Much is expected from John Reymund Vargas in his final year at University of Santo Tomas, especially after an off-season where he emerged as one of the top players in the Philippine Baseball National Team.
During the BFA XIV East Asia Cup, the slugger from Pambujan, Northern Samar played a key role in helping the Philippines secure another title.
His stellar performance earned him the tournament’s Best Outfielder award and the distinction of Home Run King.
Vargas finished the competition with an impressive .563 batting average and seven RBIs — both ranking second in the entire tournament.
“Isa yun sa pinaka magandang experience sa buhay ko. Sa mga baseball players, isa yun sa pinapangarap namin,” expressed Vargas.
“Nandun na ko sa point na yun at napakasarap sa feeling nung kinuha nila ako.”
Now, the barrel-chested catcher is using his international experience to uplift his Golden Sox teammates.
In his first game back in the UAAP, the 24-year-old delivered a dominant performance. He went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate — including a triple — and drove in two RBIs to lead UST to a commanding 13-3 victory over Ateneo.
“As a national team player, malaking bagay yung na-experience ko kasi pagbalik ko sa UST, nai-share ko yung experience sa team. Sobrang saya rin nila para sa akin nun,” said the master’s student-athlete.
“Kung ano yung performance ko sa field, gusto ko nashe-share ko rin sa kanila.”
Already decorated at the regional level, Vargas is chasing one final goal — an elusive UAAP championship.
In his last dance, he feels determined to end UST’s 14-year title drought, having endured heartbreaks in the past two seasons.
“Madami na rin sa amin ang mag-eexit. Sobrang gutom na talaga kami sa titulo. Ilang taon na rin eh. Yan yung motivation namin at all-out na kami para makaabot kami sa championship,” he said.
“Ako lalo, gusto ko makuha yung kampyonato bago ako umexit.”
