The UST Tiger Judokas are introducing numerous newcomers in UAAP Season 86, relying on their winning philosophy to lead the younger members toward gold in this year’s judo tournament.
This season, the Lady Judokas are introducing seven rookies: Angel Cortez, Felice Barbuco, Jesca Cos, Chellsie Ramirez, Sydney Ramirez, Christine Quinones and Sherilyn Tagra.
These newcomers are stepping into significant roles, taking over positions left vacant by key departures, including heavyweight (under-78 kg) champion and SEA Games bronze-medalist Sydney Sy-Tancontian, middleweight (under-70 kg) silver-medalist Casey Tolosa, half-middleweight (under-63 kg) bronze-medalist Krizza Amisola and Season 78 gold-medalist Aislinn Yap.
Lady Judokas head coach Gerard Arce said the team has the potential to reclaim gold with the guidance of the newly appointed team captain, Faiza Azilum, who is a half-lightweight (under-52 kg) bronze-medalist.
“Mayroon silang intitative to take extra lessons and the willingness to learn,” Arce told the Varsitarian about the rookies. “‘Yun gusto kong baguhin this season, yun yung gusto ko din na ma-apply nila sa mga next seasons kasi two championships [in a row] na ang hindi na namin nakuha.”
Azilum expressed her readiness to lead the team actively, recognizing a need for active leadership, something she said the team has been lacking in recent years.
“It’s our first season to have a captain na nandito, kasi since yung mga nakaraan, mga national athletes kasi yung captains so laging wala,” she said. “‘Yun yung gusto kong baguhin with the team, since nandito ako lagi para sakanila, gusto ko kapag mayroon silang mga questions, and may gusto silang iimprove, nandoon ako at present ako para sa kanila.”
Arce said he hopes the Lady Jins’ inability to secure a championship last season would ignite a renewed determination within the team to mirror the success of the Tiger Jins, Junior Tiger Jins and Junior Lady Jins.
“Kami lang yung hindi champion last year,” he said. “Juniors, nagchampion ang boys at girls nila, tapos yung men’s din. Kami lang nag-runner up, masakit din para sakin na ganun.”
“Hopefully mapush lang yung fire sakanila, mas maging eager sila na manalo ngayon and mas composed sila sa mga mahihirap na gagawin namin.”
The Lady Jins will also be spearheaded by returning gold medalists Levie Espuerta (half-middleweight under-63 kg) and Princess Cortez (lightweight under-57 kg), and veterans Danica Barela, Mary Baldos, Kathleen Ferriols, Jean Lobo, Vlessie Hisula, Lea Quimba and Kryzia Gutang.
The Lady Judokas last won a championship in Season 81. They finished as runners-up to the University of the East Lady Warriors in two consecutive seasons.
Men’s team aims for six-peat
Meanwhile, the UST Tiger Jins are chasing a second six-peat armed with a new team captain and more rigorous training in several wrestling disciplines.
Head coach Steve Esteban appointed Tristan Reyes, the Season 82 and 85 heavyweight (over-100 kg) silver medalist, as the team captain, with reigning half-heavyweight (under–100 kg) champion and Season 85 Most Valuable Player Chino Sy-Tancontian as vice-captain.
Esteban said the team trained across several wrestling disciplines, including kurash and sambo, in preparation for the upcoming season.
Tiger Judokas Rael Abujos, Ryan Benavidez, Renzo Cazeñas and Czar Bayas are all part of the national kurash team.
The Tiger Judokas will be spearheaded by returning reigning champions Abujos, Benavidez, and Sy-Tancontian.
Rookie Kyan Ballecer from the junior division aims to fill the spot of departing season 85 middleweight (under-90 kg) champion Aaron Reyes.
Season 85 lightweight (under-73 kg) champion John Quilang and reigning Season 85 Rookie of the Year Maekhael Sasi will also make their return, alongside Junel Porlaje, Troy Legaspi, Niko Ong, Nick Ligero, Janry Pamor and Ralph Suarez. Brenn Allen L. Flores
