HISTORY WAS made as the Ateneo Track and Field Team (ATF) grabbed their second gold medal in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 stint. The five-day meet continued earlier today at the New Clark Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
To follow the Blue and White’s effort in yesterday’s performance, the Katipunan-based team came out swinging by breaking a UAAP record.
Discus Throw
In the lone event contested by the Blue Eagles, the explosive trio of Airex Villanueva, Doy Costelo, and Russel Ricaforte stepped up to the Discus Circle. Following their successful campaigns in the 2024 PATAFA Finals, Villanueva and Ricaforte upped their performance to greater heights.
The dynamic trio participated in their third event together, following up their performance in the Shot Put Finals last Sunday. The duo of Villanueva and Ricaforte secured points by clinching top eight spots, while Costelo fell short of joining them with a respectable 31.53 meters.
Vying to score a handful of points for the Blue and White, Bacolod native and standout rookie Villanueva came up with an impressive throw of 37.97 meters, placing him in sixth place. This performance was good enough for an additional four points for Ateneo.
With a gold medal on the line for the Blue Eagles, masteral athlete Ricaforte went far and beyond by throwing a breathtaking 47.80 meters, breaking the UAAP record previously set by Ed Delina at 47.28 the season prior. His triumphant feat bagged Ateneo’s second gold medal in the tournament and 15 points for the Blue and White.
The sensational rookie joins rare company by becoming one of the few track stars to hold UAAP and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) records, as he previously set the juniors and seniors record with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA. His record back in the NCAA was 46.91 meters.
When asked about winning Ateneo’s second medal, Ricaforte said, “I’m just grateful. Grateful din ako sa mga kapwa ‘kong Ateneans na nanuod, na pumalakpak.”
(I’m just grateful. I’m also grateful for my fellow Ateneans who watched and clapped.)
For the new UAAP record holder, his performance could only be described in one word, “Unbelievable,” Ricaforte said.
In addition to his own feat, the gold medalist shared that none of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of the ATF’s coaching staff.
“[I’m] just very thankful sa mga coaches lalo na kila Sir Nic [Hey] and kay Coach Arniel [Ferrera], lagi sila nandiyan para mag-suporta at mag-guide sa akin,” Ricaforte stated, noting that this support helped ease his adjustment to the UAAP.
(I’m just very thankful for my coaches, especially Sir Nic Hey and Coach Arniel Ferrera, they’re always there to support and guide me.)
With the Athletics Championships nearing its end, the Men’s Team looks to finish their season off strong with ATF’s final event tomorrow, November 21, at 8:00 AM in the same venue.
