THE ATENEO Track and Field Team (ATF) made significant progress in their preseason campaign, turning in stronger performances during the seventh week of the 2025 Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) Relay Series, staged earlier at the PhilSports Athletics Stadium in Pasig City.

200m

Kicking off the day was Matthew Luis Angeles, who represented the Blue Eagles in the under-20 200m event. Angeles set the tone for his squad, placing second in his heat and securing sixth overall with a time of 22.490 seconds.

Meanwhile, sophomore Sammie Souza took the stage for the Women’s Team in this week’s senior category. Lining up against a stacked field, Souza clocked 29.42 seconds in the 200m dash, finishing fifth in her heat and 23rd overall.

Javelin Throw

Fresh from a season with the Ateneo Baseball Team, Emilio Perez made his mark in his PATAFA debut, translating his power to the javelin pit. The multi-sport veteran registered a throw of 50.51 meters, a solid effort that earned him a 10th-place finish in the overall rankings and showed promise as he continues to adjust from the diamond back to the track and field stage.

5000m Race Walk

Eager to improve on his 14th-place finish in last year’s competition, Ateneo’s Luis Antonio Licas entered the senior 5000m Race Walk category with grit and determination. The Blue Eagle flashed early brilliance, surging ahead of competitors from the University of the Philippines and the University of the East in the opening 400 meters of the event. 

However, as the race approached the 2000m mark, Licas began to feel the strain on his endurance, ultimately forcing him to register a DNF despite his spirited effort.

Despite the setback, Licas maintained a positive outlook on both his race and the team’s overall performance. The racewalker emphasized that the ATF’s participation in the Relay Series serves as a valuable stepping stone for the team’s continued development and future success. Licas also expressed confidence that the experience gained in these preseason stints is a promising sign of what lies ahead in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.

“To be honest, I was surprised by my all-out start, but I realized that’s what caused my fatigue right after. […] We still have one last qualifying round, and a lot of my teammates are already set for the finals, so it’s definitely a sign of things to come in UAAP,” the Blue Eagle veteran stated. 

Hammer Throw

Hoping to end the day on a high note, Denver Tacay Jr. and Mantosh Hansra took to the field as Ateneo’s representatives in the Men’s under-20 Hammer Throw category. Tacay, an incoming rookie for UAAP Season 88, registered a throw of 31.68 meters, capturing fifth place overall. Meanwhile, sophomore Hansra tallied a respectable 29.90 meters, earning him seventh in the standings.

Meanwhile, fellow sophomores Jose Costelo and Airex Villanueva bannered the Blue and White in the Men’s senior Hammer Throw category. Costelo registered a 34.21-meter throw to secure fifth place, finishing just ahead of teammate Villanueva, who recorded 30.23 meters for sixth.

Lastly, rookie Yden Candelario stood as the Blue Eagles’ sole bet in the Women’s under-20 hammer throw. She delivered a strong 27.07-meter mark, clinching seventh place in her category.

After a commendable week of PATAFA action, the ATF now sets their sights on strengthening their finals push as competition resumes on Saturday, August 30, at the same venue.

Editor’s Note: Ateneo Track and Field Team member Luis Antonio Licas is currently a Sports Staffer of The GUIDON.