Julian Clarino – MVP. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Regardless of the outcome, Ian Clariño was just glad to share the limelight with his family in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football Finals for his last match as a collegiate player.
Suiting up for UP in the winner-take-all match, the 22-year-old was honored to face off against his older brother Gino for the right to be called a champion.
“I’m just thankful because I faced him in my final season in the UAAP and it really feels good,” the team captain said.
Clariño, though, set aside his emotions to power the Maroon Booters to their 18th title in men’s football with an impressive volley that gave them their lone goal in the 21st minute on Wednesday.
“I tried to think like it’s just any other game. I tried to focus and not let my emotions get the better of me,” he said as he faced his high school team. “Knowing UST, they’re strong and tough, and they never quit until the final whistle. They really gave it their all.”
But at the end of it all, it was Clariño who gets a chance to bask in the glory of his success, ending his UAAP career not only as a champion, but also as the season’s Most Valuable Player.
Those accomplishments made all of his sacrifice worth it as he kept repeating to himself that as a senior, it was his duty to always be the last line of defense for his team.
“I always tell my teammates every game the same thing I repeat to myself whenever I sleep, that I will do my best and whatever happens, I’ll be there to catch all of you,” he said.
Clariño, though, could only feel grateful as he dedicated the triumph to all of those who made the Maroon Booters’ success possible.
“We’re doing this for all God, for the UP community, the people who are helping us, and for Rogie,” he said, referring to the late Rogie Maglinas, whose been the team’s guiding light since his passing back in 2015. “We’re fighting for Rogie and everyone who supports our team. This is all for them.”