For its sixth consecutive championship title in the 78th UAAP men’s senior track and field tournament, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws had to through the wringer.
After five grueling days of competition at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City, FEU’s victory came only after the University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines—first and second runner-up, respectively—finally relented, putting up a great fight and keeping the Tamaraws on edge till the end.
FEU coach Dario Derosas singled out Clinton Kingsley Bautista for his dominant performance, which produced six medals, four of them gold.
In a sport where a split second could determine victory, Derosas expressed his concern about the departure of at least six senior players from the team, including Bautista.
Milestone
In the women’s championship, the UST Tigers likewise successfully defended its crown, thanks to rookie and MVP Karen Janario.
Her four gold medals from all her events significantly contributed to the Tigers’ haul of 12 golds.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of the women’s juniors division signified a milestone in the UAAP track and field tourney.
Three women’s high school teams—University of the East, De La Salle-Zobel, and University of the Philippines Integrated School—competed in their first UAAP.
With many of its players just recently qualified for the Palarong Pambansa, an experienced UE team won its first juniors championship, while the men’s junior team earned its 3-peat championship.
Coach Kenneth Tolin from the UE juniors coaching staff said he has high hopes for the next season, pointing out that UE has no graduating players and that he expects the team to keep improving.
As for his projections next year, he said, with confidence: “For the boys, 4-peat. Sa girls naman, back-to-back.”
PHOTOS BY ANGELO GONZALEZ
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