OWNING THE game, the Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team secured their ninth-straight crown after collecting a sea of podium finishes on the last day of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Swimming tournament.
The Blue Eagles raised the bar for excellence even higher after clinching seven additional medals and one new record—all hauled yesterday at the New Clark City Aquatic Center in Capas, Tarlac.
Backstroke
Maintaining a firm hold of the driver’s seat, Ivo Enot took charge in the 50 Long Course (LC) Meter race to claim the gold. The standout rookie clocked in at a time of 27.19 seconds for the opening bout.
Breaststroke
In the Men’s 200 LC Meter heat, Francis Espiritu managed to qualify for the finals, taking the fourth spot at 2:24.73.
Butterfly
Exhibiting his first-rate expertise in the tides, Marco Daos emerged superior in the Men’s 200 LC Meter heat. The seasoned veteran chalked up a time of 2:10.39 to claim the top spot, adding on to the Blue Eagles’ gold tally.
Meanwhile, Espiritu once again secured a slot in the finals, setting a time of 2:17.63.
Freestyle
On the other hand, Loyola’s colors flew in the Men’s 50 LC Meter as Enot and Rafael Barreto dominated the podium. Enot showcased a 24.06-second finish to secure him the gold, while Barreto clocked in at 24.18 seconds to bag another bronze medal for Ateneo.
Furthering their rule in the freestyle event, Miguel Barreto and Daos also ensured podium finishes in the Men’s 1500 LC Meter. The younger Barreto landed the top spot with 16:43.35. On the other hand, Daos cemented the third seat with 16:58.10.
Medley
The prowess of the Blue and White did not waver until the end as the Men’s Division registered a new UAAP record for the 4x100m Medley Event.
The Men’s Team, composed of Enot, Rian Tirol, Rafael Barreto, and Charles Ticbaen, clocked in 3:52.73 to snatch the gold medal. The Atenean quartet’s performance topped the University of the Philippines’ record of 3:56.57 that was set in 2023.
After pulling off a stellar performance in his debut year, Miguel Barreto earned the Men’s Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year title. He racked up 105 points to help the Blue Eagles accumulate a total of 493 points for the entire season.
The momentous nine-peat championship of the Men’s Swimming Team further strengthens their dynastic reign. Their decisive crown is a testament to the success of the program through years of hard work, dedication, and elite coaching.
With their dynasty seemingly having no end in sight, the Blue Eagles remain eager to return next season for an unprecedented tenth-straight title around the horizon.
Men’s Standings – Points (Gold-Silver-Bronze Medals):
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 493 (19-6-5)
- DLSU Green Tankers – 321 (1-13-4)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 226 (1-0-7)
- UST Tigersharks – 170 (1-3-6)
