THE ATENEO Blue Babble Battalion placed 8th in the overall standings of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Cheerdance Competition earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. In spite of an electrifying showcase from the squad, they once again claimed a last-place finish in the tournament, marking the sixth time in eight seasons.
The Blue Babble Battalion’s Wakanda Forever-themed routine netted them 65.5 points in tumbling, 56 points in stunts, 49 points in tosses, 51 points in pyramids, and 290 points in dance. As nine points was deducted from their score due to penalties Ateneo tallied a total of 502.5 total points. Meanwhile, the De La Salle University Animo Squad finished in seventh place with 528.5 points and the National University Pep Squad secured the gold with 723 points.
In the loss, Ateneo Head Coach Justice Gimeno noted the number of obstacles they had to face days before the performance, highlighting their courage in pressing forward regardless of their mistakes.
“It was very challenging. We adjusted our routine a week before, and we adjusted again three days before the competition.” Nonetheless, Coach Gimeno praised his team and emphasized how proud he is of how Blue Babble stepped up to the challenge. “Kaya nila yan [they can do it], even if it wasn’t a perfect routine.”
The Katipunan-based squad cladded themselves in all blue onesies; gaining inspiration from the American superhero film Black Panther, based on the Marvel comics with the same title. Team Captain Gynno Labayane wanted to show everyone what Team Ateneo is really all about. “We wanted to try something different, and that’s why we took on a bolder, fiercer, and stronger routine.”
The routine started off with the well-known Go Ateneo, One Big Fight cheer, but a promising start was succeeded by a few mishaps that occurred between the transitions. However, the Blue and White pulled through during the dance portion as they unveiled their final Wakanda-inspired look underneath their all-blue costumes, ending their routine with a sword-turned-shield that represented their unwavering fighting spirit.
The Blue and White have indeed enlivened their vision for the night, which is “Blue Babble unite to conquer.” Despite their low ranking, the Blue Babble Battalion still view their season as a success in light of the challenges that were tirelessly overcome and the bravery displayed by each member of the team. With the end of their season, the coaching staff sought to convey the essence of Ateneo Forever, which for them revolves around family, development, growth, and resiliency.
Final Rankings:
1-NU, 2-FEU, 3-UST, 4-UE, 5-AdU, 6-UP, 7-DLSU, 8-Ateneo
