UAAP: Women’s Track and Field of Ateneo de Manila University

Shiela Patiño and Lourdes Matchino of the Women’s Team of Track and Field are preparing for the upcoming UAAP season and are the runners that had played last season, according to Regalado in GUIDON Ateneo.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is one of the most prominent athletic associations in the country. It is composed of eight universities in Metro Manila. Basketball and volleyball are the two most popular sports and majority of the public look forward to these events. Incidentally, the track and field teams have its own set of players that people can anticipate in the upcoming season.

Track and field teams of Ateneo continue to improve with each season. In particular, the Women’s Team have shown its capability and skills as runners. In an article by Regalado, Coach Buenavetura expressed satisfaction with the team’s continuous improvement. It ended Season 79 with only two medals and made a comeback in Season 80 with seven medals. It has won six medals in Season 81 yet its overall score was higher than the previous season by approximately 30 points.

As an athlete, sacrifices are made as training and preparing for the events take up most of their time. Shiela Patiño, who ran in the 4x400m relay last season, explains her time spent with family during the weekends is limited. With the upcoming UAAP season coming in a few months, she had this to say about the team, “I feel that our training is not enough pa for the upcoming UAAP.” Despite her nervousness, she cannot wait for the season to begin.

Lourdes Matchino, who ran in the 100m event last season, mentioned the importance of discipline when it comes to training, exerting more effort during the weekends and no consumption of alcohol during the season.

Season 81 was a crucial year as the team attained sixth place overall. Matchino exclaims that it was a stepping stone to improvement as she had been injured a few years prior. It had been her first time to compete after said injury and this was a good signal to show how she can run once again.

Now, they share similar thoughts on expectations for the upcoming season. Each athlete is expected to train hard and it will definitely be a challenge. The team is facing fierce competition but the team is always after improving itself. Patiño adds, “Hopefully, walang may mainjury sa team ‘cause that’s important. Second, sana magka medal na kami.” (Hopefully, no one gets injured in the team ‘cause that’s important. Second, we hope to get a medal.)

UAAP Season 82 is expected begin earlier this year as the Philippines is hosting the Southeast Asian Games starting November 30.