Burgos described how they’re going to know their in a groove in the game
“If I’m able to return all my opponents shots despite him giving me a different spin, that’s how I know I’m in a rhythm,” said Ocampo
“I usually just play off instinct, but when I’m feeling good I think my spin starts to have a special kick. I feel like I can do anything, but I do know my limitations,” said Burgos.
Team Guam’s table tennis team will be looking to get into groove all tournament long and the youthful exuberance that Candaso and Simpson display are inspiring to all. That, and the fact that they are still hoping to give back to the table tennis community.
“Whatever I learn out there I’m going to bring back here and teach these kids how to play the real game,” ended Candaso. Guam is rooting for you!


GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
11th
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2K/5K
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
19th
SPRINT TRIATHLON, PACIFIC GAMES QUALIFIER
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

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