The UST Tiger Judokas are taking on the challenge of defending their crown in UAAP Season 88, while also aiming to give their graduating seniors a winning sendoff.
The Tiger Judokas reclaimed the title last season by dethroning the University of the Philippines (UP), which had snapped UST’s five-year reign in Season 86. Now back on top and carrying a target once again, the Tiger Judokas are focused on delivering a proper farewell for their graduating seniors.
“I think this season is really special because of the graduating players,” head coach Kidao Esteban told the Varsitarian. “That’s good for us because they are more motivated to win.”
Bannering the senior class are Adrian Cadampog, Ralph Jefferson Suarez, John Carlos Aniciete, Janry Pamor, Tristan Jacob Reyes, Ramz Sasi, reigning MVP Troy Legaspi, and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Chino Sy.
“The team is more motivated because we’ve been through a lot,” Esteban said. “We lost the five-peat and had to start from scratch. We reclaimed the crown last year, so hopefully we can win it again this season.”
Esteban expects a tightly contested field, particularly with UP retaining a formidable lineup that remains a major threat to UST’s title defense.
“I think we will still have a problem with UP because they have almost the same lineup,” he said. “Last year, we were able to capitalize on an error on their part. Hopefully, we can take advantage again if the opportunity comes.”
In the Season 87 men’s -90 kg division, UP’s Zarchie Garay was disqualified for violating the sport’s code of conduct after directing derogatory remarks at UST’s Rodge Bernal. The incident proved pivotal in the overall standings.
Entering the new season, UST will rely on Sy, who won gold in the men’s -100 kg division at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games and is steadily emerging as a contender for a spot in the 2028 Olympics.
The roster is also reinforced by Legaspi and Season 87 Rookie of the Year Bernal, along with key contributors Pamor, Reyes, Kyan Ballecer, and Randy Ferrera.
For Esteban, maintaining composure will be crucial in navigating high-pressure matches.
“We need to control our emotions,” he said. “Last year, there were moments when we couldn’t, and that led to unfavorable outcomes.”
“The goal is always the championship. If we can match or even surpass our performance from last year, then we have a strong chance of achieving the same result.”
The UAAP Season 88 men’s judo tournament is set for April 11-12 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
