University of Santo Tomas etched its name in history with an extraordinary achievement in the UAAP Season 87 Table Tennis Tournament.
For the first time in league history, a school swept all four divisions—men’s, women’s, boys’, and girls’—without dropping a single match.
Their collective record? A jaw-dropping 52-0.
This unprecedented feat is a testament to UST’s holistic program, the dedication of its student-athletes, and the seamless transition between coaches that fueled the Tiger Paddlers’ dominance.
Jebb Datahan, the Boys’ MVP, shared the challenges they faced this season, particularly in adapting to a new coach after a string of championships under the previous mentor.
“It was really a tough progress kasi maraming ups and downs. Tapos kasi from last year’s coach, nagbago kami ng coach this year, so, it was really a big adjustment and sobrang hirap,” Datahan explained.
“Pero we still managed to have this championship.”
The pressure was immense, especially as the boys’ team sought to maintain their winning streak under Jackson Que, who also helms the men’s division.
“Grabe talaga ‘yung pressure… pero pinaghirapan talaga namin para ma-retain ‘yung championship namin,” Datahan continued.
Despite the challenges, the boys’ team found strength and inspiration from their college seniors.
“Sobrang laking tulong nila… Tinitignan namin ‘yung skills nila; may mga natutunan kaming bagong skills dahil sa kanila. And nag-ga-guide rin sila sa ‘min,” Datahan said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Lori Wadjad, the former head coach of the boys’ team and current women’s and girls’ coach, had to make a difficult decision this season.
Known for her ability to develop young talent, Wadjad had long been instrumental in shaping the boys’ team’s success.
However, with UST aligning its table tennis program to bridge high school and college, she had to pass the baton to Que.
“Well, actually matagal na siyang gustong kunin ng office (IPEA) sa ‘kin,” Wadjad revealed.
“But they are very keen to give it to Coach Jack kasi nga may mga graduating… though, masakit, of course, pero, for them, for their future, I have to give it up.”
Her trust in the program’s structure and Que’s capabilities made the transition smoother.
“Honestly kahit sino naman ang mag-coach sa boys’ na lineup na ‘yon magcha-champion talaga,” she said confidently.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Que embraced the challenge of guiding both the boys’ and men’s teams.
He credited UST’s integrated program for the Tiger Paddlers’ dominance, emphasizing the alignment between high school and collegiate training.
“UST has this program na alignment; ang gusto nila from high school papunta sa college… para may alignment sa program,” Que explained.
Transitioning to a new coach wasn’t without hurdles, but Que believed in his Paddlers’ abilities.
“Actually ‘yung mga bata, maraming adjustment talaga. Hindi lang naman sila ang nag-adjust, pati rin ako,” he said.
Que’s faith in the players bore fruit, with the boys’ team claiming the title after defeating a formidable Adamson squad.
“Kita mo naman against Adamson, winning against them was not an easy feat talaga,” he added.
Grateful for the trust of UST’s administration, Que remains committed to the program’s vision.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa UST at sa administration, kay Fr. (Rodel) Cansancio… I’m doing my best na worth it ‘yung trust nila sa ‘kin.”
With this, the UST Tiger Paddlers have set a new gold standard not just in table tennis but also in the UAAP.
As the dust settles on the tournament, one thing is clear: this golden sweep will be remembered as a defining moment in UST’s storied sports history.
