THE UST Tiger Dragons Rowing Crew (Tiger Dragons), the newly recognized rowing team of the University, bagged second place in the 2nd Jam 88.3 Dragon Boat Races last Sept. 18 at the rolling waters of Manila Bay.
The Tiger Dragons Men’s crew came out jubilant after edging rowing veterans De La Salle University (La Salle) and University of the Philippines (UP). The Tiger Dragons lost by a whisker to San Beda College, lagging just two seconds behind the eventual champions, who registered 1.25.51.
“We only started training for the event last July, while most of the teams in the competition started since in January,” team leader Chris Cueto said. The victory was extra sweet for the Tiger Dragons, who won despite being rookie-laden, having 20 greenhorns out of 25 rowers.
La Salle placed third, while UP was fourth.
“The feeling was overwhelming in a way. Siguro nadala nung victory sa cheerdance kaya Thomasian pride was at stake,” Cueto said.
The squad’s 14-year long wait to be recognized as the University’s premier rowing crew finally ended last July, when its erstwhile moniker Aqua Fortis was finally changed to the UST Tiger Dragons Rowing Crew.
“It is greatly fulfilling to be finally recognized. We all felt really satisfied considering all our hard work,” Cueto said. “We all felt good because we are now recognized by the institution we always wanted to represent.”
After claiming the right to carry the University’s name, Cueto is now lobbying for the inclusion of rowing in the UAAP.
At least five universities must have duly recognized rowing teams. Currently, only UST, La Salle, Ateneo de Manila University, and Adamson University have official rowing crews. Cueto hopes rowing will be recognized as a UAAP event in 2007. Jose Bimbo F. Santos
