CEBU, Philippines - Fresh from a successful campaign in a national event, the decorated members of the Cebu Blue Marlins continued to show strength as they took a huge lead in the early goings of the 1st Aquamundo Age-Group Swimfest at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday.
The CBM tankers tallied 2,288 points from the 18 golds, 16 silvers and 17 bronzes they hauled after racing in 32 events, so far.
Silliman University Swim Club is a far second with 1,098 points followed by the Bohol Dolphins with 359 points.
The Dipolog Blue Marlins occupied the fourth spot with 272 points, while Negros Oriental Blue Dolphins is at fifth place with 210 points.
The rest of the competing squads and their corresponding points are the University of San Jose-Recoletos with 158 points, Tepanee Beach Resort Swim Team with 103, Abellana National School with 54.67, Cebu International School with 41, Sea Knights with 20 points, and the Cebu Baby Dolphins Swim with 14.67 points.
CBM’s impressive run was courtesy of the splashing display of swimming savvy by Michael Ichiro Kong, Lyh Ann Navarro and Fritz Tamara with three golds apiece.
Beth May Arellano picked up two golds as Danielle Mae Ballesteros and Paula Abigail Vega handed over one gold each.
Little-known Gian Paolo Bagano also proved his worth to be part of coach Rolando Alvarez’s team as he bagged a gold so as with Joyce Huguete and Beverly Vasig.
CBM, on the other hand, clinched the first two relay golds through the boys 200m medley relay and the 400m medley relay, egding out Silliman in both races.
Silliman collected six golds through the efforts of Maikela Solomon,James Gravador, Kit Cavales, Sheena Rose Leduna, Michael Jorolan.
With the way things are going on, Alvarez is confident they will claim the overall championship even as his focus is divided having to make sure that the event is running smoothly being the tournament manager and at the same time checking on his wards’ performances. - THE FREEMAN