DLSU-D runners bow down to UAAP schools in 21st UniGames
It was a gloomy day for the DLSU-D athletics squad as Lady Patriots Jasmin Martinez and Marimar Manzano ran short of a medal against University of the Philippines Diliman and University of Santo Tomas tracksters in the 21st Philippine University Games (UniGames) 200-meter dash women’s division at the Macias Percides Coliseum, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, earlier this morning.
Patriots Martinez and Manzano competed for the 200-meter run but placed sixth with 27.04 seconds and fourth with 26.67, respectively.
Short on time
DLSU-D athletics head coach Arnold Villarube shared the reason for the loss, saying their participation in the national league was declared late.
“Do’n sa mga hindi nakakuha ng medal, ang cause lang naman no’n, ‘yong kulang sa ensayo … Dati naman medalists naman ‘yang mga ‘yan [sa UniGames]. [I-improve ko sila], patakbuhin, pa-weights-in, ‘yon lang naman ‘yon, sundin ‘yong program. Tested naman ‘yong program kaya 4-peat champion kami sa Nationals,” coach Villarube added.
In preparation for UniGames, coach Villarube said that he primed his players mentally, knowing that they were about to face teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
The former international athlete shared, “Una, focus sa game … kailangan kasi prepared mentally [rin] … nandiyaan lang naman ang problema, ‘di naman mawawala ‘yan. Sa laro, kung ano ang pinag-ensayuhan, ‘yon ang gagawin. ‘Wag isipin ang kalaban, isipin ang gagawin ng katawan, ang technique mo, paano ma-e-execute ‘yong technique, [at] paano mo i-de-deliver ‘yong distribution ng laro mo.”
Closing DLSU-D’s athletics stint in UniGames, Patriot Ralph Gesulgun will put his strength to the test in the javelin throw competition tomorrow, October 27, at the same arena.
