UAAP Season 80 Recap: DLSU Green and Lady Tracksters

“Outnumbered but not outclassed.” This is how Coach Edward Obiena defined the De La Salle University Tracksters this UAAP Season 81 as they finished with a respectable place on the PhilSports Complex in Pasig.

Both Green and Lady Tracksters ended their campaign with a 5th place after earning 5 golds, 3 silvers, 2 bronzes plus two new UAAP records and a new Philippine Triple jump record.

The Few, The Proud

Obiena and Kenneth Rafanan opened the tournament strong as they finished the first day of athletics with a gold and bronze respectively. Obiena won Gold in the Men’s Pole Vault event allowing the Green and White to hear their Alma Hymn in the first day after quite some time. Kenneth Rafanan bagged a bronze medal after a strong performance in the Men’s Shot Put event.

Veteran Jvee Patalud went home with the silver as he put out a strong performance on the Men’s Javelin Throw event.

Captain Alvin Vergel finished the season with a 1st place finish on the Men’s 110m hurdles event. As a first-time team captain, Vergel gave praise for his team’s performance.

“The team was outnumbered but it never stopped us from doing our best,” Vergel said, “the team exceeded expectations and even improved on their own personal bests,” he ended.

#15Strong

With a mixture of rookies and veterans in the team, the Lady Tracksters improved their rank from last year’s UAAP Season.

Veteran Angel Carino once again showed that she is a force to be reckoned with after she bagged not only the gold medal but also scoring a 12.72m to get the UAAP and Philippine Triple Jump Record. She also scored a silver medal in the Women’s Long Jump event.

In the Women’s 4×100 relay, the group consisting of Judy Ann Rendora, Elrica Guro, Melissa Escoton and Angl Carino won Silver while Rookie Daniella Daynata made her mark by bagging Gold in the Women’s Discus Throw event.

Melissa Escoton got into the mix earning Gold in 100m hurdles and giving DLSU another new UAAP record in her strong performance during the last day of the Athletics in the UAAP Season.

Veteran Jewel Manaig shared her gratitude and thoughts on the team’s performance this season, “Many thanks to the DLSU Community and to the OSD (Office of Sports Development) for supporting us this season,” Manaig said, “babawi kami next season,  and yes fifth and standing ng both teams eh pero tatargetin namin na mag-iimprove pa”  She ended.

Coach Edward Obiena expressed on how he and the coaches are proud to the team’s performance, “Though outnumbered and outclassed, we, your coaches are so proud of the team.”

The team finished the season better than we expected and it gave a lot of learning experiences to our rookies and veterans in the team, To God be the glory!” He added.

#4LaSalleYan, #UAAPSeason81

UAAP Season 81 Preview: DLSU Green and Lady Tracksters

Even though they were outnumbered, the De La Salle Green and Lady Tracksters had a respectable performance after finishing 3rd and 6th place respectively last UAAP Season.

Adapting to a tighter new schedule was one of the early struggles of the team. Fortunately, De La Salle’s Office of Sports Development continues to pursue in sourcing for what they need in spite of the tight schedule that they have.

With a short time for preparation after a change in the UAAP Season calendar, the team took every chance they could get in order to train for the next season.

John Kenneth Nodos joined the Philippine National Games in Cebu last May and the National Open in Ilagan, Isabela last June. Joining Nodos in Ilagan are Team captain Alvin Vergel, Emilio Roxas and Francis Obiena while rookie Daniella Daynata joined them participating in the Junior girls category. Both Francis Obiena and Daniella Daynata later participated at the Hongkong Intercity Athletics Championship, an overseas competition which was held also last June.

The tracksters started their official team preparation at the beginning of the third term last school year. They have joined the PATAFA Weekly Relay series as part of their tune-up meets prior to UAAP Season 81.

New Beginnings

In the male category, four of the team’s multi medal athletes have graduated last Season 80. Michael Del Prado, Erwin Parcon, John Rey Moreno, and Roland Malate all who have contributed significantly to the team standing. There were only two rookies added in the men’s line-up this year; Frances Dayson Velasquez and Joseph Humpay. With Del Prado graduating, the baton of team captain has been passed to Alvin Vergel who is also seeing action after being sidelined last season due to a hamstring injury.

