By: Nicole Parallag
CAPAS, TARLAC — National University-Nazareth School’s Efosa Aguinaldo shattered a 34-year-old league record in the boys’ long jump, marking his second record-breaking feat in the UAAP Season 88 High School Athletics Championships at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.
The 18-year-old Cebuano soared 7.20 meters, eclipsing the previous mark of 6.97 meters set by Ateneo legend Illac Diaz on January 13, 1991, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“Masaya ako na nabreak ko ‘yung record na ito. Lahat ng pinagpaguran ko sa training, nasuklian talaga,” shared Aguinaldo.
His leap even surpassed the bronze-medal mark in the seniors’ division, which was 7.17 meters, set earlier in the day by the University of the Philippines’ Clint Neri.
“Hindi ko ine-expect na ganun kahaba ‘yung talon ko. Ang nasa isip ko lang talaga ay magka-medal,” he added.
Aguinaldo’s first record came just a day earlier in the boys’ triple jump, where he leaped 14.78 meters.
University of the East’s Romel Cardona claimed silver in the long jump with 6.78 meters, while fellow NU-Nazareth standout Razen Andres took bronze at 6.65 meters.
UST Dominates Team Standings
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The day, however, belonged to University of Santo Tomas, which continued to dominate both high school divisions in this tournament, sponsored by CF Moto and Masiv Sports.
UST’s mixed 4×400-meter relay team of Ivan Cabanda, Fiona Pilaspilas, Novie Masangcap, and Liana Ascan clocked 3:30.93, surpassing NU-Nazareth’s previous record of 3:43.96 from last season. Adamson University took second at 3:49.77, while UE rounded out the podium with 4:00.63.
After the second day, the Junior Tiger Tracksters maintained the overall lead with 177.5 points, followed by Adamson in second with 146 points. Aguinaldo’s record-breaking performance helped NUNS climb to third with 87 points.
In the girls’ division, the Junior Lady Tracksters also held the top spot with 177.5 points, followed by Adamson (165 points) and defending champion UE (139 points).
Rosario: Back-to-Back Record-Breaker
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Matching Aguinaldo’s feat, UST’s Franceine Jhobie Rosario cemented her status as the new queen of the sprints by winning the girls’ 200 meters.
The 17-year-old from Cagayan clocked 24.77 seconds, edging out UE’s Jeralyn Rodriguez, who set the previous record of 24.84 last season. Adamson’s Juvelle Matnog (25.68) and Jenia Bolito (25.74) completed the podium.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam last UAAP ko na po sa highschool naka-break po ako ng dalawang record,” she shared.
“Sana may mga ma-break pa po ako na records sa mga susunod kong laro, masaya po ako na naka-contribute ako sa UST. Sana yung champion mabalik namin sa España.”
Libranda Rules Heptathlon
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Junior Lady Trackster Lhynette Libranda added to UST’s growing medal haul after capturing gold in the girls’ heptathlon with a total of 3,669 points, breaking the previous record of 3,739 points set by Janice Nemi on November 18, 2024, in Pasig.
Libranda’s teammate Rica Clavel initially surpassed the old mark with 3,553 points before Libranda’s final tally overtook her for the top spot. Adamson’s Javie Mediana took bronze with 2,859 points.
Distance and Throwing Events
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the girls’ 3,000 meters, Adamson’s Erika Dorado delivered a dominant performance, finishing in 11:49.58 to claim gold. Teammate Nene Mianagua earned silver at 11:53.98, while UE’s Shaira Fantilaga took bronze in 11:59.79.
University of the East continued its stronghold in throwing events.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the girls’ javelin throw, Daisy Tomaque (36.54m) and Rhian Encomendia (34.48m) secured gold and silver, respectively, while Adamson’s Norwyne Edrada took bronze with 30.43m.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the boys’ discus throw, UE’s Josh Salcedo broke another record with an impressive 46.52 meters. UST’s Tayshaun Donasco (41.25m) and Jayvee Ceballos (40.06m) completed the podium.
Durden Wangkay Shines in Sprint Events
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
De La Salle Zobel’s rising star Pi Durden Wangkay claimed his second gold of the season, following his win in the 100 meters.
The 17-year-old gold medalist in the recently concluded Asian Youth Games sprinted to victory in the boys’ 200 meters, clocking 21.85 seconds. Prince Cuyos narrowly missed gold, finishing just behind for silver, while Adamson’s Elreb Taduran bagged bronze in 21.17 seconds.
