THE ATENEO Track and Field Team (ATF) churned out commendable placements to conclude the qualifying round for Schedule B of the 2025 Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) Relay Series.
The 13 athletes from Loyola Heights entered the oval earlier today, September 7, at the PhilSports Athletics Stadium in the City of Pasig.
Javelin Throw
Commencing with the field events, veteran stalwart Emilio Perez represented the Blue and White in the javelin pit. Following his 10th-place standing in a previous outing, the multi-sport Blue Eagle landed in 12th place overall after recording a 49.60-meter throw.
This qualifies Perez for possible finals round contention. His combined results from the two showings will determine his eligibility for a chance at a podium finish once the qualifying round results have been calculated.
Hammer Throw
In the Men’s hammer throw event, the quartet of Denver Tacay, Mantosh Hansra, Jose Costelo, and Airex Villanueva entered the field for a shot at marking a long distance. Rising rookie Tacay asserted dominance in the under-20 category after a 43.72-meter record, securing first place against his opponents.
Hansra followed closely behind, successfully reaching 37.62 meters down the field to secure second place. Both athletes exceeded their previous records, wherein Tacay registered 31.68 meters last August 16, while Hansra tallied 33.88 meters last July 19.
Costelo threw a distance of 37.26 meters, thus standing at fourth place in the senior division, while Villanueva delivered a 29.18-meter throw to rank seventh among 10 competitors.
Long Jump
Representing the Blue and White, Blue Eagle duo Mikan Reyes and Sean Dino aimed for podium finishes in the under-20 Men’s Long Jump event. Reyes tallied a distance of 5.76 meters, which was the furthest between both Ateneans and ranked 38th overall. Meanwhile, Dino registered a distance of 5.51 meters, placing him at 47th overall.
Alongside Reyes and Dino, Ateneans Jonalyn Halasan and Rhea Lego competed in the under-20 Women’s Long Jump. Freshman Halasan impressed with a result of 5.47 meters, placing first overall. Alongside Halasan, long jumper Lego also made an impact, tallying 5.08 meters, to place fourth.
200m Sprint
Stepping on the blocks, Blue Eagle Nash Candelario represented the Blue and White in the second heat for the Men’s 200m. Candelario finished first in his trial, clocking in a blistering 22.8 seconds. This finishing time placed him seventh overall for the entire event.
Alongside Candelario, Sammie Souza strapped her boots, intending to improve on her last 200m performance. Racing in the first heats, Souza registered a time of 29.48 seconds, enough for seventh place. In the Women’s 200m, the Blue Eagle’s result placed her at 18th overall.
400m Hurdles
Acting as the sole representative for the Blue Eagles, Er Mengorio took on the Men’s 400m event. The hurdler competed in the second heat event, finishing with a time of 57.68 seconds. With this result, the 400m specialist finished second in his heats and ranked seventh in the category.
5000m Race Walk
Wrapping up the track events, Luis Licas resolved to conclude his last dance with grace in the Men’s senior Race Walk category. Undeterred by his previous DNF remark, the Blue and White athlete conquered the 5000-meter distance, clocking in at 37 minutes and 7.08 seconds for a ninth-place finish to end his collegiate career.
Reflecting on four years of representing the Blue and White, Licas expresses gratitude for being able to fulfill his dream of competing for the Ateneo. “Kahit na last na nga ‘to, I’m just proud na natapos ko siya, na I crossed the finish line. (Even though this is my last [race], I’m just proud that I completed it, that I crossed the finish line),” the senior shared.
With the conclusion of the qualifying round in the 2025 PATAFA Relay Series, the ATF will look to end their preseason stint by bringing home gold-laden hardware for the Ateneo on October 11 at the same venue.
Editor’s Note: Ateneo Track and Field Team member Luis Antonio Licas is currently a Sports Staffer of The GUIDON.
