PADDLING: SHARKS OWN WEEK 3 WATERS

By Mya Owens

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, week three of the GKCF paddling season took place at Matapang Beach. Nine teams competed in the 1000 meter sprints.

The races consisted of two rounds with three teams in each.

Round One
Opening the race for Sottera were the Okkodo Bulldogs, Guam High Panthers, and Academy Cougars in heat five. Off the whistle, the Bulldogs took the lead and were gliding on the water
with the Cougars close behind. First to the turn, were the Bulldogs, followed by the Cougars, then the Panthers. Halfway to the second turn, the Cougars picked up their power, edged past the Bulldogs, and were first to the second turn. Keeping their lead to the third turn and for the rest of the race, the Cougars take the heat five win.

Heat five consisted of the Sanchez Sharks, JFK Islanders, and ND Royals. Off the flag, the Sharks took an early lead with the Islanders and Royals following behind. The Sharks were first to all three turns with JFK following close behind. On the final stretch, the Sharks pulled away from their opponents. Holding their lead the entire race, the Sharks took the heat five victory.

Heat six included the Tiyan Titans, Southern Dolphins, and George Washington Geckos. Off the
start, the three boats were even. The Titans got an edge on their opponents after the turn and
held their lead until the end of the race, taking the heat six victory.

Round Two
The first heat of round two included the Sharks, Islanders, and the Cougars. Immediately into the race, the Sharks took an early lead. The Sharks were first to all three turns with the Islanders and Cougars following. Keeping the lead throughout the race, the Sharks took the victory.

Meeting again in the second heat of round two are the Titans, Dolphins, and the Geckos. Much like their previous race, the schools were even off the flag. The Geckos and Titans met at the first turn, but the Titans powered out the turn, taking the lead. Approaching the second turn, the Dolphins caught up to Titans and met them at the turn. The Titans were first out the turn, held their lead, and took the heat twenty victory.

To close Sottera’s third week, the last heat included the Bulldogs, Panthers, and Royals. The Bulldogs took an early lead and kept it throughout the whole race, taking the last race victory.

Overall
The Cougars took third, JFK took second and Sanchez took the overall victory in the third week of high school paddling season.

Week four will include the 4-5 mile distance race on April 12th at Matapang Beach.