Team
The loss of key players last year brought the Ateneo Men’s Chess Team to a seventh place finish in Season 79. With a couple of fresh recruits, seasoned veterans, and a well-experienced coaching staff joining forces, the team enters Season 80 hoping to turn the tables and up their standing on the collegiate ladder.
Team Captain
Gavin Ong
Sophomore Gavin Ong enters his second season as the captain of the Blue Eagles. The Xavier School graduate exceeded expectations last year, finishing the season with the Rookie of the Year award. This year, Ong hopes to surpass expectations once again as both a player and the voice of leadership.
“This season is our opportunity to realize what we are capable of as a new team. Letting our team develop this season, both skill- and unity-wise, can help us achieve and realize greater things about ourselves.”
Jolo Lat
In his final year, Jolo Lat dons the Blue and White as co-captain. Equipped with six years of playing experience, Lat hopes to be a role model to his fellow Blue Eagles and inspire them to maintain a headstrong attitude as they embark on their championship run this Season 80.
Lance Ting
Another sophomore on the team, Lance Ting took his talents from Xavier School to lend his services to the Blue Eagles on the college boards. Guided by six years of competitive chess experience, Ting faces the obstacles of another season, looking to aid the fight through victory and defeat.
Joseph Tsoi
Sophomore Joseph Tsoi makes his debut in the world of competitive chess as a rookie this Season 80. Following in the footsteps of his fellow Xavier alumni on the squad, Tsoi hopes to make a name for himself in the league and bring the Blue and White closer to the gold this season.
Keefe Tan
Coming from Saint Jude Catholic School is another sophomore Blue Eagle, Keefe Tan. Despite having four years of competitive chess experience under his belt, Tan enters this season as a rookie, aiming to be a dominating weapon in the Blue Eagles’ arsenal this season.
Coach’s Corner
Darwin Rosales Laylo
After almost two years of coaching the Ateneo Men’s Chess Team, Coach Darwin Rosales Laylo opens Season 80 with high expectations for his team. The seventh place finish last season fuels the head coach and the rest of the team to give an even bigger fight as they seek redemption and improvement.
“[In Season 79,] the team actually had great improvement. Three times a week, we train-so I expect [the team] will perform better this year.”
