HIGH SCHOOL PADDLING COMES TO A CLOSE

By Mya Owens

To close out the high school paddling season, the GCKF hosted the 1000 meter sprints for
Sottera, Sotteru, and Sottero Dinana. Manhoben Famalao’an, Manhoben Lalahi, and Manhoben
Dinana took on the 500 meter race course Saturday morning at Matapang Beach.

The atmosphere was full of anticipation as the top schools from each division lined up at the
starting line. With only three spots on the podium and high stakes all around, every team knew
they would have to give it their all.

Sotteru
The Islanders, Sharks, Bulldogs, Friars, and Royals lined up at the starting line all wanting the
top spot. Off the flag, the Islanders and Sharks were neck-in-neck, fighting for the lead. First to
the first turn were the Sharks, closely followed by the Islanders. The Islanders immediately
powered out the turn, taking the lead throughout the rest of the race and took the decisive
victory. Battling behind them for second were the Sharks and Bulldogs. The Sharks held their
edge on the Bulldogs, taking second place.

Islanders Sotteru:
Acho Kaipat
John Benavente
Napu Kaipat
Troy Andrew
Aisek Crisostomo
Austin Augustin

Sottera
The atmosphere was intense as the Sharks, Islanders, Titans, Bulldogs, and Cougars lined up
at the starting line. Off the flag, the Islanders, Sharks, and Bulldogs pulled away from their
competitors. Approaching the first turn, the Sharks gained an edge and were first to make their
turn, taking the lead. The Sharks held their lead and were first going into the final turn, closely
followed by the Islanders. On the final stretch, the energy was heated as the Islanders and
Sharks were neck-in-neck approaching the finish line. The Sharks were able to get an edge on
the Islanders and take the victory, with the Bulldogs taking third.

Sharks Sottera:
Doriana Penaflor
Laney Santos
Mya Owens
Jaina Quichocho
Tiara Blas
Katlyn Igcasenza

Sottero Dinana
In the mixed team division, the Bulldogs, Sharks, Islanders, Cougars/Friars, and Royals lined up
on the starting line. Off the flag, the Islanders wasted no time pulling ahead, immediately
establishing a lead, while the Sharks and Bulldogs were in a tie for second. As they approached
the first turn, the Islanders held their lead, closely followed by the Sharks and Bulldogs. After the
turn, the Cougars/Friars made a strong push, catching up to the mix and overtaking the Sharks
to claim third. In the final turns, the Islanders maintained their lead over the Bulldogs, crossing
the line to take the victory.

Islanders Sottero Dinana:
John Benavente
Dina Soriano
Lorelei Strohmeyer
Troy Andrew
Kailee Preuc
Austin Augustin

Manhoben Lalahi
For the JV boys, the top teams were the Bulldogs, Sharks, Friars, and Islanders. Off the
flag, the Bulldogs and Sharks pulled away from their competitors and were neck-in-neck going
to the first turn, with Friars in third. First out of the turn were the Sharks, taking the lead. Not
giving up, the Bulldogs were able to pass the Sharks, going into the second turn. The Bulldogs
held their slight edge on the Sharks going into the final turns and were able to take the victory.

Bulldogs Manhoben Lalahi:
Jycen Flores
Patriance Fonseca
Garret Gogue
Orion Gomez
Joshiah Sulio
Ethan Wusstig

Manhoben Famalao’an
In the JV girls division, the Sharks, Geckos, Islanders, and Bulldogs lined up on the starting line.
Immediately off the flag, the Sharks established an early lead and set the tone for the race. The
Geckos stayed close behind in second, with the Islanders holding third. Despite pressure from
the Geckos, the Sharks maintained their lead from start to finish, holding off their competitors to
secure a decisive victory.

Sharks Manhoben Famalao’an:
Leslee De Vega
Keisha Arcala
Leanne Bautista
Michelle Camacho
Riannah Carayoan
Janelle Bradbury

Manhoben Dinana
The JV mix consisted of the Sharks, Islanders, and Bulldogs. Off the flag, the Sharks and
Bulldogs were neck and neck, with the Islanders trailing in third. As they hit the turn, the
Bulldogs edged slightly ahead, but the Sharks were the first to power out, powering into the
lead. From there, they held off their competitors and crossed the finish line to claim the JV
mixed division victory. The Bulldogs followed close behind in second, and the Islanders rounded
out the podium in third.

Sharks Manhoben Dinana:
Jayson Parr
Jaeden Rosario
Raisa Dimatatac
Tani Aguero
Alithea Pateno
Caleb Ngiratereged