Pumpkin Fun Run gives participants new look at track and field
The first ever Pumpkin Fun Run and Track Meet that took place this past Monday at the Veterans Memorial Stadium was a success according to the head of the local Ohana Running Club Clayton ‘Boom’ Mahuka. This free event was sponsored by American Samoa Athletics and partnered with volunteers and the Ohana Running Club, that saw close to 50 young people up to the age of 18 try their hand at the sport of track and field.
“We had a lot more kids than expected participating. Over half of the kids were in the twelve and under events, with the rest in the 18 and under,” said Mahuka.
“We had a great turnout and the meet was a great success. There was great camaraderie between the kids from different villages throughout the competition. This was a great chance for them to get exposure and experience about how a real track meet is done”.
There were officials and timers that included Deanna Fuimaono, parents, supporters and assistance from the Fagatogo Running Club, Hamina Mauga and Fua Tupua from the Ohana Running Club as well as Valusia Talataina from the Western District Running Club, according to Mahuka.
“Our goal is to try for more meets like this in order to train our local athletes to meet qualification standards for regional and other competitions. I would like to thank everyone that helped to make this meet a success,” he said.
The runners who spoke to Samoa News said they gained a positive experience with the meet, with one runner saying, “After this meet, I am determined to train even harder at practice. At practice we go over fundamentals, but it is different when you are in one race after another and up against some fast kids”.
Another said, “I hope I can compete representing American Samoa someday. My goal is the 2016 Olympic Games”.
Mahuka stated that due to the large amount of participants, there was not enough time for the field events (shot put and discus throw) which will be saved for the next meet which he hopes to host in a couple of months.
Here are the results from the events:
Female:
50 yard dash: 8 and under
Name Time
Chloe 9.5
June 9.84
Bernie 10.1
50 yard dash: 12 & under
Name Time
Leata 7.48
Deidra 7.6
Bernie 7.8
50 yard dash: 19 & under
Name Time
Deborah 6.65
Casidhe 7.1
Dannielle 7.2
100 meter: 8 & under
Name Time
Chloe 21.5
Joyce 21.72
Julia 23.04
100 meter: 12 & under
Name Time
Leata 15.9
Taulia 16.09
Mandy 16.1
100 meter: 19 & under
Name Time
Deborah 14.34
Casidhe 15.5
Dannielle 15.84
200 meter: 19 & under
Name Time
Casidhe 32.89
Dannielle 33.5
Taulia 34.06
800 meter 19 & under
Name Time
Casidhe 3.13.41
Male:
50 yard dash: 8 & under
Name Time
Jonah 8.23
Anthony 8.81
Neville 9.12
50 yard dash: 12 & under
Name Time
Niles 6.94
Derrek 7.13
Champ 7.67
50 yard dash: 19 & under
Name Time
Scheyenne 6.25
Johnson 6.29
Ropati 6.31
100 meter: 8 & under
Name Time
Jonah 18.69
Neville 19.4
Anthony 19.97
100 meter: 12 & under
Name Time
Niles 14.94
Derrek 16.06
Anthony 16.4
100 meter: 19 & under
Name Time
Scheyenne 12.81
Ropati 13.28
Michael 13.53
200 meter: 19 & under
Name Time
Scheyenne 27.12
Ikaika 28.34
Korrea 29.84
Johnson 31.7
Alexis 35.47
Darryl 36.97
800 meter: 19 & under
Ikaika 3.10.02
Ricardo 3.17.44
Rhoderick 3.19.94