Photo by Christella D. Soriano
Mico Mabanag, Men’s Football
By Angelo F. Herbosa
After a disappointing Season 73 performance that landed the Ateneo Blue Booters winless and at last place, the men’s football team underwent some restructuring. Last summer, the entire squad was overhauled with tryouts under new head coach, Jay Pee Merida. The team was also reinforced with new blood, notably a number of high school standouts. Among the prized new recruits is Miko Mabanag—the two-time UAAP juniors’ Most Valuable Player.
Mabanag was the captain of the Ateneo Junior Booters team that emerged as the runner-up in last season’s tournament. Despite racking up the MVP award for two consecutive years prior to his senior year, the midfielder admits that his final season was not his best.
“It was ironic,” says the former Junior Booter. “I received the MVP award during my undergraduate years and lost the championship during my senior year. It was heartbreaking to lose the championship.”
Though considerably short in stature, Mabanag utilizes swift and silky moves to maneuver through defenses, reminiscent of the likes of David Silva and Lionel Messi. With such thrifty footwork, it is no surprise that opposing teams are determined to shut him down.
“Two to three defenders [would guard] me,” he says, but that doesn’t stop him. Although he didn’t bag a third straight MVP award in his final season, he did learn a lot about himself and his game. “I learned to be more patient and versatile with my movements,” he shared. “I [also] learned to adjust and adapt to the different situations of the game.”
That season has passed, though, and it’s time for a new challenge for Mabanag—one of the collegiate ranks, on a stage where previous accolades count little, and one’s ability to perform is all that matters.
This January, together with other standout rookies Jico Noel and Anthony Sunico, the new Ateneo rookie class hopes to inject some diversity into the field. “Expect a tougher and more experienced team,” Mabanag says.
Photo by Jessica L. Roasa
Mikh Gomez, Women’s Tennis
By Chino C. Razon
When a spot suddenly opened for the Lady Netters, head coach Jen Saret immediately looked for a perfect addition to the women’s team. With the season approaching, a quick but solid acquisition was in much need as a new player has to get used to the team’s system and blend in with the team’s chemistry.
By great chance, everything changed for Mikh Gomez, a management engineering major, in one eventful tennis club session. Her consistency in sustaining a rally with her powerful forehand accompanied with her ability to whip out deep backhand shots caught the eyes of Coach Saret, who quickly invited her to train for the team.
Gomez immediately mixed in with everyone well with the open attitude of her fellow teammates. ”My teammates are very friendly and welcoming. It’s been awhile since I’ve been part of a team and it feels great to back to one,” says the sophomore.
It really was meant for her to be part of the Lady Netters, being an alumna of the Colegio de San Agustin high school tennis program. With experience in the court dating back to her elementary days under her belt, Gomez would certainly flourish under the watchful eye of the Ateneo system. “I feel much honored and at the same time, very flattered. To be honest, I was shy to try out for the team. And so, I am very grateful for this opportunity,” she says.
With the hard-hitting Netters all pumped up for the season, expect these Ateneans to fight harder with a focused and hungry Mikh Gomez added to the team. “For this season, I will work twice as hard as I would normally do. I feel that I have to prove myself and assure my team that I won’t let them down.”
Photo by Christella D. Soriano
Leah Cruz, Women’s Football
By Dean V. Roxas
Football, one of the most—if not the most—popular sports worldwide, is slowly making noise in the Philippines. After the Philippine national team, the Azkals, pulled off an unexpected upset against Vietnam in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, Filipinos have finally taken notice of the sport. Leah Cruz, however, has been playing football since she was 11. And this year, the De La Salle Zobel graduate will don the blue and white as a central midfielder for the Ateneo Lady Booters.
Cruz considers her MPLFA coach as the most influential person in her athletic career. Under his tutelage, she played in her first club team two years after making her debut. Later, she was recruited to play for the Under 16 national team, competing against Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and other countries in the Asia Pacific region which have well-supported national teams.
In less than six years, Cruz developed her game and competed at the national level. Such a wealth of experience will make her a vital cog in the Lady Booters’ UAAP campaign this season.
Now, as a rookie, Cruz is already part of the starting 11. “I expect the level of play to be very different, a lot higher than that of high school,” says the 18 year-old management major.
“I have to do extra to keep up with my teammates. They have played in the UAAP, so they know what to expect already.”
Though Cruz admits that football didn’t really come to her naturally, she has always been the hard worker. She warms up for each game to the Kanye West song, “Stronger,” reflecting her persistent work ethic. Enduring hours of conditioning drills may be every athlete’s least favorite workout of the day—but as long as it improves her craft, Cruz will do it all day long.
Hard work will continue to guide her this season. Rookie or not, Cruz will stop at nothing to make her presence felt on the field, making her a threat to her opponents.
