PAREF Southridge’s impressive run in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament will be remembered for years to come.
Competing as a guest school, the Muntinlupa-based institution made it all the way to the Final Four, where they were narrowly defeated by the dethroned 12-time champion, Far Eastern University-Diliman, on March 22.
Although their campaign ended on a bittersweet note, the Admirals kept their heads held high after an extraordinary Cinderella run.
In the second round, they lost to the eventual champions, the UST Junior Golden Booters, but bounced back to defeat the Claret Red Roosters and the DLSZ Junior Archers. They also held the Baby Tamaraws to a draw.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“For the team, our key takeaway was to make sure that we deserve to be here (and) prove that Southridge isn’t just a gimmick team,” said team captain Nathan de Ocampo.
“We will come back next year with the younger boys and fight again. For me, personally, from the first half, I was so sure of how we were going to perform.
“At the midpoint of this season, we made team goals. My team goal was to make it to the final, but we came a little bit short. Nevertheless, I’m still proud of the team and everything we’ve done,” he added.
Throughout their Season 87 journey, the Admirals had the unwavering support of their friends and parents.
The excitement and energy of their supporters matched the intensity with which Southridge played.
It was clear that both on and off the pitch, the semifinalists were thoroughly enjoying their time in the UAAP.
Their participation in the league was a dream come true, as no one could have imagined that guest teams would be part of the competition until Southridge and Claret made it a reality.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It’s a season of firsts and I’m so proud to be part of the season,” said the 18-year-old defender.
“If you look at the grandstand, everyone’s here — all the titos, all the titas, and all our friends. So I’m just so happy to represent the school and give it our all in every single moment for our family.”
Having now experienced the thrill of competing in the UAAP, De Ocampo hopes his performance has been strong enough to catch the attention of collegiate division coaches in attendance.
While it’s still uncertain which school might reach out to him for his services, his goal is to continue building his promising playing career.
Leading the Admirals to the Final Four in their debut UAAP campaign is certainly a noteworthy achievement to have on his resume.
“I hope I was able to make a good enough impression on the college teams because I do want to play at the UAAP collegiate level, but it’s up to the teams if they want me. I’m happy with any team that wants me,” De Ocampo said.
