SAD NEWS: NO MORE FAR EAST FOR GUAM!

“I just know that Guam student-athletes are going to be hurt, badly, by this,” Stars and Stripes Newspaper Sports Editor Dave Ornauer. “Guam has had a very long and successful partnership with DODDS Pacific and Far East tournaments, dating back decades. It’s what helps make Far East such an enrichening experience, developing relationships, friendships, partnerships, lifelong memories.

“Saying the IIAAG postseasons suffice is absolutely farcical. That would be like saying the DODDS Japan or Kanto Plain tournaments would suffice for schools there, or the KAIAC tournaments would suffice there.”

In an email to the media on Sunday, IIAAG President Marty Boudreau said, “The IIAAG did not receive any notification directly nor was the IIAAG asked to participate in the discussions that lead to the recent DoDEA decision. I received Dr. Blooms letter elsewhere.”

Ornauer, who has covered the Far East tournaments since 1982, hopes the IIAAG can rebound from this sad news.

“I hope Marty (Boudreau) and the IIAAG are able to find the necessary support to put APIs on the map for all sports. That’s something he and I talked about on the phone (on Saturday).

“People on Guam are hopping mad right now. Angry enough to spit nails. And I do not blame any of them. In the least. Saying Guam can’t participate in Far East because of who they are? That would be like suggesting that Okinawa can’t participate in the national baseball tournament at Koshien because of where they’re located.”

“For years, we’ve been able to reconcile the fact that Guam has four quarters and DODDS Pacific three. It hasn’t been a problem … up until now.”

Note: Far East tournaments take place in cross country, tennis, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track and field and soccer.

Besides Guam High, schools from Guam have been regular participants in boys and girls basketball and girls volleyball.