By: Nicole Parallag
CAPAS, Tarlac — After a 16-year wait, University of Santo Tomas is once again at the summit of UAAP Boys’ Athletics, claiming the championship with a thrilling finish at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.
UST’s triumph in Season 87 marked their first title since Season 70, ending over a decade of near misses and heartbreaks.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The historic victory was powered by standout performances across multiple events, highlighted by the Aiso brothers, Aime and Gian Carlo, who struck gold and silver in the 3000-meter steeplechase.
Erick Pensahan of UE completed the podium with a bronze.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The drama peaked in the 4×400-meter relay, where UST’s Prince Cuyos, Michael Sunico, Ivan Cabanda, and Jydan Lumantas initially settled for silver.
However, they saw their performance elevated to gold after UE’s disqualification due to a lane violation.
The Tigers clocked 3:25.66, with Adamson following at 3:30.13 and Ateneo placing third with 3:52.00.
“Di ko ma-explain kasi ang tagal na naming gustong makamit ang championship, at sa wakas, nakuha na rin namin,” said UST head coach Emerson Obiena.
He went on, “Mas malalakas ‘yung mga atleta namin dati, pero siguro hindi lang talaga namin time noon. Ngayon, mas bata ang mga atleta, pero lahat sila palaban. Sa tiyaga, nakuha na rin namin ang korona pabalik sa Espana.”
The Tigers sealed the season with a commanding 404 points, outpacing Adamson (326) and UE (324) in the overall standings.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ivan Candaba added to UST’s accolades by earning Rookie of the Year honors in the boys division.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, National University Nazareth School’s Kharis Pantonial dazzled as the boys division MVP. He captured six gold medals and shattering three records, including a dominant performance in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.34 seconds.
Adamson’s Jericho Cantil and Linel Espidido took silver and bronze, respectively.
For UST, the long wait was worth it.
The crown is finally back in España.
