By Edward C. Maratita, Jr.
The idea of scholastic sports is to provide a fun and learning experience, create excitement, and playing where a student athlete can look to achieve their goals to the minimum or maximum potential.
Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja track and field team was in Saipan for the 2017 PSS/McDonald’s All Schools Track and Field Championships held at Hopwood Middle School on May 11-13, 2017.
A strong number of track and field athletes delivered strong outings during the three day event, but for the ESFDB athletes, it was a learning experience to compete against the islands best and naturally, to enjoy and have fun.
“Everyone did their best, I was told. I can’t even describe how proud I am of our students. I’m just so proud of them, and the hard work they put in to try and win in their first sports competition,” said administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig.
Atalig added, “In less than a month, our track and field coaches Edward Maratita, Jr. and Monette Ladao had conditioned and trained the students in preparation for the event.”
“We’re trying to keep everybody conditioned and healthy for their first sports competition,” said coach Monette Ladao. “We don’t want injuries and we want them to compete at their best no matter what the outcome is.”
“Now I know why Mr. Ed (Maratita, Jr) put us on a lot of conditioning especially on our endurance, legs, and speed. We really need to run fast,” said 6th grade student athlete Kaitlyn Balgoa.
“If you want to succeed in something then you have to train hard and that is what I went through before I competed,” said 5th grade student athlete Autumn Pasensia Hocog. “But even with all the training I went through, I got nervous because it was my first time and I don’t know how I would do in this competition.”
4th grade student athlete Titus Hugh Hocog said, “I was excited and nervous at the same time because I will be competing in a sport that is new to me. Also, I was surprise because my competitors were not wearing shoes and I was the only one. Now, I know why.”
“I was looking forward for the 60 meter run but I was informed that the slots were full. Then again, I was excited because I was put in the softball throw which I did well. These are the unforeseen things I had prepared myself for because our coach told us. Things happen and it’s beyond our control,” said 5th grade student athlete Brylle Reyel.
“The principal and I saw this students like to run. Let’s make use of that energy they have. We always say in our school, “We don’t just see students. We see potential,”” said coach Edward Maratita, Jr.
“Weeks before leading up to the competition, I had to hone their strength, speed, skills and strategy. But the goal of all of those practices isn’t just to win. It’s to appreciate staying healthy, teamwork, experiences, and learn how to play with others. These are good life lessons when you go into the real sports world,” added Maratita.
Maratita was not able to travel with the team because he was in Guam for the 39th Annual Island Wide Science Fair.
The team was accompanied by track and field assistant coach Monette Ladao, Rota Department of Public Safety police officer Tito Hocog and parent representative Roger Esteves.
The administration and faculty would like to extend their appreciation to the parents, the CNMI Public School System, Derek and Rose A. Hocog, Tito Hocog, Ruby Hocog, and Roger Esteves. Thank you, Un Sen Dangkulo Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase, Olommway, and Maraming Salamat Po!
