COMPETING IN two epic showdowns, the Ateneo Taekwondo Teams completed the grueling University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 tournament in the Kyorugi division. The final day of competition was held earlier today, April 24, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the City of Manila.
On the last day of the Kyorugi tournament, the Blue and White were represented by Michael Cabaluna Jr. and Carl Williams for the Men’s Finweight and Men’s Lightweight competitions, respectively. Following a stellar performance in his first campaign, Cabaluna Jr. was later named Rookie of the Year after nabbing the lone gold medal for Ateneo.
Men’s Finweight Finals
With gold on the line, Cabaluna Jr. led the charge for the Blue Eagles as he faced NU’s Kurt Curata in their highly anticipated matchup. From the opening round of the contest, Cabaluna Jr. came out swinging, taking an early lead after a resounding performance, 12-6.
Carrying that momentum into the second round, the Blue Eagle remained disciplined, controlling the tempo throughout the bout. Despite Curata’s best efforts to narrow the gap, Cabaluna Jr. quickly seized the opportunity to close out the match, 8-5. This sweep marks a monumental performance for the unit as they secure a gold medal in their first podium finish since 2009.
Men’s Lightweight Finals
After the gold-winning performance by his fellow Blue Eagle, Williams stepped up to the mat against De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Einz Aricayos. The battle presented high-stakes as a first-place finish would result in Ateneo nabbing the gold in the Men’s Kyorugi tournament.
Williams quickly moved with urgency as the Season 87 bronze medalist jumped to an early lead in the first round. Not backing down from the challenge presented by Aricayos, the Atenean athlete defeated his adversary for the point advantage, 14-8.
Standing points away from victory, Williams’ troubles began to flare as his defensive brilliance faded in the following round. With the gap staying close throughout the second frame, the Blue Eagle eventually lost, 8-11.
In the gold-clinching set, the heated battle reached its climax as the Blue and White jin promptly fell behind. The closing moments provided one last chance for Williams, but he ultimately succumbed to the opposition, 5-8.
Even with the outcome, Williams provided a performance worthy of silver honors for the Blue Eagles, acting as the final medalist for Ateneo in the Taekwondo tournament.
These results mark a historic season for the Blue Eagles, securing their first podium finish since 2009 on the back of stellar performances from Cabaluna Jr. and Williams to end the campaign on a high note. As the Blue and White end with a strong finish, Ateneo will look to regroup and build on this breakthrough as they aim for an even stronger showing in Season 89.
