Article by: Crismhil S. Anselmo
Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Crismhil S. Anselmo
Photo by: Blaise Paulhene O. Rellata
Marking its comeback to the league’s mats, the Mapúa Taekwondo Team takes its first flight in three seasons to pummel through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 taekwondo tournament held at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gymnasium from November 28 – 30, 2024.
Soaring to an impressive return, Dean Ziglar V. Barreiro and John Jeboei M. Derit secured semifinals slots in the Senior Men’s Kyorugi welterweight and heavyweight categories, respectively, to wrap their campaign.
Meanwhile, Adonis Jazeel S. Rivera entered the Junior Boys Kyorugi light and middle weight divisions to conclude the season with another semis appearance.
When asked about their journey, Barreiro said it was not a walk in the park. "It was a tough season for us, since the team was formed only 2 months prior to the season. We only had 2 months to prepare,” the Team Captain shared.
Nonetheless, the team prevailed in its return, with several advancements to the semis. Promising to bounce back, Derit shared, “Despite disadvantages, we poured our hearts and effort into every moment. This season was just the beginning. Next season, we'll bring victory home.”
In terms of what is next for the newly reformed MU Taekwondo squad, Team Captain Barreiro shared that they are vying to compete in various national and interschool tournaments in the coming months.
For their message to the Mapúan community, Rivera assured, “…We'll do our best and strive for more improvements para makabawi sa next season ng NCAA.”
NCAA Season 100 marks the red and golden Taekwondo team’s return to the league since the pandemic.
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