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THE sandy beaches of Matapang Beach in Tumon were filled with competitors from several different high schools ready to compete in the 2012 IIAAG/GKCF High School Paddling League championships. Alongside the student-athletes were family, friends, and paddling enthusiasts, all ready to cheer on their favorite team. At the end of the day, the John F. Kennedy Islanders, Academy of Our Lady of Guam Cougars, and Okkodo Bulldogs emerged as this year’s top teams in the Sotteru, Sottera, and Sotteru/Sottera Mix divisions.

With the boys taking the waters, the defending champion George Washington Geckos knew it wasn’t going to be an easy feat to repeat as champions. From the start of the race, there was no clear picture as to who would paddle straight to the top as the feisty JFK Islanders challenged the Geckos. While the two teams remained neck-and-neck, the Simon Sanchez Sharks lurked nearby and made the race a bit more interesting.

At the end of the 500m finals, the Islanders dethroned the champs in a race that came down to the last stroke. Not knowing who clinched the champions immediately after the race, all teams waited with anxiousness as the winner wasn’t announced until later. When the announcement was made, the Islanders took first, GW finished second and the Sharks claimed stake to third place. Rounding out the top five were the Guam High Panthers and Father Duenas Friars.

“Both teams came out and gave it their all. In the end we won a championship in a very tight and close race,” said JFK paddler Ricky Naron. “It feels great to be champions and to be blessed with the team we have.”

Sottera

In the Sottera Division, the Academy of Our Lady of Guam Cougars pulled off the shocker of the day as they clinched this year’s title after nearly missing the finals. Academy finished third in the preliminary race and needed to redeem themselves in the repechage races. A very determined Cougar squad raced their way to victory in the repechage to earn the last slot in the finals.

The Cougars carried the momentum into the finals and used it to their advantage against stronger teams. After battling through the 500m sprints, the Cougars cruised to the title after defeating second and third-place finishers, GW and JFK. Rounding out the top five slots in the Sottera Division were the Sharks and Okkodo Bulldogs.

The final race of the day was the Sotteru/Sottera Mix Division and it brought excitement and joy as a new champion was crowned. Leading from the beginning of the race, the Okkodo Bulldogs never looked back and cruised into the finish line to claim the title. The Bulldogs beat out GW and Guam High, who claimed second and third respectively. The Islanders and Sharks rounded out the top five finishers.

Manhoben Results:

Girls:

• 1st: Sharks
• 2nd: Geckos
• 3rd: Panthers
• 4th: Royals
• 5th: Bulldogs

Boys:

• 1st: Geckos
• 2nd: Dolphins
• 3rd: Islanders
• 4th: Bulldogs
• 5th: Sharks

Mix:

• 1st: Dolphins
• 2nd: Islanders
• 3rd: Sharks
• 4th: Geckos
• 5th: Bulldogs