THROUGHOUT THE years, towering figures such as Ange Kouame, Jarvey Gayoso, and Jia Morado-De Guzman have stood as a testament to the Ateneo’s steadfast culture in nurturing exceptional talent across diverse sporting disciplines. These prominent athletes who have significantly contributed to the Blue and White’s legacy have undoubtedly brought forth a renewed sense of meaning and purpose to the University’s identity of service and excellence.

As the Ateneo community anticipates the dawn of a new season, the stage is set to usher in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) once again. Holding on to the excitement and thrill of another season, The GUIDON Sports revisits the invaluable lessons, indelible legacies, and indescribable triumphs that the Blue Eagles have charted in their journey throughout the past year.

Dynasty of champions

For numerous years, the Ateneo has relentlessly demonstrated its caliber as a titan in the collegiate league, as evidenced by the countless achievements amassed under its banner. A household name in the tournament, the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team (AMBT) has constantly showcased its dominance as a formidable contender on the hardwood with its stellar feats. Having been led under the wing of Coach Tab Baldwin since 2015, the AMBT continues to ride on the momentum of their numerous accomplishments up to this day.

In a similar vein of excellence, the Ateneo Women’s Badminton Team secured an impressive tally of six UAAP championships within the past decade, with the recent completion of their three-peat victory coming last Season 85. Likewise, the FAST Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team maintains its illustrious reputation among its peers as the reigning champions of the league’s waters for seven consecutive seasons.

Looking back at his journey in the UAAP, former Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team Captain Aki Cariño shares how these experiences have shaped his perception of the school’s dynasty of champions. “To be a part of [the Ateneo] swimming program is a real honor. For me, we were able to set the standard for college swimming in the Philippines,” Cariño shares.

“I went to UAAP seven times. It still doesn’t get old because representing the school and giving them honor was a surreal feeling every time,” the former FAST skipper adds.

Echoes of triumph

UAAP Season 85 was launched under the banner of “Rise as One,” a call to collectively celebrate the return of the full athletic calendar after the frustrating limitations brought about by COVID-19. While the atmosphere was pierced with a zealous drive to play again, collegiate athletes acknowledged the air of uncertainty with regard to the competition they would face. Nevertheless, last season saw a fiery return from the Blue Eagles who achieved unforgettable feats and breakthrough victories, marking their comeback with stellar performances coated in bronze, silver, and gold.

A squad packed with talent and experience, the Ateneo Men’s Table Tennis Team was one group that inscribed themselves on a new chapter of Ateneo history by bringing home their first ever UAAP trophy last season.

The current Team Captain Andrew Uy emphasized that their silver achievement was mainly a feat carved out of team discipline. AMTTT’s greatest challenge was managing their time to excel not only in their sport but also in their studies—a hallmark of the Ateneo student-athlete.

“‘Yan ‘yung nagpush sa amin para mag-podium finish, kasi if hindi namin pinaghirapan, maybe hindi kami aabot ng podium finish,” Uy acclaims.

(This is what pushed us to a podium finish, because if we did not work hard for it, maybe we wouldn’t have reached a podium finish.)

Indeed the Ateneo sporting legacy stands on the pillars of discipline and dedication of its athletes. To celebrate the Blue and White’s hunt for honor, Season 85 saw the return of one of the most anticipated traditions, the Blue Eagle Bonfire. Graced by the best-performing athletes of the first semester, the flames that illuminated the night sky symbolized the desire for the triumph that burns in the hearts of those who play for the Blue and White.

Beyond the scoreboards

This fire, however, was also a warm reminder of the invaluable support present in the Ateneo sporting culture. Women’s Chess Team Captain Kristine Flores notes that the community did not fail in proudly recognizing their exceptional performance in Season 85. This renewed sense of belongingness made the squad’s achievements even sweeter for Flores, who endured a tough road on the journey to ending their 12-year podium finish drought.

Flores shared that before landing their historic bronze medal, she dealt with the stress that undeniably comes with being a student-athlete. Aside from the academic standards that she had to keep up with, pressure was also at a premium within the team for the young talent. According to Flores, she was placed in board four this past season by her skipper due to the high expectations entrusted upon her to succeed at all times. This immense pressure resulted in unexpected panic attacks that affected her overall well-being during this period.

Flores decided to attend counseling sessions under the Loyola Schools Office of Guidance & Counseling which greatly helped in controlling her panic attacks. By also listening to loved ones who showered her with endless support, she was ready to power through the long and rocky road of Season 85. Flourishing for the Blue and White, Flores took home the individual gold medal while her comrades finished the season with a 4-0 victory against Adamson University, securing the bronze medal as a result.

More than just winning for Ateneo, Flores discovered the importance of taking things one step at a time. “Kailangan ko minsang huminga. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. ‘Di ba dapat kapag pine-pressure ka ng ibang tao, ‘yung sarili mo [ang] kakampihan mo,” the Women’s Chess Team Captain says.

(I just need to breathe. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. When other people pressure you, you should back yourself up.)

Behind every point won, every goal scored, and every time record broken is a story of the Blue Eagles’ grit, perseverance, and remarkable strength in the face of adversity. Flores is one of many athletes who allowed themselves to be forged through the proverbial fire. After all, a champion is not made overnight, especially one that dons the historic Blue and White that is rich with success.

The blue and white legacy

In hopes of continuously expanding the horizons of Ateneo’s storied legacy, these stories speak volumes of the Blue and White’s pledge to sporting excellence. As torchbearers of the Ateneo’s sporting heritage, the Blue Eagles now stand poised to vividly showcase their unwavering commitment to carry the aspirations of a community with dedication, pride, and glory at its core.

Standing on the cusp of a new UAAP season, the Blue Eagles will now shoulder the long-standing dynasty of the Blue and White banner, while embodying the spirit of a university that cultivates and reveres true champions.