Overview:
Palau’s high school cross-country runners have completed their five regular-season meets and are now preparing for the BIIAA cross-country championship on Oct. 14. The final three meets gave runners from five schools opportunities to test themselves on challenging courses and build confidence ahead of the season finale.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau (Sept. 24, 2026) With the BIIAA cross country championship approaching, runners from Palau’s high schools completed the final three regular-season meets, competing across different courses and conditions as they prepared for the season’s final race.
The third meet was held Sept. 16 along the Palau Mission Academy (PMA) route, from the school to the Dr. Kuartei residence and back. The meet brought together 157 runners from Palau High School (PHS), Emmaus-Bethania High School (EBHS), Mindszenty High School (MHS) and PMA.
PHS senior Garrett Welge led the boys’ field, finishing first overall in 19:46.97. EBHS’ Deshawn Idesiar Rebluud was his school’s top male finisher in 23:28.04.
PMA’s Elengoi Gibbons finished first overall among the girls in 26:44.56, while MHS’ Alice Andrew led her school in 28:29.30.
MHS ninth grader Jonah Mengloi finished as the school’s top male runner in 21:29.72, followed by PMA’s Rekisiuang Rafael in 24:11.24.
For the PHS-EBHS matchup, PHS’ Daelyn Kintaro finished in 28:58.24, while EBHS’ Jaydah Eberdong finished in 33:31.70.
Mengloi described the race as challenging but enjoyable.
“It was challenging but also a fun experience,” Mengloi said. “I was happy that I got to compete.”
He said he was proud to represent Mindszenty and enjoys running because it allows him to challenge himself, stay active and compete with others.
The fourth meet was hosted by Belau Modekengei High School (BMS), with 138 runners competing along a route from the turn to Ibobang to Koksai. BMS faced PMA, while PHS competed against MHS.
Welge again led PHS, finishing first overall in 18:07.59. Mengloi was MHS’ top male finisher in 21:23.93.
BMS’ Micheal Idesmang finished in 24:28.06, while PMA’s Brendan Keane finished in 24:53.70.
On the girls’ side, PHS’ Giralynn Ngirchemat finished first overall in 28:27.30. Andrew again led MHS, finishing in 28:46.68. PMA’s Tashunca-uitco Dilibengal Whiting finished in 31:58.80, while BMS’ Kylie Elizer finished in 33:11.27.
For Welge, the fourth meet brought some nerves because of the course.
“At first I was really scared before the start of the race because I remembered how hard the hills were from last year,” Welge said. “But as the start got closer I got more and more relaxed.”
Welge said seeing his training translate into his race performances has been rewarding.
“It’s rewarding to see my effort in training pay off,” he said.
He also described running as a way to step away from expectations.
“When I run I feel free from my expectations,” Welge said.
The fifth and final regular-season meet before the championship was hosted by MHS at Long Island Park. The meet drew 126 runners from four high schools, with MHS competing against BMS and PMA facing EBHS.
Keane led PMA and finished first overall among the boys in 21:53.10. EBHS’ Rebluud was his school’s top male finisher in 22:42.82.
Mengloi continued to lead MHS, finishing in 21:54.04, while Idesmang was BMS’ top male runner in 25:18.87.
Gibbons returned to the top of the girls’ field, finishing first overall and leading PMA in 27:39.91. EBHS’ Eberdong finished in 34:56.46.
Andrew again led MHS’ girls, finishing in 28:46.02, while BMS’ Kylie O. Elizer finished in 33:37.24.
With the five regular-season meets now complete, runners will turn their attention to the BIIAA cross country championship on October 14, where they will look to put the experience gained throughout the season into their final race.