In the women’s category, they are were no graduating players, instead, the team added 7 new athletes in their line-up. They are Daniella Daynata, Princess Decepeda, Kristine Joy Sariola Begata, Laila Domingo, Beatx Clarianes, Sofia Cuevas , and Sophomore Angelyn Choi of whom is expected  to boost their performance this year.

Having the right perspective is the team’s mindset entering the Season. “It’s hard to expect something extraordinary results in competition especially when all schools are all well prepared as well.” Said Coach Edward Obiena who believes that the team will give their best. “So whatever is the result of the competition as long as the best effort was given, we should be happy.” He ended

The Green Tracksters looks to continue where they left off last season, but it will be tall order since they are in rebuilding mode. With most of their key players graduating, they are now looking at their new players and the veterans left in the line-up. Taking the mantle of Team Captain, Alvin Vergel hopes to bring out the best in every single one of them.

“As the captain of the Green tracksters, I always tell my teammates to give it their best shot,” said Vergel, “I expect them to pour everything in each step they take, in each jump they leap, and each throw they make as if it was their last.” he added.

The Lady Tracksters are looking at a fresh but challenging start, but it is a challenge that they are willing to take. Their line-up consists of new faces who are still adjusting to the system but the belief from their coaches and teammates can help them develop.  

Malaki tiwala ko sa girls dahil masisipag sila and alam na nila yung level of competition ng UAAP,” Jewel Manaig said about her belief on her teammates, “we seniors will always be here to support them no matter what,” she added.

Together with the new line-up, veteran athletes will surely be eager to go into the battlefield in hopes of winning it all. Veterans like Jvee Patalud, John Kenneth Nodos, Angel Carino, Jewel Manaig and newly named Team Captain Alvin Vergel. Last year’s women’s team Captain Shaira Hernandez will also be seeing action this season after being sidelined last season due to a recuperating knee injury.

See the De La Salle Green and Lady Tracksters in action this coming November 28 -December 2 at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig.

Full Roster:

Green Tracksters:  1. Alvin Vergel 2. Jvee Patalud 3. Kenneth Nodos  4. Kenneth Rafanan 5. Francis Obiena 6. Jan Joseph Coronel  7. Emilio Roxas 8. Manolo Maralit 9. Frances Velasquez 10. Joseph Humpay

Lady Tracksters: 1. Angel Carino  2. Mary Diesto 3. Judy Ann Rendora  4. Melissa Escoton 5. Elrica Guro 6. Shaira Hernandez  7. Jewel Manaig 8. Angeli Din 9. Angelyn Choi 10. Daniella Daynata 11. Princess Daniella Decepeda 12. Kristine Joy Sariola Begata  13. Laila Domingo 14. Sofia Cuevas 15. Beatx Clarianes

DLSU Green and Lady Tracksters run for the podium in PATAFA 2018

The De La Salle University Green Tracksters finished strong in the Philippine Athletics Track And Field Association (PATAFA) weekly relay, last November 3, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

In the senior’s division, The Green Tacksters got a 4th place finish while the Lady Tracksters finished 2nd in the overall medal tally. In the Under-20 division, on the other hand, the team bagged 5th place overall with the male and female finishing 8th and 4th place respectively.

Seniors still got it.

The men’s division showed promising results with Captain Alvin Vergel earning 1st place in the 110m hurdles. Jan Joseph Coronel and Jerico Ejercito got Bronze in the 1600m walk and the 400m sprint respectively. Coach Edward Obiena scored bronze in the pole vault division. Also getting in the race are veteran Adel Valdecanas who jumped to first place in the pole vault event.

In the women’s division, Lady Tracksters Judy Ann Rendora, Angel Carino, Elrica Anne Guro and Melissa Escoton earned gold in the 4×100 relay. Rendora also won bronze in the 100m hurdles as well as Melissa Escoton who won 3rd in the 200m run event. Captain Shaira Hernandez also made her mark earning silver in the 4×400 relay together with Carino, Guro and Escoton.

