THOMASIAN pole vaulters Sean Narag and Mejen Sumbongan bagged gold and silver, respectively, in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa at the PhilSports Track Oval in Pasig on July 31.
Narag and Sumbongan, both incoming grade 12 students, recorded their personal bests in the national tourney to clinch NCR’s first medals in the tournament, which made its return after four years.
Narag cleared 3.90 meters for NCR’s first gold, while Sumbongan cleared 3.80 meters to complete the 1-2 finish.
The two Junior Tiger Tracksters were coached by Emerson Obiena, father of world No. 2 pole vaulter and former UST trackster EJ Obiena.
“Tinuro ni coach sa amin kung paano maging concentrated sa game…noong naglaro kami, lumabas ‘yung magandang tinuro niya sa amin,” Narag told the Varsitarian.
Narag surpassed 3.30, 3.50, and 3.70 meters before clearing the 3.90-meter bar for the gold. He went for the 4-meter bar but failed after three attempts.
Sumbongan missed his three attempts in the 3.90-meter bar to give him the second spot.
After breaking their previous personal records of 3.00 meters (Narag) and 2.80 meters (Sumbongan), the Junior Tiger Tracksters believe that they can reach higher heights in the upcoming UAAP Season 86.
“Kaya po namin i-break ‘yung record ng UAAP ngayon. Kaya namin umabot sa four meters at pataas,” Narag said.
Former UST pole vaulter Johnrey Magallanes remains the UAAP boys’ pole vaulting record holder with 3.89 meters in Season 80. Brenn Allen L. Flores
