THE RESOUNDING cheers of “One Big Fight!” are often picked up during the momentous occasions of the Blue and White, especially during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.

However, more than just a cheer, One Big Fight (OBF) has served as a testament to both the hardships and triumphs the school has faced. It is an expression of hope and pride—a call to stand in unity and solidarity behind the Ateneo Blue Eagles. 

The One Big Fight legacy

From the generations-old Ateneo–La Salle friction to the evolved Battles of Katipunan, Atenean athletes continue to brandish their undying willpower to honor their school. Through this unifying anthem, the University’s unwavering resilience and collective pride echo beyond the campus halls. These three words symbolize the Ateneo’s enduring spirit and fortitude—two defining hallmarks that make the Blue Eagles soar above the competition.

Season after season, athletes of different schools get caught in a tenacious battle for the top spot. Whether protecting the crown or seizing it from the previous victor, university players are driven to return victorious to their alma maters.

For the Blue and White, competing at the highest level has been a firm philosophy that extends to the individual lives of each athlete standing behind the school. Taking rigorous academic programs while transcending the arduous demands of being an athlete is no easy feat.

All while training to the best of their athletic abilities, Blue Eagles are expected to deliver as diligent students, first and foremost, to the Ateneo. Ultimately, the university’s core curriculum instills conscience, competence, compassion, and commitment—all of which are indispensable in striking a perfect balance between education and sports.

Thus, embodying “One Big Fight” entails one’s personal initiative to strive for excellence in the face of adversity and the responsibility to dedicate one’s efforts equally between athletics and academics.

Nevertheless, there exists a common understanding that the Blue Eagles must always put their best foot at the forefront of any championship stint. “It’s just simple. ‘One Big Fight’ means that I have to give it my all to get the best result,” shares FAST Ateneo Swimming Team’s Phillip Joaquin “Wacky” Santos.

With the FAST Ateneo Swimming Team closing in on its eight-peat title defense, the reigning champions hold high regard for its legacy that inspires them to race with unparalleled tenacity. The unwavering efforts set forth by FAST’s veterans and past heroes serve as the team’s backbone in extending their glory.

Through dedicating all efforts to the Ateneo and braving competitive atmospheres, the players are fearless in bringing honor to the University.

A fight by and for the Blue and White

One Big Fight, among all things, is also a testament to the Atenean bond. What was once an outcry has become a character that the community embodies in pursuit of carrying the name of the institution. Whenever athletes hear the crowd’s cheer, the players take it as an assurance and willpower to give their best. The thunderous hail of the Ateneans, alongside supporters, fuel their players in representing the university.

The OBF chant left a legacy of a driven fellowship pushing the community members to pursue greater lengths while painting the town Blue and White. The mentality of giving one’s all without leaving anyone behind is the direction toward a well-formed Atenean. Those who hold the title of being a Blue Eagle are being reminded of a bigger duty in carrying the school honor beyond the campus walls—being a person for and with others.

“‘One Big Fight’ means togetherness and determination. […] Since volleyball is a team sport, it becomes a team goal. […] We encourage each other to give our 110% to achieve that,” says Women’s Volleyball Team’s Ysabelle “Yssa” Nisperos.

As the opening of the UAAP Volleyball Tournament approaches, the AWVT has been focusing on adjusting to a new system, especially with a new coach. Nevertheless, the Blue Eagles focus on what matters most, which is gaining communication, trust, and understanding among the team.

The progressing bout for the Season 86 crown calls for oneness in both triumph and tribulation. Battle scars and sacrificed youth reflect the commitment and honor the athletes uphold. The Atenean spirit cannot only be seen in teamwork during the games but in creating an indestructible bond beyond the limelight. Whatever may arise, Nisperos stated that nothing comes between the abiding ties the Atenean teams have as they always “go through it together.”

As the Blue Eagles continue to compete at the highest level against other collegiate teams, they recognize a bigger calling and responsibility. The student-athletes are not just playing for themselves but for a certain school pride wherein each Atenean carries with honor. In the end, the community proves that win or lose, it’s the school they choose.

A home on the hill

The Ateneo continues to serve its purpose as a place of refuge and self-discovery, providing a space for its student-athletes to cultivate a culture of excellence throughout their stay. In their pursuit of greater heights, the Blue and White are committed to finding a bigger purpose while traversing their own athletic journey with the University.

From finding solace within the university grounds to huddling together before a long-awaited do-or-die, Atenean athletes draw strength from their profound sense of solidarity. “I fight for Ateneo because it is a place that became my second home and I have formed lifelong friendships [here], as well as experienced personal growth,” affirms Ateneo Men’s Table Tennis team veteran Wrency Abad.

While the competitive aspect of sports fosters the Atenean culture of magis, it is the fabric of camaraderie woven together by each player that strengthens their character. With every meek acceptance of defeat and every humble embrace of victory, the Blue Eagles fly with a strong will to defend the community that gave them wings.

Nevertheless, the Atenean bond remains a two-way street. As the athletes persevere to bring glory to Katipunan Avenue, the backbone of the purpose of their play only strengthens. The bridge between the players and the crowd not only solidifies through the camaraderie they share but also forms new generations of foundational towers that keep the institutional pride together. 

At the Ateneo, all students and athletes are exposed to a harmonious blend of talent and passion. This interplay of personal skill and the school’s collective value for honing excellence fulfills the “fight” that the Blue and White carry out in areas even outside of sports. From generations past and present, these three words have become a lasting tagline for the unshakeable grit that Blue Eagles exude. After all that has been said and done, the end goal remains to embody the One Big Fight.