THE RECENT University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Track and Field competitions saw the UST Tiger Tracksters reclaiming lost glory after a neck-and-neck battle against fierce rival University of the East (UE).
After 22 events, the Tiger Tracksters edged out their Recto-based rivals with a nail-biting 178-169 victory, putting them on a high as they bounced back from a fourth-place finish last season.
A memorable year
The 65th season of the UAAP signaled the return of the Male Tracksters despite great adversity from fierce rivals.
The Tiger Tracksters captured first place in the finals of the javelin throw event courtesy of sophomore Jonnel Pamandanan, who bested Ateneo de Manila’s John Gregorio.
UST also dominated the 3,000-meter steeplechase, clinching the first, second and fourth spots in the finals after strong performances by veteran Jo-Ar Calvadores, Frankie Trinidan, and Noel Ricamunda, respectively.
The Tiger Tracksters likewise rolled over their opponents in the 4 x 100-meter relay with Don Quintin Lino, Marvin Sarandona, Glenn Arcangel and Kenneth Villanueva copping first place honors in the finals.
Strong finishes in other events also played a big part in the Tigers’ quest for track supremacy. The tracksters made the year more memorable by establishing new records in various events.
In shot put ace trackster Antonio Dacir posted 12.99 meters, which broke a 23-year-old record posted by Peter Moran of the University of the Philippines (UP) way back in 1979.
The team of Lino, Sarandona, Arcangel and Villanueva also set a new UAAP record of 42.93 seconds in the 4 x 100-meter relay.
“Masayang-masaya ako kasi nakapag-deliver lahat, lalo na ‘yung mga stand-outs, ‘yung mga inaasahan. At marami ring records ang na-break,” said a satisfied UST Tracksters Coach Manny Calipes.
“Iyung championship namin umabot pa sa last event, sa triple jump. Puwede pang manalo kahit sino sa amin ng UE, nagkatalo lang talaga sa huling event,” he added.
Out of fuel
On the other hand, the UST Lady Tracksters failed to defend their crown despite a strong start as they fell behind archrival UE, 187-263 points, ending their 65th UAAP season as bridesmaids.
The Lady Tracksters were won four events in the final round, which was a far cry to UE’s 10.
Raquel Castro and Kate Co Yu Kang took the first two spots in the women’s shot put finals while Leslie Cercado took home the gold in the 100-meter dash.
The team of Mercy Caña, Josephine delos Reyes, Diwata Pelaez and Cercado clinched the gold in the 4 x 100 meter relay finals but the domination of UE in the other events spelled doom on their title defense.
Still, the Lady Tracksters carved a niche for themselves this season as Nhe Ann Barcena set a new UAAP mark in the 1,500 meter run with a 4:40.01, a breath-taking six seconds faster than the old record.
Likewise, the team-up of Caña, Delos Reyes, Pelaez and Cercado in the 4 x 100-meter relay established a new UAAP record of 48.78 seconds.
Looking ahead
Despite the Lady Tracksters’ runner-up finish, Calipes has reason to be upbeat for next season with the possible return of bemedalled national athlete Narcisa Atienza.
“Halos magdadagdag kami sa women’s team next year at sana makasama si (Narcisa) Atienza,” said Calipes.
New recruits will likewise beef up the men’s team during the off-season.
The men’s and women’s team will be fielded in the National Open in May and in the Colgate Weekly Relays from July to November as part of preparations for next season.
Calipes predicts it will still be a three-way struggle for the men’s title between UST, UE and De La Salle next season and a one-on-one affair between UST and UE for the women’s. Patrick Leonard M. Mayo
