The Marianas Outrigger Canoe Club (MOC) paddlers are feeling the heat as they prepare for the upcoming 2017 Micro Cup in Guam this October. Following their impressive win last year, MOC is now considered a “marked men” in the competition. The team swept all three events in the men’s open division, making history as the first team to do so in the longest running outrigger canoe competition in Micronesia.
MOC coach Dino Manning acknowledges the added pressure this year, saying, “After last year’s tournament, everybody knows who we are and what we are capable of. Guam, Palau, and other teams that will participate in the 2017 Micro Cup are definitely doing their best in preparing against us for this year’s races.”
To defend their title, MOC paddlers are working harder than ever, training in the water three to four times a week with additional land-based sessions to improve their strength, endurance, and speed. They recently dominated a long distance course event organized by the Northern Marianas National Paddling Sports Federation and are set to compete in more warm-up races leading up to the Micro Cup.
MOC is eyeing to send two men’s teams to the competition, keeping the core of their winning squad from last year while also incorporating several newcomers. Other Saipan teams expected to join the Micro Cup are Napu Outrigger Canoe Club, Saipan Paddling Club, and Marianas Pacific Paddlers.
Despite the added pressure and high expectations, the MOC paddlers are determined to defend their title and make history once again.
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https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/eyes-moc-paddlers/
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