July 7, 2015, 11:13 a.m. – THE UST Tiger Tracksters
completed their stint in the 5th Philippine National Games (PNG) with seven
gold, four silver and one bronze medals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig
Monday.
In all, Tiger Tracksters went home with an
impressive 54-medal haul, including 29 golds.
The boys team of Joel Hera, Dustinne De Vera,
Ronjon Redoble, and Jay Nieles and the girls team of Eloiza Luzon, Karen
Janairio, Feiza Lenton and Louielyn Pamatian dominated the 4×400-meter relay to
bring home two gold medals.
Kevin Capangpangan (boys’ 1500-meter), Aira
Teodosio (girls’ hammer throw), and Rosnani Pamaybay (girls’ triple jump) also
topped their respective events.
Emily Obiena posted a 3.30-meter output in the
girls’ pole vault, while Sarah Dequinan grabbed silver in the same event before
winning a gold of her own in girls’ heptathlon.
In girls’ triple jump, Judy Almasa settled for
silver with a 10.90-meter output, while Mark Conrad Manipon wrapped up the
boy’s javelin event with a 50.60-meter throw for second place.
In the seniors division, Krisha Sardena and
Rostum Nava bagged silver and bronze medals in the women’s 10,000-meter walk
and the men’s 5,000-meter dash, respectively.
Despite his team’s medal haul, head coach Manny
Calipes believes that the upcoming UAAP season would be the real test for the
UST Tracksters.
“The PNG results mean nothing compared to
our UAAP targets,” he said. “What we achieved now is more on
team bonding because this is the first time that the new recruits and veterans
competed as a team.” Randell Angelo Ritumalta
