THE ATENEO Blue and Lady Eagles competed in day 4 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Track and Field Championship. The competition itself was held on Saturday, February 11 at the Philsports Arena (Formerly ULTRA).

Blue Eagles

The Blue Eagles only competed in two events in day 4: the 400m hurdles and the 5000m run. Co-Captain Mikee Ruiz was joined by fellow veteran Rabbi Villanueva in the 400m hurdles heats. Ruiz achieved a time of 57.55s, ranking 10th overall behind Far Eastern University’s William Galceran (56.79s). Ruiz was followed by Villanueva in the rankings with the junior ranking 11th overall with a time of 58.29s.

Sophomore Julius Yim ran the intense 5000m event in day 4. Clocking a time of 16:33:72 minutes, Yim ranked 15th overall with Far Eastern University’s Philip Gongob taking the gold at 15:41:28 minutes.

When asked about his performance, Yim optimistically replied “Okay naman yung performance. Nabreak ko naman PB [personal best] ko. Last time, 17:09 lang ako sa UAAP, ngayon 16:33. Improvement siya, sabi nga ni coach na bata pa ako at kayang-kaya pa yan (The performance was alright. I was able to break my personal best, Last time my UAAP time was 17:09, now it’s 16:33. That is improvement and coach even said that it is still because I am young and I can still push it).”

Lady Eagles

The Women’s team only had rookie Sophia De Dios competing in the Shot put event. De Dios ranked 16th, achieving a distance of 7.85m; a distance away from University of the Philippines’ Janeeva Duran (8.14m).

One Last Chance

Ateneo Track and Field have one last chance to soar in day 5, the last competition day of the UAAP tournament. Henry Gonzales will participate in the 110m hurdles as Ateneo’s only representative in the event. Donning the Blue and the White for the highly-valued 4x400m event will be the quartet of captain Gab Vera Cruz, Che Guevarra, Henry Gonzales and Maui Ramos.

The Lady Eagles also get to see 4x400m action, which will feature Nika Crisostomo, Betty Margulies, Shiela Patiño and Kim Zulueta. While the quartet will be running the relay, sophomore Danika Coronel will make her UAAP debut in the long jump event.

Ateneo Blue and Lady Eagles ended day 4 medalless, but with improved times.

https://storify.com/TheGUIDONSports/uaap-season-79-track-and-field-day-4