By: Nicole Parallag
When Russel Ricaforte stepped into the throwing circle at the UAAP Season 88 Athletics Championships, he knew he was about to leave a lasting mark at the New Clark City Stadium.
On August 2, 2025, months before the UAAP season, Ricaforte had already made national headlines — shattering the Philippine national record in the discus throw with an impressive 54.40 meters at the PATAFA National Championships.
“Sobrang saya ko nung na-break ko yung National Record. Nasa plano talaga namin yun ni Coach Arniel (Ferrera) — we were ready for it. It was just a matter of execution during that day,” Ricaforte said.
“Nung nagawa ko na yun, sobrang surreal ng pakiramdam. Mas ginanahan pa ako mag-training.”
Ricaforte carried that momentum into UAAP Season 88, his final year wearing the Blue and White of Ateneo de Manila University.
All that was left was execution. And he delivered.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ricaforte unleashed a 52.62-meter throw in the UAAP discus event, setting a new meet record and surpassing his previous mark of 47.80 meters from last season.
Alongside that, he also claimed gold in the shot put, powering Ateneo to a fifth-place overall finish.
His stellar performance earned him the UAAP co-Most Valuable Player award alongside University of Santo Tomas’ Hokett Delos Santos.
Having transferred from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in Season 87, Ricaforte’s journey with Ateneo was short but incredibly impactful.
“Medyo emotional kasi maganda yung performance, pero this is my last college season,” he said. “I’m really glad na nagawa ko ‘to for Ateneo. It’s an honor to represent the school, especially the winning culture.”
Now, with his UAAP chapter closing, Ricaforte is setting his sights on the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, aiming to turn his record-breaking form into international success.
“Preparations ko for SEAG is to keep it simple. May plano na kami ni Coach Arniel for the next few weeks. Focus lang kami sa goal na makakuha ng medal,” the 24-year-old Davaoeno said. “Apart from that, I’m planning to finish my Master’s here in Ateneo and hopefully makatulong din ako sa team sa future competitions nila.
“To the Ateneo team — sobrang thankful ako sa inyo. Napakalaking pasasalamat ko sa lahat. Kung wala kayo, wala din ako.”
