MONTHS AFTER their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 campaign, the Ateneo Track and Field Team (ATFT) begins its buildup for Season 87 in a massive way. The Blue Eagles bagged multiple medals during the 2024 Baguio Athletics Competition held from February 24 to 25, 2024 at the Athletic Bowl in the City of Baguio.
Alongside the Blue and White were some of the best collegiate programs in the country, including the likes of Adamson University (AdU), De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB), and San Beda University (SBU). With a stacked lineup of teams, Ateneo remained steadfast in their goal to reach the podium.
The new-look contingent from Loyola Heights was composed of young talent in preparation for the next collegiate season. Without their long-tenured seniors, the Blue Eagles proved that the squad’s future is in good hands by copping two medals throughout the contest.
Men’s Team sprinters Nash Candelario, Joaquin Ipapo, Julian Ramirez, and thrower Emilio Perez suited up for the Blue and White, while Women’s Team sprinters Louise Cabrera and Jasha Tan rounded out the six-man squad.
Rookie sprinter Candelario, who finished second overall in the Men’s 400m, gave the Blue Eagles their best finish throughout the meet with a silver medal on their first day in the City of Pines.
On the second day of action, UAAP Season 86 finalist Perez suited up for the Blue and White in the Men’s Javelin Throw. The lone thrower on the squad was one place shy of a podium finish, finishing an admirable fourth overall.
In the Mixed 4x400m relay, the quartet of Ipapo, Ramirez, Tan, and Cabrera propelled the Katipunan-based unit to a third-place finish, concluding their stint in the two-day competition.
As the Blue and White return from the country’s summer capital to Loyola Heights, all eyes now turn to further bolstering their bid to achieve greater heights, with the next UAAP season on their radar.
Editor’s Note: Luis Antonio Licas is a current member of the Ateneo Track and Field Team.