Earning it Under-20

Reigning UAAP Rookie of the year, Francis Obiena continued his dominance after winning gold in the pole vault event. Rookies Daniella Daynata, Kristine Begata, Princess Decepada and Laila Domingo showcased their talents after getting in the medal tally. Daynata won gold in the Javelin throw event as well as silver in the shot put event. Begata got silver in both the 3000m run and steeplechase events while Decepada and Domingo earned bronze respectively in the high jump event  and 3000m steeplechase event.

Green Tracksters captain Alvin Vergel was proud towards the team after the relay, “The team did well, earning a lot of medals in the process” he said “They even performed their personal bests from last year’s PATAFA,” he said.

You can also catch the De La Salle Green and Lady Tracksters in action this coming November 28 to December 2 at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig.

 

Francis Obiena is already making his mark in the UAAP

In sports, some rookies start their career with mediocre performances, but for Tracksters rookie Francis Obiena, everything that he could aim for, started on the right side of the track.

Being surrounded by a family of athletes influenced Obiena to be an athlete himself.

“I was exposed to Track and field as long as I can remember,” he said.

Another factor that ignited his passion is his school, Chiang Kai Shek College, which has a very strong track and field program. This made the young Obiena pursue a career in track ever since he joined it when he was in elementary.

Although he has other activities aside from sports, he still finds time to practice his craft in Track and Field.

“I have been exposed to several sports activities like Wushu, skateboard and biking but I spend more practice time with Track and Field,” Obiena stated.

At the start of his collegiate career, he already marked a contribution in La Salle sports by winning the UAAP Season 80 rookie of the year as well as clinching the gold medal for Men’s Pole Vault.

“I have always dreamed of competing in the UAAP,” Obiena said on joining the DLSU Green Tracksters this year, “I have joined the DLSU team because I believe DLSU could help me develop further in both my sports and academic,” he added.

He also made a mark in the national stage by winning the Antonio Siddayao Award given by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA). This was a result of his performance in the 12th SEA Youth Games held last year March 29, 2017 in Ilagan Isabela where he saved our contingent from a gold medal shut-out by winning the lone gold in the last event of the last day on that meet.

As he continues his young track and field career in the UAAP, he now looks to add to his early accomplishments by improving his performances every year to win more medals for both the University and the Philippines.

“I’m aiming to win a medal and contribute to the overall team standing,” Obiena on his goal for both his team and for himself. I can’t predict the outcome of the game but I will definitely do my best to achieve my goal.”

Although the Green Tracksters have numerous players that are graduating this year, including Team captain Michael Del Prado. The Lasallian community won’t be worried for too long, since the future looks bright for they have a player that can fill the shoes of those who represented the school before him.

 

UAAP Season 80 Recap: DLSU Green and Lady Tracksters

Positivity and belief were the formula for the DLSU Tracksters as they finished UAAP Season 80 with a respectable finish on the grand stage of PhilSport Complex in Pasig.

The Green Tracksters ended their campaign with a podium finish, placing third overall, while the Lady Tracksters finished at 6th place.

Blaze of Glory

This Season, Team Captain Michael Del Prado and veteran Erwin Parcon got a quick start by earning silver and gold respectively on the Men’s 800m run.

“Sa start palang, inisip na namin na para sa La Salle ito,” Parcon said after winning the Men’s 800.

Parcon, who also played his last UAAP season, tallied a total of four gold medals in the 1500m, 800m, 5k4x400 relay events.

Veteran Angel Carino bagged two gold medals in the Women’s Long Jump and Women’s Triple jump events.

“Sobrang saya ko ngayon kasi hindi ko ineexpect na makukuha ko yung gold,” Carino said.

Throwers Jvee Patalud and Kenneth Rafanan also had podium finishes. Patalud earned gold in the Javelin Throw event with a record 60.05m. Rafanan, on the other hand, got silver and bronze in the Men’s Shotput and Discuss Throw, respectively.

The Lady Tracksters scored bronze on the Women’s 4×100 Relay event. Representing the relay events were Angel Carino, Melissa Escoton, Judy Ann Rendora, and Elrica Anne Guro. Escoton also earned silver for the Women’s 100m hurdles event.

The Future

The Tracksters will be saying goodbye to their veteran Team Captain Michael Del Prado after this season.

