MANILA, Philippines—The Ateneo Swim Team ended UAAP Season 77 in historical triumph as they swept all awards last October.
Apart from being overall champions for the men’s, women’s, and boys’ team divisions, Ateneo took home all individual awards for all categories.
Homegrown Olympian Jessie Khing Lacuna and Philippine team member Hannah Dato bagged the MVP titles for the men’s and women’s divisions.
Miguel Arellano emerged MVP for the boys’ division while Aldo Batungbacal (men’s), Ariana Herranz (women’s) and Emilio Viovicente (boys’) clinched the Rookie of the Year awards.
“Teammates make training fun and magnify the joy of individual success,” said program director Archie Lim on his approach during training.
With the competitions over, the team keeps busy with preparations for the Ateneo Aquathlon, an annual student-organized swim-run event open to the public. It will be held on March 8.
“We were blessed with a triumph [in the UAAP] beyond our wildest imagination. Now we try to give back by sharing our advocacy for physical well-being with the public,” said Micco Pesueña, team captain and this year’s race director.
No effort is being spared in preparing for the event, occasionally graced by actresses Kris Aquino and Iza Calzado.
Everybody is encouraged to join regardless of age or competency level. Events on tap are the 5K run and 600m swim competitions. Patricia Q. Espino, Contributor