The Sports Leigh-Out Oct. 4-Oct. 10

Hafa Adai and Tirow sports fans, this is Leigh Gases with this week’s Sports Leigh-Out brought to you by Joeten Motors!

Let’s take a closer look at what our athletes have been up to in off-island competitions and on their home turf—whether it’s on the pitch, mat, courts, fields, track, pools, or the beautiful ocean.

Antoni soaks in freshman year at University of Tennessee

Son of Micronesia, Antoni Kade Aguon Ogumoro, is soaking it all in during his freshman year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he plays on the offensive line for the football team.

He officially signed with UT on a full scholarship last year after graduating early from Elgin High School in Oklahoma. He was an early enrollee and started college in January.

In an interview during his rest and relaxation back at home in Oklahoma during their bye week, the 18-year-old said his college career has been going well so far.

“My college career has been good so far. It’s been a process for sure. [I] got there in January and then off season, just working out. Going into the season, nothing’s really changed. Just trying to change my body, getting in that work, technique, and getting in the field,” he said.

His first time on the gridiron was against East Tennessee State University, and he said that moment was surreal.

“For my first time ever, it was actually a home game… When I went in, it kind of felt unreal just knowing that the family was there too, but all the fans that were there and just being able to play for the first time and actual minutes in the game and just trying to make an impact,” he said. “It was definitely a surreal experience for me because it was like a lot of work leading up to that moment and just me being able to let it all out on the field.”

Budlight Luta Fishing Derby underway

Twenty seven boats from Guam and the CNMI launched from the Rota West Harbor for the Bud Light Fishing Derby amid the Bisita Luta fiesta this weekend.

Thomas Manglona II is in Rota to capture the festivities.

NMIBF president hosts hoops coaches clinic in Rota

NMI Basketball Federation president James Lee hosted a basic coaches and athlete basketball clinic in Rota last week. He also updated them with what the federation plans are such as 3x3, Micro Games, and Pacific Games in 2027, as well as how both coaches and athletes can be a part of it.

TMS, SIS notch last regular season wins in boys hoops

The PSS-IT&E Boys Middle School Basketball League regular season has come to a close-and what a ride it's been. Defending champions Francisco M. Sablan Middle School stormed through the competition, finishing the season untouched with a perfect 8-0 record.

Hopwood Middle School fought hard but fell short in Friday's showdown against FMS, settling for a 7-1 finish.

Right behind them, Tanapag Middle School claimed third at 6-2, while Chacha Oceanview Middle School ended strong at 5-3. Dandan Middle School stayed steady at an even 4-4, and Saipan International School wrapped up with a 3-5 mark.

Mount Carmel School battled their way to 2-6, Saipan Community School managed a single victory at 1-7, and Grace Christian Academy faced a tough season, going winless at 0-8.

The championship game is scheduled for today, Saturday at 11:30am.

Marianas Surf Skate League adopts Capital Hill Court

The Marianas Surf Skate League is the Saipan Mayor’s Office’s newest Adopt-A-Place partner as they take stewardship of the Capital Hill Volleyball Court on Monday.

Ed Manibusan, president of Marianas Surf Skate League, thanked Saipan Mayor Ranon “RB” Camacho for his support as well as partner agencies such as the Parks and Recreations Division of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources as well members of the Legislature for their help in making this possible.

The group plans to turn the area into a beginner’s skating park designed to teach new skaters in a safer environment and allow them to hone their skills and techniques with guidance. This location will be a more suitable substitute for beginners than the Garapan Skate Park designed for more proficient skaters.

Gabby Jo heaves 245-lb marlin to top 4th TTT Mixed Classic

The crew of Gabby Jo hauled in the heaviest catch—a 245-lb marlin—during the 4th Annual Tasi To Table Mixed Classic Fishing Derby on Saturday at Smiling Cove Marina.

Captained by Jesse Tenorio, Gabby Jo with co-captain John John San Nicolas and angler Jess Guerrero caught a total of 263-lbs and walked away with the first-place prize of $3,000, a $100 gift certificate from Fishing Tackle, and lures from CK Lures out of Hawaii.

In second place was MV Jolene, captained by Alex Sablan, with a marlin weighing 125-lbs and a wahoo weighing 25-lbs for a total of 150-lbs. They took home the $1,500 second-place prize, along with a $600 side bet.

Third place and $1,000 went to Sweet Candy, captained by George Moses, for their 138-lb marlin and a two-lb katsu, for a total of 140-lbs.

Tenorio said during the awards ceremony that they caught the winning fish heading out of the waters of west Tinian. After reeling in some wahoo earlier, they hooked the marlin on their way back to Saipan. It was a 30-minute struggle, but they managed to reel it in—and by the time it was over, they were exhausted.

Falcons soar over Blue Jays, 6-3

It was a real battle of birds on the diamond Wednesday night, with both teams clawing for every run. In the end, the sixth-place Falcons spread their wings proudly and soared over the seventh-place Blue Jays, 6-3, in the continuation of the Saipan Baseball League at the Francisco "Tan Ko" Palacios Baseball Field.

There are a few more games before the start of the postseason slated to start next week. If clear skies and dry fields permits, the championship series is locked in for Oct. 27, 29, and 31.

SIS wins; TMS, SCS draws in girls soccer

The PSS-NMIFA Girls Middle School Soccer season is winding down, and come rain or shine, the girls are giving it everything they've got-sliding, sprinting, and fighting for every goal under the south side skies at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Saipan International School slipped past Dandan Middle School, 2-1, and Saipan Community School settled for a 1-1 draw with Tanapag Middle School.