Dahil last playing year na namin, syempre, we give our best, all out na talaga,” Del Prado said, “Hindi pwede mag-relax, syempre, para sa team, para ganahan din,“  he added.

The tracksters did not have to worry too much on filling the void for Francis Obiena who showed his abilities by bagging the UAAP Season 80 Track and Field Rookie of the year.

The young Trackster also scored gold in the Men’s Pole Vault.

“Our team composition may be lean as compared with all other teams but we definitely have the talents and the heart to win,” Obiena said on his team’s passion dedication on the sport.

 

 

 

UAAP Season 80 Preview: DLSU Green and Lady Tracksters

The De La Salle University Green Tracksters made up for missing the previous University Games as they finished their offseason with a respectable performance at the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association weekly relays, earning them a total of 10 medals.

The team put on extra effort as they are lacking key players for the upcoming season. Their goal is to carry the flag of the Green and White with a strong finish to the podium.

The Tracksters are going to compete without the services of Pach Unso and Adel Valdecanas who graduated and ended their UAAP tenure last year.

The men’s and women’s division, though outnumbered, still boast an impressive line-up with returning team captains Shaira Hernandez and Michael Del Prado, veterans Angeli Din, Alvin Vergel, Judy Ann Rendora, Erwin Parcon and Melai Escoton. They also have promising rookies in Francis Obiena and Manjo Maralit, with the latter playing on his only UAAP Season.

Coaches Geoffrey Chua, Romeo Sotto and Edward Obiena will continue guiding the team’s path in pulling off a remarkable run this upcoming UAAP Season.

STEPPING UP

Veterans Angel Carino and Coach Edward Obiena are confident that both teams will give their best to end the season great despite lacking significant numbers of players due to

Carino, who set a UAAP record in the women’s triple jump event last season, said that the team will fully give out their best as they prepare for the sport that they really love and they will do everything they can to win.

Coach Edward Obiena wants the whole team to step-up since they not only lack players, but also training periods.

“We have a hole in our usually formidable relay team. There was also a long period when ULTRA was closed leaving us with no training venue,” Coach Obiena said, “We are still experiencing a talent drought as an effect of the K-12 curriculum,” he added.

Coach Obiena, who for the first time will coach his son, Francis, in the collegiate level hopes that he can deliver the points and medals as a way to fill in the voids left by Unso and Valdecanas.

“We are lucky though to get a multi-event athlete Francis whom we expect to deliver the points and medals contributed last season by Pach and Adel” He ended.

No matter what challenges the team will face this upcoming season, expect them to perform their best for the team and the university.

Catch the DLSU Tracksters as they show their blazing skills this coming Season 80. Watch them compete this coming February 7 at The PhilSports Complex (ULTRA) in Pasig.

 

DLSU Green Tracksters Blazed through PATAFA Finals

 

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Men’s and Women’s Track and Field team entered the finals of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) tournament last November 9-10 at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

The Tracksters’ did a great job representing the Green and White Army by winning a combined total of 10 medals while missing key players like John Kenneth Nodos and Mary Anthony Diestro.

For the Men’s division, Erwin Parcon placed another respectable performance, finishing second on the Men’s 1500m run. Jvee Patalud placed 2nd for the Men’s Javelin throw event winning with an impressive 55.79m. Freshmen Francis Obiena garnered two golds in the pole vault 4.0 meters and javelin throw 50.55m in the Under-18 category.

Women’s division had a strong outing as well on their respective events. On the 100m hurdle, Melai Escoton place first, while Judy Ann Rendora followed by placing  2nd. During the 100m dash, Elrica Anne Guro placed 2nd.

Veterans also stepped up, with the likes of Angel Carino, who won two gold medals for Long Jump and Triple Jump both in the elite category with 5.45m and 11.81m respectively. Jewel Manaig scored a podium finish placing third for the women’s discus throw event.

”We’ve been training very hard for the past few months, and our results are coming out very positive[ly],”  said Patalud who dedicated his performance for his mother, Thelma Patalud, who passed away on the same day he competed.

He later added his thoughts on the team’s performance, “We are aiming to do even better for the upcoming UAAP Season 80 and we will remain diligent and persistent with the hard work we are doing in training.”

