In a competitive league like the UAAP, pulling off a streak of consecutive championships is a feat worth celebrating — especially when that streak stretches to a decade.
Until last Sunday, only two teams had reached double-digit championship runs in the collegiate division: the Adamson University softball team with 12, and the University of the East men’s fencing squad with 11.
Ateneo de Manila University has now formally joined this prestigious club.
The road to a decade of dominance, according to program director Archie Lim, was far from smooth — but it was always a goal.
“Of course. Parang, even after we got the seventh and eighth championships, we were already looking forward to getting that 10th,” said the former national team standout.
“But hindi siya parang, you would think siyempre na we can just keep winning the championships, but siyempre meron siyang ibang struggles and may iba naging problema. But I think we overcame that, and really, it’s the team naman talaga.”
After years of barely holding onto titles, and despite entering the season severely undermanned, Lim and the Blue Eagles treated it as just part of the process leading to this milestone.
Every season follows a different path, and this season was no different. After four days of competition at the New Clark City Aquatics Center, Ateneo flaunted its depth on the way to its 10th straight championship.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“If you think about it, ‘yon ang maganda na each season has a story nga. There were seasons na aminin ko na medyo dominating na talagang we were going for all the golds. And like you mentioned nga, there was one time na twelve lang kami or actually less pa nga, but we overcame that,” Lim recalled.
“I think it’s really more of the system. Hindi naman sa less complicated, but we try to break it up, and nandiyan yung training, nandiyan na yung recruitment, and nandiyan na yung retention, even the coaches, and, of course, the Ateneo support. I think all the support goes on to this 10-peat,” the University of the Philippines product added.
Amassing 28 medals — 13 golds, eight silvers, and seven bronzes — for a total of 471 points, the Blue Eagles sealed their entry into the elite Decade-Reign Club in style.
Lim admitted, “Of course, very proud. But hindi ko talaga rin siya naiisip na ganon pa ‘eh. I was really thinking na when there were talks sa team namin, a lot of it was on their individual performances nila.
“Kaya yung 10-peat, hindi pa namin siya nagsi-sink in na parang what does that mean. But right now, I’m very proud. Like I said, hindi siya madali in a sense na just because you have good swimmers, madali na. It’s really about the different struggles and different problems na na-o-overcome.”
Looking ahead, Ateneo’s dynasty shows no signs of slowing down.
Sophomore and reigning MVP Miguel Barreto, alongside freshman and Rookie of the Year TJ Amaro, are expected to lead the Blue Eagles in extending their decade-long dominance in the coming seasons.
