Islanders win Sotteru race

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The schools that competed were the Notre Dame Royals, Academy of Our Lady of Guam Cougars, Southern High Dolphins, George Washington Geckos, Simon Sanchez Sharks, Guam High Panthers, Father Duenas Friars, Okkodo High Bulldogs and John F. Kennedy Islanders.

In the Sotteru Division, the Islanders' boys had no trouble keeping the lead and finishing first with a time of 18:40. JFK's lead paddler Ricky Naron said that all the hard work put in at practices paid off.

"For us, we work hard when we train, especially since the other schools work hard, too. We train a hundred percent and give it all our best, and there's no regret. As long as we go out there and give it all we got, there's nothing wrong with that," said Naron.

The Islanders, racing the black National Guard galaide, also took first place in the Sotteru/Sottera mixed division (9:44), while the Sharks came in second (10:20).

Fast pace

"We like to start off with a fast pace, keeping it fast and strong. We always try to get into first place right from the start because in this race, whoever goes first on the turn, they're basically the winner. Once we hit the turn and came down the stretch, we just finished strong," said Naron.

"We're all just blessed to be here because every team is not always competitive. We like to come out and have fun with family and friends. There's good music and there's good chow, and that's all that matters," said Naron.

- PDN