Mapúa Tracksters cap off NCAA 100 run as first runner-up, claim sixteen medal finishes

Article by: Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Crismhil S. Anselmo

Photos by: Stacy D. de Guzman

Further extending their podium streak with a sixteen-medal haul, the Mapúa Tracksters successfully clinched their seventh consecutive first runner-up finish in the Seniors Division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Track and Field Tournament last March 16 to 18 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

7-PEAT. The Mapúa Tracksters pose for a photo after bagging the overall first runner-up in the NCAA Season 100 Track and Field Tournament. | via Stacy. D. de Guzman

Despite running their campaign shorthanded with just 15 players and key player Leonard Grospe sitting out the season to fully recover from an injury, the Tracksters racked up an impressive total of 555.75 points to claim the overall silver finish in the competition. The team secured four gold, 10 silver, and two bronze medals throughout the three-day event, marking an outstanding showcase of a Cardinal's athletic prowess.

With unmatched prowess on opening day, Vince Buhayan sprinted to blazing silver in the 100-meter run, Algin Gomez brought home a silver in the long jump, and Christian Ote powered through to claim a hard-fought bronze in the discus throw.

Keeping the momentum alive on day two, Buhayan once again brought Mapúa a well-deserved silver in the 400-meter run, whilst Adrian Magsino trailed closely behind in the same event with a bronze medal.

During the final day, reigning NCAA Season 99 gold medalists Ritchie Estampador and Aron Rich Cuenca defended their golden reigns in the 3000-meter steeplechase and Shot Put events, respectively. Estampador went on to earn a silver in the 1500-meter, while John Lloyd Razon and John Lloyd Batalla soared to gold and silver finishes, respectively, in the High Jump.

Additionally, Buhayan won gold in the 400-meter run, while Magsino clinched silver in the 400-meter hurdles, further propelling the Tracksters’ medal count into greater heights.

Capping off stellar performances one after another, the Tracksters bolted to a silver medal finish in the 4×100 relay with Buhayan, Magsino, Gomez, and John Patrick Patricio comprising the speedy quartet.

“This season, our team faced challenges with a small roster of 15 players instead of the usual 22, requiring extra effort to stay in peak condition […] we continued to concentrate on honing our abilities, fostering a positive team dynamic, and being in top physical shape to make sure we were prepared,” expressed Team Captain June Philip Martinez.

In an interview with The New Builder, the Tracksters leader shared that their training routine was rigorous, shifting between Pasig Ultra and Ateneo daily during their preparation for the competition.

Martinez also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the team for the support that they have received for their centennial season campaign.

“The support of our sponsors, particularly Mapúa, Sir Osmond, and Mapúa Global, played a crucial role in providing essential resources, helping us stay competitive and motivated throughout the season,” he remarked.

As the competition concluded, Jose Rizal University and De La Salle-College of St. Belinde shared the podium with Mapúa in the gold and bronze positions, respectively.

RED AND GOLD IN THEIR VEINS. The Mapúa Tracksters pose for a photo with the 16 medals they garnered over the three-day NCAA Season 100 Track and Field Tournament at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. | via Stacy. D. de Guzman