PASIG CITY – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) emerged victorious in both the men's and women's team categories in the Under-20 division of the CEL Logistics, Inc. Weekly Relay Series finals, hosted at the Philsports track and field stadium on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, under the leadership of Terry Capistrano, UST athletes displayed a commanding performance. Gerald Mark Casimiro was a standout, clinching the 400 meters with a time of 50.53 seconds, propelling the men's team to amass a total of nine gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals. Casimiro's victory outpaced competitors from Adamson University and Ateneo, with Emanuel Morales securing second place and Nash Candelario third.
The women's team's triumph was bolstered by Jeanne Arnibal, a freshman in Fitness and Sports Management, who achieved first-place finishes in the long jump, high jump, triple jump, 100m hurdles, and 4x100m relay. Her athletic prowess contributed to UST's haul of 17 gold, 12 silver, and two bronze medals. Despite acknowledging a physical ailment, the 19-year-old from Montalban, Rizal, expressed disbelief at her performance yet felt deserving of her victories due to her dedication in each event.
Additional accolades were garnered by Joana Marie Bandal in discus throw, Mailene Pamisaran in the 100m and 200m sprints, Rashied Faith Burdeos in shot put, and Jash Mae Duhaylungsod in the 1500m event.
In the Under-18 category, Dasmariñas City Athletics Team, under the guidance of coach Leolito Dinco, dominated the men's division, taking home 17 gold medals, alongside a tally of silver and bronze. Meanwhile, the University of the East triumphed in the women's division with a medal count that included 13 golds, reinforcing their competitive edge in the event.