With these promising results, the Green and Lady Tracksters are looking to make another strong impression this coming UAAP season.

Catch the DLSU Tracksters show their tenacity as they try to win it all this coming season. Watch them compete this coming February at The PhilSports Complex in Pasig.

 

Green Archers move a win away from Filoil title repeat

De La Salle University Green Archers are one win away from their fifth Filoil Flying V Preseason title.

The Green Archers march into the finals of the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup at the expense of the Lyceum Pirates, 100-99, Friday in San Juan. The finals appearance marks as their fourth consecutive and seventh overall since the tournament debuted in 2006.

Aljun Melecio led La Salle with 30 points built around five triples. Ricci Rivero and Ben Mbala contributed 27 and 26 points, respectively. Ben Mbala, who leads the tournament in statistical points, also logged 15 rebounds.

The Green Archers banked on a solid end-game defense to put the gritty Pirates away. The win set up a finals showdown with San Beda.

La Salle’s starters connected on their shots to ­create a distance early into the 1st quarter. Rivero and Andrei Caracut, who both finished in double-digits on Wednesday against FEU, opened the scoring with consecutive baskets. Melecio’s layup made it 15-8 with 6:50 to play. He further extended their lead to 11 with a baseline shot, 23-12. They sat on a 23-15 after the opening period.

The Pirates countered the Green Archers’ offense by racking up 9 points in the first four minutes of the 2nd frame. They were able to cut DLSU’s lead to a solitary point, 24-25, before eventually tying it at 30-all. The Taft-based squad, on the other hand, found themselves trailing by three, 39-42, after two straight triples by Lyceum. A 6-2 run initiated by Mbala got them back to the driver’s seat with 1:22 to play in the 1st half. However, three free throw conversions by Baltazar, Lyceum’s own, made it a 47-45 lead for the Intramuros-based squad at the halftime.

Melecio, who led his team in the 1st half with 13 points, quickly added four more to his total to start the 2nd half as La Salle regained the lead. A basket by Mbala midway through the quarter brought the Green Archers’ advantage back to nine points. They continued to control the pace for the remaining four minutes of the period. Back-to-back hits from the rainbow country by Melecio gave the Lasallians a 77-69 lead before ending the 3rd canto, 77-73.

Into the 4th and final quarter, Melecio continued to sizzle as he hit another three-pointer off his own offensive rebound. He scored 11 of the last 13 points of the Green and White. With 7:30 remaining, their lead extended to double-digits, 86-75, courtesy of an Mbala free throw. The tenacious Pirates gave another scare after organizing an 11-1 run to trim their deficit to one point anew, 88-87. The game went on seesaw but DLSU continued to hold their one-point edge over LPU, 95-94, with 1:16 to play. A highlight play by the Gray and Red tied the game at 97-all with 49 seconds to go. Santi Santillan made a heroic crucial basket and-1 to put the Green Archers up for good.

The DLSU Green Archers managed to escape with the W as the LPU Pirates turned the ball over twice and missed the game-winner with 0.3 of a second remaining, 100-99.

La Salle and San Beda have faced each other in the finals thrice where La Salle beat them twice. San Beda won the title in their most recent finals meeting in 2015.

The Green Archers, who will defend their 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup title, are expected to be all-in against the Red Lions on Sunday, 4:00 PM.

Scores:

DLSU 100 – Melecio 30, Rivero 27, Mbala 26, Santillan 9, Caracut 4, Baltazar 2, Tero 2, Go 0, Tratter 0

LPU 99 – Perez 24, Baltazar 19, Tansingco 15, Ayaay 13, Nzeusseu 7, Caduyac 6, Marcelino 5, Pretta 5, Marcelino 4, Ibanez 1, Liwag 0, Cinco 0

DLSU Trackster Pach Unso: On his mark

Young college athletes dream to reach the top and bring honor, not only to their name but also to their school, and country. That’s how things went for Pach Unso. Everything that he dreamed of came to him like a lightning bolt. It took him years to prepare but in an instant, he got everything in one hit. He was a successful contributor to La Salle’s sports legacy, playing both for the De La Salle University (DLSU)Tracksters and the Philippine team.

