Ateneo begins the defense of its double championship in University Athletic Association of the Philippines swimming competitions on Thursday at the New Clark City Sports Hub.
Reigning Most Valuable Players Miguel Barreto and Mishka Sy lead the Blue Eagles in the four-day meet.
Barreto anchors the men’s squad reinforced by Palarong Pambansa champions TJ Amaro and Paolo Labanon, as they seek a historic 10th consecutive title-one of the longest championship streaks in UAAP history.
Sy will spearhead the Ateneo women’s drive for back-to-back crowns and their eighth overall.
The return of University of the Philippines national record holders Joshua Ang and Thanya Dela Cruz-the latter a former Blue Eagle-adds intrigue to the race for gold.
La Salle, bannered by SEA Games-bound Alexander Chu and Rookie of the Year Mikaela Talosig, also looks to shake up the leaderboard along with University of Santo Tomas, led by seniors Jules Mirandilla and Shairinne Floriano.
Track and field also gets going at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium and Training Field, with UP defending the men’s crown and Far Eastern University looking repeat in the women’s side
With the Athletics Stadium now serving as the home of the Philippine national football teams and AFC-sanctioned events, only the javelin throw will remain inside the main stadium as other throwing events move to the adjacent field.
Season 85 and 86 MVP Alhryan Labita leads the Fighting Maroons’ quest for a record-extending 22nd championship in what could be his final UAAP campaign, while Annie Mercurio powers FEU’s bid for a league-best 26th women’s crown.
Challenging them are reigning MVP Alfrence Braza and the rest of the Tamaraws, who narrowly missed last year’s title by just four points, as well as Season 86 champion National University, now boosted by High School Boys MVP Kharis Pantonial.