UST kick-off party fuels Thomasian athletes, names new UST correspondent
By: Vincer Aduca and Ayesha Java
UST commenced UAAP Season 86 last September 27 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena with a kick-off party to fuel the spirit of the Thomasian athletes and coaches.
With the theme ‘Roaring to Victory’, UST celebrated its sixth consecutive title as the UAAP General Champion, motivating the student-athletes to dominate the newest season once again.
In his opening remarks, Rector Rev. Fr. Richard Ang reminded the athletes that the upcoming competition is not just about winning championships and regaining the crown for España, but also unleashing the real Thomasian spirit.
“Let me remind you that the forthcoming UAAP games are not just about fulfilling our mantra of regaining the crown for España, getting the titles, recognitions and awards for the University. UAAP Season 86 is also a showcase of passion, grit and indomitable Thomasian spirit,” he said.
Fr. Ang also stated that the athletes’ most formidable competitors are themselves. He urged them to push their limits, polish their characters and prevail in the face of adversity.
Student-athletes showcased their creativity and talents during the kick-off party. UST Taekwondo Poomsae Jins were hailed as champions of the kick-off event after flaunting their synchronized movements in martial arts dance routine. UST Tigersharks who created a sea of bubbles, hyping the crowd, clinched the second spot. Running closely behind as third runner-up were the UST Tracksters, who energetically performed a medley of 2000s Pinoy dance crazes.
The early tiger catches the award, with Tiger Softbelles and High School Tracksters bagging the Early Bird Award.
Donning their ‘swag’ and ‘drip’ for the kick-off party, the Best Team Shirt Design was awarded to the High School Judo and College Taekwondo teams, respectively.
In his concluding remarks, UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio assured every Thomasian that the university will claim its 47th and seventh consecutive title as the overall champion of the UAAP.
“For Season 86, I am very confident and I can assure you that we will be crowned again as the overall champions of the UAAP since we are Thomasians and we are the Growling Tigers and Tigresses,” he said.
Meanwhile, following the mantra of the College of Science, 'Galing Science, Galing Science,' Chelsea Rusiana, a second year Industrial Biology student, has been delegated as UST’s courtside reporter for UAAP Season 86.
In an interview, Rusiana shared her excitement to represent the Thomasian community and cover the stories of its athletes in the upcoming season.
“What I want to achieve as a courtside reporter is to highlight the trends of each player… I want to highlight all of them, tell their stories, and give them the recognition they deserve as members of the playing team,” she said.
Aside from the action-packed performance of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, sports enthusiasts or supporters from the participating schools can anticipate over 60 events in the 21 sports in both junior and senior divisions for the next few months. Major events will be televised through One Sports Channel, UAAP Varsity Channel, and Pilipinas Live.
