FROM BEING cellar-dwellers to finishing on the podium in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85, different Ateneo teams underwent tremendous recalibrations to reach what was once only a dream. Even though the  Ateneo Men’s Table Tennis Team (AMTT), Ateneo Poomsae Team (APT), and Ateneo Women’s Chess Team (AWCT) had varying paths, all of them share the same drive and passion that allowed them to reach momentous heights.

Different stories, same goal

Out of the three teams, the AMTT went through one of the most drastic changes in standings. Prior to Season 85, Ateneo witnessed winless seasons from Season 75 to Season 80 and registered only one win in Season 82. In fact, they were set aside in UAAP Table Tennis. However, the Blue Eagles worked double time during the pandemic, which resulted in a silver medal last 2022—the first podium finish of the team in its history.

The APT achieved this same feat when the team claimed its first medal in team history during Season 85, claiming overall second runner-up. Although the young-blooded Poomsae Team also started out at the bottom of the ranks, the Ateneo Jins began showing signs of improvement after rising to a fourth-place finish in the shortened Season 84.

“[The bronze finish] was really unexpected, but, to be honest, we would not have gotten that without our team captain Joaquin Tuzon because he got the first ever gold medal in the Poomsae Team here in Ateneo,” said Ateneo Women’s Poomsae Captain Elaine Borres.

After securing a bronze medal in Season 85, the AWCT was finally able to get over their own slump after consecutive fourth-place finishes in previous years. Similar to the Ateneo Poomsae and Men’s Table Tennis Teams, this is also the first podium finish in AWCT history.

“Last season, umiyak kami kasi parang sayang—10 years na nung last na magka-trophy ‘yung Chess Team. Kaya nung nagka-trophy kami sa Women’s Team, super saya,” shared Ateneo Women’s Chess team member Kristine Flores.

(Last season, we cried because it seemed like a waste—it had been 10 years since the Chess team won a trophy. So, when the Women’s Team got a trophy we were super happy.)

In previous UAAP appearances, these three teams used to be ignored in their respective competitions. Now, the AMTT, APT, and AWCT have risen to the challenge, beginning their work towards the establishment of a winning culture in their programs.

Shift in rhythm

Before achieving great feats in their own UAAP tournaments, each of the three teams had to optimize their programs holistically. This included not just intensified training regimens but also stronger recruitment efforts to improve the status of their teams. Eventually, Men’s Table Tennis stalwarts and high school-standouts Mahendra Cabrido and Andrew Uy joined the fray to help the Blue Eagles earn the historical silver medal.

In addition to bolstered recruitment, the coaching staff and the players of the team showcased intense dedication unlike before. “[During the pandemic, about] 60% of our team did not have a table at home, so they depended on the online training and our program,” noted AMTT senior Jamie de Asis.

The big difference between the pre-pandemic period and Season 85 time for the AMTT was their program’s novel features and flexible scheduling. The team had incorporated mental training, like meditation, with the hope of improving the players’ mental fortitude in preparation for the strenuous season-to-come.

Coaches also worked double time by opening two practice sessions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, in order to accommodate the athlete’s varying academic schedules. Despite jumbled timetables, de Asis attests to how crucial the AMTT’s coaches are to the overall development of the athletes. “Both coaches [are] on hand sa pagtuturo sa amin (in teaching us). Talagang they focus on our strengths and weaknesses, and add some techniques that we can use in playing in the UAAP,” he shared.

Similar to the AMTT, the APT also continued their training during the pandemic, which ramped up during the bubble for preparation in Season 84. In light of their fourth-place finish last May, the APT recognized the need for adjustments and began incorporating weight training in their practices with help from their new coach, Ardee Landrito. Courtesy of their augmented program, as well as the esteemed tutelage of Coach Landrito, the Blue Eagles returned to the mats with an upgraded level of both strength and dexterity.

Being the most accessible sport during the pandemic, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team continued their daily training, dedicating five hours everyday in solving different puzzles and understanding chess strategies. However, the team was caught off guard as they were only given a month to prepare for the Chess tournament when it was time for Season 84. Given the short gap between Seasons 84 and 85, the team decided to lessen their training to twice a week in order to lessen the fatigue and burnout of their members. This worked wonders for the AWCT as they secured third place last December for Season 85.

In order to make these progress more sustainable and lead to greater success, these Ateneo teams continue to strive in their bid to stay at the top.

Moving forward

After having a taste of a podium finish, the teams immediately shifted their focus on their Season 86 campaigns. In order to sustain their winning momentum, teams are planning to participate in different competitions outside of the UAAP this year—all on top of their continuous training regimens. Especially since members of the teams are fairly new to the UAAP scene, exposing players to competitors beyond the UAAP can boost their confidence and tenacity.

According to Flores, the AWCT are already preparing to join competitions in between the season. “‘Yung next season namin December [2023]  pa, pero pine-prepare kami nung coach namin na more on exposure pa, at sasali sa tournaments outside sa school para ‘yung third place namin umangat pa,” said Flores.

(Our next season is in December, but our coach is preparing us to have more exposure and join outside tournaments so that we could improve our third place finish).

Looking back, the AMTT, APT, and AWCT teams made incredible strides in the past years to become competitive programs. The seeds were planted during the pandemic, and, now, the teams are slowly reaping the rewards of their efforts. Even though the three teams have different stories of perseverance and sacrifices, all teams have the same goal of bringing home titles to the Blue and White.

Finally achieving a podium finish last Season 84, all teams have completed their shifts in rhythm by turning around their programs from consistent bottom finishers to serious contenders. In spite of their varying circumstances, each of the teams have made apparent that their dedication to both individual skills and collective goals are what afforded them these medals. As the teams have produced great results and are on an upwards trajectory, their next goal is to finally clinch that much-desired UAAP championship title.