Perapetual bets dominate NCAA jrs athletics

MANILA, Philippines — University of Perpetual Help unleashed a gem in Marvin Ramos as it ruled the athletics competition in NCAA Season 99 juniors division at the PhilSports track oval recently.

Ramos, a 12th-grader discovery from San Fernando, Pampanga, scooped up a total of four gold medals in the 100 meters, long jump, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay to power the Junior Altas to a second straight overall crown.

In all, UPHSD amassed 804.5 points in the 18-event, three-day meet, finishing way ahead of the field that included Jose Rizal University, which finished second with 657.25, and Arellano U, which wound up third with 503.

JRU took the seniors’ crown with a three-peat feat after garnering 826.5, ahead of Mapua (584) and AU (540).

Ramos’ magnificence also earned him the Rookie of the Year and MVP honors while UPHSD mentor Philip Silloco took the Coach of the Year honors.

La Salle-Greenhills’ Marcus Aguilar was the Freshman of the Year.

Other golden winners for the Antonio Tamayo-owned school were Franz Matos (200m, 400m, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay), Cris Jay Pasion (800m, 4x400m relay), Kervy Dianto (javelin), and Maximo Suico (400m hurldes).

Dianto’s javelin triumph was made more special by a record-shattering effort (59.4m), improving the nine-year-old meet record of 55.07m by Marjoe Igbalic, also from UPHSD.

When the smoke of battle cleared, the Junior Altas harvested a total of 10 gold, four silver and four bronze medals that included personal bests.

“This is what we called true developmental program, mga bata from elementary, started in intramurals and cluster meets going to division meets then regional meets, then Palarong Pambansa,” said UPHSD track and field executive coach Trece Academia.

“Sina Kurt, Marvin, Franz, and Cjay ay ilan lang sa mga batang inalagaan ng aming programa from elementary grassroots program to Batang Pinoy to regional to Palarong Pambansa ngayon namamayagpag sa NCAA. Pinahanga ninyo ako sa mga pinakita ninyong galing at talento bilang Altas tracksters,” he added.