SOTTERU SPRINTS THROUGH WEEK 2 OF RACES

By Mya Owens

On a bright and early Saturday morning, Matapang beach was filled with high school paddlers, coaches, and spectators. For the boys varsity (Sotteru), there are seven teams participating in the GKCF Kareran Galaide 1000m races.

Round 1
To start the day, bout 1 included JFK, Sanchez, Okkodo, and FD. Off the flag, all four schools were dead even, until JFK took the lead. Approaching the turn, Sanchez picked up their power and inched past JFK, but with JFK’s efforts, the two schools were even at the turn. Immediately after the turn, JFK regained their lead and took the first bout victory.

To close the first round of Sotteru’s 1000m races, bout 2 included Guam High, ND and St. John’s. Off the start, the Panthers pulled away from their competition and held their lead into the turn with ND and St. John’s following. Out of the turn, Guam High gapped their opponents and took the second bout victory.

Round 2
Beginning the second round of races, bout 14 included Sanchez, FD, Guam High, and ND. Quickly, Sanchez gained the lead with FD close behind. First to the turn was Sanchez with FD right behind them. Keeping their pace and power from the turn to the final buoy, Sanchez took the bout 14 victory.

Bout 15 included JFK, Okkodo, and St. John’s. With their quick strokes, JFK immediately separated from their two opponents, but the Bulldogs put up a fight and kept close. JFK and Okkodo met each other at the turn, but JFK powered out the turn and gapped their opponents, taking the bout 15 victory.

Overall
Despite the efforts from the opposing teams, JFK’s Sotteru finished on top in the second week
of the high school paddling season.

Week 3 will take place at Matapang beach on April 5th.