THE ATENEO Blue and Lady Eagles competed in their day 1 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Track and Field Championship on Wednesday, February 8 at the Philsports Arena (Formerly ULTRA) in Pasig.

Blue Eagles

Maui Ramos kept the spirit alive when he ranked 2nd in his 100m dash heats clocking 10.92s. Despite his efforts to get past his opponents, Ramos ranked fifth with 11.06s in the final and wasn’t able to podium. “I started cramping and I started stalling a bit to get more rest but it didn’t work,” Ramos laments. “But it happens you know. I got three more events and I’m going to do the best I can to bounce back.”

Captain Gab Vera Cruz was accompanied by fellow veteran Henry Gonzales in the first portion of the decathlon events. Day 1’s deca-events were 100m dash heat, the long jump, shotput, high jump and the 400m dash heat. The decathlon events will continue and end on February 9. It was a routine day for the men’s team save for Maui Ramos’ spirited events.

Lady Eagles

The lady tracksters competed in day 1’s 800m and 100m dash events. Representing the Blue and the White in the 800m run was Betty Margulies and Sheila Patiño. Much to the dismay of the rest of their teammates, Margulies placed 11th (2:39.12) and Patiño was unfortunately disqualified (2:43.61) to make it to the finals.

However, morale was fueled by Kim Zulueta’s fiery finish in the 100m dash heats. Garnering the first place in the prelimaries with a time of 12.22s, the seasoned veteran was able to advance to the 100m dash finals. When the time finally came though, her charged start ended up pivoting her towards third; getting the bronze for the Blue and the White. “I think I did great. All I asked for was a medal and a personal best and I got both.” Zulueta finished the finals with 12.40s.

As day 1 ends, Ateneo now has an idea about what they’re up against. Tomorrow, Kim Zulueta will return tomorrow with Nika Crisostomo to compete in the 200m dash event. The duo of Gab Vera Cruz and Henry Gonzales will continue their campaign in the decathlon events, while Maui Ramos will get another chance to prove himself in the 200m dash accompanied by Che Guevarra, and sophomore Julius Yim will test his skills at the 10,000m run event.

Editor’s Note: The final rankings and complete results have been updated. 

Kimberly Zulueta bags the Blue and White’s first medal of the season!

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