By Nikki Olga C. Patricio
One goal is set for these determined and hard working athletes. With almost one year of preparation, marshaled focus is settled on their hearts and minds for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72.
Far Eastern University (FEU)’s set of strong suited Tracksters are all ready to challenge their sixth championship crown.
According to Head Coach Rosito Andaya, he never fails to motivate his players guiding them during trainings on how to improve themselves. After one year of training, flowing from gradual, light, to hard; they are up and ready to start performance trails on the last week of January.
Rendering improvements
FEU hoarded 143 points to bag the overall championship in the Men’s and Women’s divisions of the National Open Invitational Athletic Championship at the Narciso Ramos Civic and Sports Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan last May.
As defending champions, the National Open experience granted them some shed of the limelight giving them confidence and exposure. It helped them not only in skills but it also in gaining discipline and tightness as a team.
“We train hard for our goal. Malaki ‘yung improvement namin compared last year. Naka-join din kami sa ibang tourney for exposure (We train hard for our goal. We improved a lot compared last year and we also joined tourneys for exposure),” Team Captain Oliver Garcia said when asked about the team’s performance during trainings.
The Tams focused in recuperating more on sprints and long distance since they need to pick up further on those grounds. Dominant veterans consisting of Garcia, Charlie Ducusin, Romnick Herida, and Giovanni Andaya remain to govern and rally support to their rookies.
Stumbling blocks
Injuries and lack of concentration during the game are the possible hurdles for the Tamaraw Tracksters. Every player is constantly reminded to maintain their superior state and to be directed in every event.
“So far we are in good condition and mine-maintain namin ‘yun hanggang sa game. Kasi ‘yung team namin is well disciplined and everyone is willing to contribute a point for the team and for the FEU Tamaraws (So far we are in good condition and we try to maintain it until the game. The team is well-disciplined and everyone is willing to contribute for the team and for FEU),” Garcia shared.
According to Garcia, their potential rival for the championship crown is Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU). The Tamaraws finds ADMU’s sprints, pole vault and throwing events challenging, enough for them to be considered as their closest rival.
Although challenged, FEU Tracksters remain positive in leading home the gold. “Lamang pa rin kami sa kanila pagdating sa winning. Kasi may mga event kami na hindi nila mapantayan, that is for the long distance (We are still of advantage. There are events where we excel and they experience difficulties such as the long distance),” Garcia said
With strong hearts, this season’s line of Tracksters is all primed for action. Equipped with steadfast cooperation, focus, and discipline, the Tamaraws are all in for a another limelight—holding another championship trophy.