FEU sweeps UAAP athletics titles

Far Eastern University (FEU) swept the men's and women’s UAAP athletics titles after the four-day competitions in the 73rd track and field tournament at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

The Tamaraws leaned on the Jhonrey Bardos-led 4x400 meter relay team to beat Season 72 champion University of the East in a tightly fought battle for the men's overall crown. FEU collected 202 points against UE’s 201 to regain the title it last won in 2008. It was the Tamaraws 19th overall men's title in athletics. FEU's Jesson Ramil Cid was named tournament MVP after collecting gold medals in the 400m hurdles, long jump, decathlon and 4x100m relay events. FEU won its eighth straight title in the women's division after compiling 303 points, 51 points ahead of runner-up University of Santo Tomas (252). UE placed third with 102 points. The Lady Tamaraws posted 1-2-3 finishes in the 10000m run and 3000m steeplechase events, while they had a 1-2 showing in women’s javelin throw. Dalyn Carmen was named the women’s MVP after winning the gold medals in the 10000 and 5000m runs and the 3000m steeplechase. Teammate Aprilen Laudencia was chosen as the Rookie of the Year after clinching the high jump gold and the silver medal in long jump. "We've won more gold medals than last year, and my athletes improved their personal best times," said FEU women’s coach and former Palarong Pambansa champion Roselyn Hamero, who also won her seventh straight title since taking over the Lady Tams in 2003. FEU also produced the tournament’s fastest woman in Hanelyn Loquinto, who topped the 100m and 200m runs, duplicating the feat of Ateneo’s Carlos Soriano. In the juniors division, University of the Philippines Integrated School tallied 308 points to complete its back-to-back title bid. Ateneo came in second (228) while UST placed third (190). Robert Miguel France Nasis led the Junior Maroons' title conquest and was declared the tournament MVP after winning the gold in triple and high jump, 800m run, and 400 meter hurdles. He also won the silver in the 110m hurdles, pole vault and 4x100m relay. – JVP, KY, GMANews.TV