When former Blue Booter Head Coach Ompong Merida resigned from the team at the end of a winless UAAP Season 73 campaign, the Merida Era in Ateneo football came to a halt—or so everyone thought. Jay Pee Merida, Ompong’s nephew, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Men’s Football Team. Open tryouts for the team began last May for the roster of a Blue Booter team in dire need of spirit and direction. It appears that coaching football runs in the Merida bloodline, but it remains to be seen whether glory and championships will soon follow.
By Mateo L. Escueta
The Women’s Track and Field team is gearing up for the UAAP Season 74 Championships. Though they don’t compete until next semester, they have landed a strong recruitment class bannered by former Brent standout Klarizze Posadas, the daughter of Philippine Heptathlon record holder, Elma Muros. Other notable rookies are Thea Santos from Miriam College, Vanessa Baguiwet from Brent, Maica Veloso from Poveda, Bea Quitiquit from De La Salle Zobel and Ateneo football veteran Ines Lorenzo, who might go double varsity come February.
By Dean V. Roxas
Recruitment from different high schools is what propelled our swim teams to podium finishes in the past. This year, the Men’s Swimming Team has added three homegrown swimmers to its lineup: Robbie Batungbacal, Rafa Basa and Micco Pesuena, who were all part of the legendary six-peat champion high school team. The Blue Tankers, who garnered 186 points en route to a bronze medal finish in UAAP Season 73, hope to improve on their standing this year. They face tough competition from UP and UST, among others.
By Dean V. Roxas
