By: Desiree Mae Domingo, Prezylla Claris Bongbonga, Seth Estantino
Picture by: Rae Cza Gonatice, Gio Aaron De Guzman, Angelica Venice and Carol Sansano
The Urdaneta City Private Schools Athletic Meet, held at Divine Word College of Urdaneta, Inc. from October 10 to 11, 2024, showcased extraordinary talent and fierce competition. Athletes from across the City of Urdaneta gathered to compete, including those from International Colleges for Excellence, Inc., who achieved several record-breaking performances in athletics.
The ICE Athletics team, led by Sir Gilson Echalar, garnered 11 gold medals, 5 silvers, and 4 bronzes during the meet, accounting for almost half of ICE’s overall medals at UCPSAM 2024. The athletics events included six categories: shot put, javelin throw, discus throw, runs, high jump, triple jump, and long jump.
SHOT PUT
The first day of UCPSAM 2024 began with excitement as ICEan athletes made their mark in the shot put competition. Renzo Laforteza took the spotlight, surpassing his personal record with an impressive throw of 7.89 meters, beating his previous best of 7.88 meters. This achievement earned him the gold medal, eliciting cheers and applause from his fellow ICEans.
Reflecting on his performance, Renzo shared, “Medyo alinlangan ako sa sarili ko kasi sobrang sakit ng katawan ko. Nakayanan naman, na-beat ko pa high score ko! Never doubt! Kanina may doubt ako sa sarili ko kung tama ba itong ginagawa ko… at the end, you know that you can do it.” His determination shone through.
Not to be outdone, Carl Negranza also delivered a strong performance, achieving a solid throw of 6.50 meters. While he didn’t medal this time, his effort and skill demonstrated that he’s ready to improve in future events. Carl encouraged everyone with his words: “Believe na kaya mo! Kasi ikaw lang naman ang makakasama mo sa sarili mo at the end. Kumbaga, you’ll be there for yourself, and ikaw ang number one supporter mo sa sarili mo… so be there for you.”
RUNS
In the 100-meter dash elementary male category, Gabriel C. Garrovillo won the silver, representing the elementary category of ICE in UCPSAM. He is the only elementary student to have achieved a medal among the elementary participants. While in the 1500 meters dash secondary male category, Justine Orpiano was able to seize the gold representing the secondary male category. This marks the first gold in secondary male running for ICE. Another medal was secured in the 3000 meters dash, where Jovel earned a silver medal.
In the women’s division, Diana Rose Cruz was able to bag 3 golds under her name. 1 gold in 100-meters dash, 1 gold in 800-meters dash, and also a gold in 1500-meters dash. Diana Rose is indeed a marvelous runner after proving that she can manage to compete despite the exhaustion she felt. Her stamina and determination made a path for her to be one of the top runners in ICE. She is the only female representative in the secondary level for running.
“The result was worth celebrating. Sulit ‘yong pagod ng athletics team. As a coach I’m looking forward to bigger numbers in the next coming years. Despite some rules and mechanics being quite confusing, the team can still manage to have decent wins. All the glory belongs to the Lord.” said Coach Gilson Echalar, as he leads the runs with 4 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze.
JAVELIN
Competing in the high school male category, Julius Corpuz threw an impressive 32.63 meters, a distance that secured him in the top spot and clinched the gold medal in his first-ever javelin competition. His winning throw was his second personal best, instantly signaling his potential as a formidable competitor in the sport. With applause from the crowd, Julius couldn’t contain his emotions, reflecting the significance of this victory for him.
“Hindi ko akalain na magiging gold [medalist] ako diba s’yempre first javelin competition ko ito.” he admitted, still beaming with excitement “Pero masaya kasi hawak ko ang pangalan ng ICE, nakakaproud.”
Another medal from the same sport was secured in the elementary department male category played by Kian Ariel Leyson. His throw reached 10.23 meters that secured the third spot which gave him a bronze medal in the tournament.
DISCUS THROW
The discus competition, held at the oval, featured competitors from various grade levels from different schools, but it was the ICE’s high school men’s category that stole the spotlight. Gold medalist Janmar Xhanti Macanlalay and silver medalist Edrian Porsuelo not only delivered impressive performances but also showcased dedication and hard work during the competition.
Edrian’s throw hit 14.60 meters that earned him the silver medal. On the other hand, Janmar delivered a remarkable performance that secured him the gold medal with a throw of 18.18 meters.
JUMPS
In a breathtaking showcase of talent and athleticism, Manny James Naval and Diana Rose Cruz triumphed in the long jump competition at the UCPSAM 2024. Both athletes delivered remarkable performances, earning gold medals in their respective categories.
The competition featured some of the best athletes from across the city of Urdaneta, but Manny and Diana stood out with their impressive leaps. Manny, representing the high school division in the men’s category, soared to a distance of 4.58 meters. Meanwhile, Diana, competing for the high school division in the women’s category, jumped 4.20 meters, displaying her own talent and determination.
Both athletes also joined the triple jump competition securing the bronze and gold medal. Diana Rose Cruz has once again gained another gold medal as she competes in triple long jump secondary women’s category. Meanwhile, Manny James also managed to get a bronze medal in male category.
“What they did was so good! Hindi ko kaya iyon and I was truly mesmerized by their passion. Magaling silang dalawa.” Jhamer Dismaya, a student from ICE applauding these two athletes’ compassion to their sports.
The tournament wasn’t just about winning games, however, this event will help the students mold their personality and character trait as they will meet some endeavors in the same field that might make a change in their perspective as an athlete. An event like this has a major contribution on a student’s life.