Navaja, UC bets shine in CESAFI athletics tilt

CEBU, Philippines - Lindley Fran Navaja of the University of Cebu (UC) was hailed as the fastest man after dominating the century dash of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) athletics event yesterday at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) track oval in Mandaue City .

Navaja ruled the men's 100m race in10.9 seconds followed by his teammate Ernesto Ybañez in 11.1 seconds.

Navaja also secured the 200m gold medal with the time of 22.36 seconds.

 Aside from Navaja, UC hurdler Dharl Pitogo and jumper Irene Baluran also posted twin victories.

Pitogo dominated the 110m and 400m hurdles with a time of 15.39 seconds and 55.27 seconds, respectively, while Baluran reigned supreme in the long jump (5.08m) and high jump (1.33m) events. Jorie Icong and Princess Baroc of SWU as well as Lorna Olarita of USPF also bagged two golds apiece.

Icong won the steeplechase event with a time of 10 minutes and 25.39 seconds and the 1,500m run in four minutes and 20.78 seconds. Baroc dominated the shot put (7.35 m) and discuss throw (27.32m) events.

USPF’s Olarita stayed unbeaten in the 400m hurdles and 200- run with a time of one minute and 6.80 seconds and 26.25 seconds, respectively. Completing the list of gold medallists for UC were Ernesto Ybañez in long jump (6.67m), Erick Escorial in high jump (1.78m), Jason Giganto in javelin throw (33.58m) and Sheena Gacayan in 400m run (1:1.25 sec).

The other winners from USPF include Kenlee Parcon in 400m run (50 sec), Aiza Suaybaguio in 1,500m (5:11.94 sec) and Geronisio Padilla in 10K walkathon (1:1:14.47 seconds).

SWU’s Jess Gonzaga and Girlie Baylon also won golds in the 10K run and 5K walkathon, respectively. – (FREEMAN)