THE UST Tracksters stood out against premium athletes nationwide, copping a total of nine gold medals in the 14th University Games (Unigames) at the Iloilo Sports Complex in Iloilo City from October 24 to 31.
The Female Tracksters led the medal haul with seven gold medals in 13 events to outshine perennial contenders Far Eastern University and Ateneo De Manila University that clinched four and two gold medals, respectively.
“Most of the UST players were from Iloilo so it was a challenge for them to perform well,” coach Manny Calipes said.
“We had a deal that if they did well, they could have an extended vacation and they did just that.”
Rookie trackster Serenata Saluan clocked in at 2:11.20 minutes and 10:46.33 minutes in a dominating performance in the 800 and 3,000-meter runs, respectively.
Fellow newcomer Viena Mae Banebane topped the 100-meter hurdles with 16.02 seconds.
Team captain Luville Dato-on also bagged a gold medals in the long (5.77 meters) and triple jump (11.656 meters), while Jean Palencia led in the 5,000-meter run with 19:19.42 minutes.
Female Tracksters Keizel Padrina and Palencia harvested silvers in the 4×200 classical relay with 2:20.37 minutes and 3,000-meter run with 10:55.14 minutes, respectively.
Also contributing to UST’s medal haul were Marinel Dechavez and Ma. De La Paz Banebane, who snatched bronze medals in the long jump (5.01) and 400-meter hurdles (1:10.84), respectively.
Not to be left behind, the Male Tracksters bagged two gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
Roger Denolo led the charge, acing the 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:56.14) and 5,000-meter run (16:15.06).
Robin Tuliao placed second in the 110-meter hurdles with 14.90 seconds while Jordan Paul Billones and Ernie Sabiduria chalked up third in the 800-meter run with 1:57.83 and discus throw with 35.65 seconds, respectively.
“We are preparing really hard for the events we participate in. After the Unigames, we will continue our training. We decided not to have our Christmas breaks so we could train harder especially for the coming UAAP,” Calipes said.
In other sports, UST won the championship in men’s volleyball, women’s football and women’s volleyball.
The España squad also finished third in softball. Charizze L. Abulencia
