DETERMINED to climb back to the top of UAAP judo, the UST Tiger and Lady Judokas head into Season 87 revitalized, carrying the lessons and hunger forged by their runner-up finishes last year.
In Season 86, the Tiger Judokas saw their five-year reign snapped by UP, finishing second. The Lady Judokas also ended as runners-up, falling short of their championship-winning dominance that culminated in a five-peat in 2018.
“Gusto ko ibalik ‘yong sistema namin dati, kung paano kami nag-champion noon,” Lady Judokas head coach Gerard Arce told the Varsitarian.
Following their title-ending season, the Tigers Judokas intensified their training, with a focus on strength and conditioning, and welcomed Nomar Hilario to the coaching staff.
“Ngayon medyo more mature kami lalo na sa training…I have added more training days for the team to focus on the strength and conditioning aspect,” Tiger Judokas head coach Steve Esteban told the Varsitarian.
“After the championship was taken away, they are now more eager to take it back since they are motivated to train more lalo na ngayon na mas malakas ang staff at nagtutulungan talaga lahat.”
The Tiger Judokas will rely on Chino Sy-Tancontian, Tristan Reyes, Rael Abujos, Kyan Ballecer, John Carllo Aniciete, Ralph Suarez, Maekhael Sasi, Troy Estrella, Adrian Cadampog, and Jary Pamor in their Season 87 campaign. Strengthening their roster are newcomers Mark Quimirit and Rodge Daniel Bernal.
“I know the judo men will do their best,” Esteban said. “They have the skills and the training, and they really want to get the championship belt back.”
For the Lady Judokas, the team will be led by Jeniva Consigna, Mariah Lua, Aumaegel Princess Cortez, and Grace Gangan — all of whom medaled at the Korea Open Sambo Championships in October.
While he wants the new batch of Lady Judokas to move on from the team’s previous setbacks, Arce said he also expects the players to learn from their shortcomings and emerge smarter and tougher this season.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, kailangan tamang diskarte kami sa laro…’yong nagawa ng mga seniors niyo dati. Tapos na ‘yon. Gumawa kayo ng sarili ninyong linya. Patunayan niyo na mas magaling kayo sa kanila, na mas malakas kayo sa kanila,” Arce said.
While Arce sees hunger in his players, he cautions that actions will determine if that ambition turns into success on the mat.
“Nakikita ko talaga sa kanila ‘yong eagerness na manalo. Talagang sila mismo nagsasabi, ‘Coach, gusto namin manalo, gusto namin mag-champion,’” he said. “Sabi ko, huwag puro salita; dapat gawa. Hindi tayo pwedeng pangako lang nang pangako.”