Being inspired and motivated by the legends of Track and Field including his father, former national hurdles record holder Renato Unso, he showed the sporting world in what he can do, and he did it with grace and dominance.

STARTING POINT

For a kid whose first sport was basketball, it did not took him long to realize his true calling. He started playing athletics at grade 5 and admitted that he tried other sports but it was track and field that made him felt that passion burning.

Asked on who was his biggest inspiration, he replied, “’Yung dad ko siyempre, kasi Southeast Asian record holder siya, nung nakita ko yung mga videos at clips niya, na-inspire ako na tumakbo rin.” Besides his father, the young athlete also looks up to other track and field greats such as 2008 Olympic gold medallist, Dayron Robles of Cuba and Olympic record holder, Liu Xiang of China.

He also praised Filipino athletes during his father’s era, especially the methods that they used for conditioning during that time. “Pero hanga ako talaga noong time ng dad ko, sila Lydia Devega at Isidro Del Prado. Kasi doon mo makikita konti yung science, konti yung nutrition, not like yung other teams pero world-class pa rin yung athletes,” he added.

After a successful high school career, Pach Unso quickly focused on the next chapter of his young athletic life in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), and he quickly climbed up the ranks as he won the Most Valuable Player award in his rookie year. Although he won the MVP plum, he failed to win the Rookie of the Year because of issues regarding his residency. “Hindi ako nag-Rookie of the year, kasi unfortunately, nag-residency kami at hindi kami wi-naive ng UST, so nag-residency ako ng first year ko at nakalaro lang ako ng UAAP noong second year ko,” Unso said.

As a college student of DLSU, he exclaimed that he is a student first before anything else. Being a student and an athlete is already hard enough, but he still makes sure to manage both very well. “Never naman ako nagpabaya ng studies kasi consistent Dean’s lister ako, kahit noon, nasa top-section ako, kasi student-athletes kami eh, student first bago athlete, kasi hindi ko naman kaya tumakbo forever, kaya dapat ma-build ang career ko,” he ended.

GAME TIME

Come playing time, he motivates himself by remembering his blessings that he have, and preparing himself mentally for the games. “Remembering where I got my talents from and that is from God at kailangan ko ipakita at gamitin yung binigay niya sa akin na talent so yun yung main motivation ko,” he said.

Asked about on what makes training fun, he quickly said his teammates and that they always make training day interesting and memorable. “Mahirap kasi training ng track eh, ginagawa naming para ma-hype yung mood, once in a while nakikipag-kulitan ako,” Unso mentioned. He then added, “Siyempre, kailangan din ng kulitan kasi magiging boring yung training pag wala yun.”

Prior to his UAAP debut, he saw nothing in his athletic career but to train hard and push his limit. He also challenged himself to train for beating his own personal records for him to get better as he progresses.

For the way his coaches prepared him, they not only trained him physically but also mentally as they helped him balance both his track career and his academics. “Sila yung main motivators namin, we are students first before athletes, kasi kung bumagsak ka, wala rin eh, hindi ka makakalaro. At sa track, sila yung guide at sila yung naging second dad sa team, grabe yung alaga nila sa amin,” He ended.

THE RECORD-BREAKER  

Before he broke the UAAP record in hurdles, he previously broke the record in the Philippines as well as his own father’s record that he looked up many years prior and served as the inspiration on what he is today. He proudly said, “Na-break ko yung record ng Philippines when I was 19 years old during my first Southeast Asian Game and actually before that, na-break ko na yung record ng dad ko sa isang national game.”

As he broke the UAAP record, not only did he see his own improvements but the evolution of the sport itself. “Nung na-break yung UAAP record, sobrang saya ko kasi nakikita ko yung improvements ko from before at saka yung improvement ng sport kasi passion ko talaga itong sport na ito.”

Years later, EJ Obiena broke his own record, but instead of envy, Unso felt happy for Obiena and that proved the evolution of the sport. He mentioned, “Syempre masaya pa rin, kasi makikita mo yung evolution ng track and field at yung naka-break ng record  nakita ko naman yung paghihirap niya, at talagang effort yun.”

