National University reclaimed the title it lost last year, emerging on top after three days of competition to capture the UAAP Season 88 men’s athletics crown on Sunday at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
The Bulldogs tallied 298.5 points for their second championship in three years, marking NU’s second UAAP title this season after its women’s chess triumph.
‘We really worked hard for this season,’ said head coach Fernan Dagasdas. ‘Last year, our back-to-back dream ended because of injuries and eligibility issues. This year, we prayed to stay healthy and strong enough to regain the championship.’
With key veterans back and boosted by new recruits, NU regrouped after a slow start and never looked back once it took the lead on Saturday. The Bulldogs piled up 100 points on the final day, highlighted by golds in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the decathlon.
NU swept the steeplechase podium with Noli Torre (9:28.24), 10,000-meter winner Rico Jay Patanao (9:39.93), and Renz Cruz (9:40.21).
Larry Taripe Jr. sealed the title with a strong finish in the decathlon, scoring 5,779 points. FEU’s Ronel Juntilla (5,522) and Rolly Royo Jr. (5,444) took silver and bronze.
The Tamaraws, seeking to end an eight-year drought, finished second with 272.25 points. Ernie Calipay topped the high jump (2.05m), while Jazzpeer Arcenal ruled the 400-meter hurdles (53.44).
UP, last season’s champion, placed third with 213.25 points, behind Labita’s bronze in the hurdles and Neil Jasper Salvador’s silver in the discus.
Co-MVP Russel Ricaforte broke his own meet record in the discus with 52.62 meters and also ruled the shot put. He shared the MVP honor with UST’s Hokett Delos Santos, who won the 110-meter hurdles (14.80).
UST added another gold from Jhon Laurenze Ballelos in the javelin (47.33). Ateneo’s Hussein Lorana bagged Rookie of the Year honors, following his twin brother Hassan’s win last year. Hussein won two golds and a silver, including the 4×400-meter relay (3:14.85) with the Lorana twins, Matthew Angeles, and Er Yako Mengorio.
‘Every event had someone guiding the team,’ said Dagasdas. ‘With focus, teamwork, and God’s blessing, everything came together.’