16 READY TO MEDAL IN TRACK & FIELD

A preview of Team Guam heading to Palau for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games June 29 – July 9 amongst 24 island nations

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Guam Track and Field Association will be sending 16 athletes to Palau for the Pacific Mini Games. The Guam contingent has a mixture of seasoned and prospective athletes set to compete in 14 events at the brand new Palau Stadium.

This will be the second Pacific Mini Games for national long-distance (5K/10K) record holder Hugh Kent. He looks to improve from his last performance, and the goal now is to get on the medal podium. “Last Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, I was still in high school. At that point, I didn’t know how I stood competing against the other islands,” said Kent.

“Since then, I’ve progressed and gotten faster thanks to all the training in college. Before, I was looking to keep up, now I’m looking to placing,” said Kent.

Field events specialist Genie Gerardo is looking forward to competing once again at the Pacific Mini Games. Gerardo competed during the Guam National Open Meet last month and said she is on track to be ready for Palau. “Leading up to the Games, I’ll be working on my technique and building my strength. The Open Meet (in May) helped me determine where I stand and what I need to work on,” said Gerardo.

Aleah Rae Castro was a multi-2024 All-Island champion last year for the GW Geckos. A year later, Castro has shown discipline and is in peak shape for the Games.

“I’m feeling excited to compete and represent Guam at the Pacific Mini games. It’s always a great feeling putting on that Guam singlet and knowing I’m running against something bigger than myself,” said Castro.

“I’m especially looking forward to testing where I am this season and challenging myself with some strong competition in Palau. It’s a great opportunity to represent our island and continue growing as an athlete,” added Castro.

Castro said she has been to Palau before and is looking forward to revisiting the beauty of Palau. “I’d love to revisit the beaches and spend some time in the water. Palau is such a peaceful place, and I’m looking forward to enjoying more of its nature,” said Castro.

TEAM GUAM TRACK ROSTER

1. KENT, HUGH
2. LIMITACO, JEOFRY
3. CASTRO, ALEAHRAE
4. PAZ, KEIRA
5. ACOSTA, ALONZO
6. BARCINAS, GWENIZAH
7. WILSON, HAZEL
8. DECANO, MIACHLOE
9. HUIHUI, JOHN
10. PALAD, GIOVANNI
11. ALMOITE, JAN
12. BADEN, JORDAN
13. CONROY, MAEVA
14. ALCAIRO, SHYNEZ
15. GERARDO, GENIE
16. MATIENZO, RYAN
17. RIVERA, PETER – official
18. TUGADE, RIZA – official