When the time came that he competed and won bronze in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, his feelings sky-rocketed as it exceeded beyond his own expectations. He also believed that the Lord truly prepared him on that day. “Naiyak ako noon, kasi in perfect condition ako and yung mind ko as in sobrang ready ako, talagang hinanda ako ni Lord, first time kong umiyak sa kahit anong achievement ko.” He ended.

THE FUTURE

As he finished his track and field career in the UAAP he now looks on to finishing his course in medicine in pursuing his goal to be a doctor in the future. “Ngayon med-school na lang, titingnan ko pa kung i-pupursue ko pa yung track career pero med-school talaga yung priority ko.” He said.

For his teammates in La Salle, they have been part of the amazing ride and gave a short message for them all.

“I want to thank them for making that chapter of my life a lot more meaningful. I want to thank them for the shared hardships, the encouragement, the laughter, the smiles, the tears, the brother/sisterhood, the warmth and for all the amazing memories that I will definitely treasure forever.” He ended.

It was a wild journey for the Green Trackster veteran. He gave pride to the school that shaped his track and field career and made his family, especially his dad proud of his achievements as well. For Unso, winning is sweeter when you work hard for it and that you can achieve anything as long as God is at your side.

 

 

UAAP Season 79 recap: DLSU Tracksters

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Breaking records must be the key motivation of the DLSU Tracksters as they broke not one but two UAAP records in a span of 4 days.

The Green Tracksters placed second overall this season with 243 points while the Lady Tracksters stayed in fourth with 102 points

Tracksters Run to the Podium

This season three Green Tracksters got a quick start by placing first in three events for the first two days of the UAAP Season. Veteran Erwin Parcon finished first in the Men’s 800m run while sophomore stand-outs Jvee Patalud and Kenneth Rafanan also won gold in Men’s shot put and javelin events respectively.

Angel Cariño of The Lady Tracksters stepped up to the challenge by having a podium finish and also broke a 17 year old record on the 2nd day of the tournament. Cariño set a UAAP record in the women’s triple jump event with 12.60m.

John Kenneth Nodos and Captain Michael Del Prado both got a podium finish on highly contested Men’s 200m sprint event. Nodos fished second while Del Prado followed, finishing with the bronze.

Coming on the 3rd day of the tournament, Michael Del Prado won gold in the Men’s 400m run with a time of 49.07s. For the Women’s division, Judy Ann Rendora got a third place finish.

On the 4th day, Michael Del Prado steps again to the spotlight by winning the silver medal in the Men’s 400m hurdles with the time of 53.73s.

Another highlight of the track and field event is the 4x400m relays. The Green Tracksters broke another UAAP Record and cash off another gold medal in the bag.

Finish Beyond Expectation

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The Tracksters finished a place higher than last year and showed great promise for the team in the years to come. “Results this season was good because we landed 2nd runner-up overall in Men’s division” Team Captain Michael Del Prado stated. “Last season we’re rank fourth kaya masaya kami this time.”

Even though the team lacked in manpower they still finished beyond their expectations. ”This year, it was very exceptional, kasi konti lang kami” Coach Jeoffrey Chua said.”Nakabawi naman kami sa individual performances, dinagdagan ko ang individual events para ma-augment kasi sa manpower talong-talo tayo” He added.

Looking forward

Since finding recruits will be difficult because of the K-12 program, the team already plans some alternatives to add the man-power of the team. “We are relying on our try-outs, incoming freshmen from private schools,” Said Coach Chua.  “So generally speaking, we cannot recruit high-caliber athletes from other high school” He ended.

With 3 athletes already played through their 5th year of eligibility, the DLSU Tracksters are losing manpower but it does not stop their confidence for next year’s tournament. “Kahit wala na yung seniors namin, magawa pa rin yung best nila like this season and praying na mas maging maganda pa ung results.” Stated by Del Prado, who is still undecided in playing next year.

Through the eyes of a Team Captain

With a better finish than last season, The Tracksters feel blessed and joy as they end UAAP Season 79 “I’m really happy and blessed kasi as the team captain of the team hindi madali eh, instead of focusing on my events inaasikaso ko Sila, I learned a lot from them Kaya kung wala Sila wala ako” Michael Del Prado on his thought about the team and this season.

#13eSTRONG