Baguio tanker shines in All-Star Challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Jeron Mercader of Baguio City became the first triple gold medalist, while the UP varsity team bagged overall honors among 41 teams on the first day of the PSL-DPS All Stars National Students Challenge yesterday at the Rizal Memorial pool.

Mercader took the gold in the 100m backstroke (1:02.32), 50m backstroke (28.29) and the 50m butterfly (27.82) in the competition which serves as the first national trials for the national team that will be trained for the Universiade in Russia next year.

La Salle Dasmariñas’ Jerome Magallanes clocked 1:10.08 to rule the 100m breaststroke while teammate Rizal Jun Jurado topped the 100m freestyle in 56.52.

In women’s division, UP garnered five gold medals from Claire Adorna, Tiara Bebony Tudio, Arian Velasquez, Joy Rodgers and Precilla Aquino, while the DPS had four golds from Kevin Claveria, Denjylie Cordero and Delia Angela Cordero.

Other medal winners were Paula Cayanan (Arellano University), Nathan Cheng (Baguio City High School), Samuel Gregory Onjoco (San Sebastian), Christen Mercado (Maranatha Christian Academy), Jaymee Ortega (La Purisima Conception Academy), Cherilyn Jurado (La Salle), Julianne Torres (Caloocan) and Emanuel Joshua Lorbes.

Education Undersecretary Atty. Tonisito Umali and Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag presented the medals along with DPS president Nikki Coseteng and PSL president Susan Papa.

Competitions resume today. The event is supported by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo Garcia,   Cafe Lupe, Just Thai, Nicorija Construction, Material Solution Inc., Develop Pinoy Swim and Waterfront Hotel Manila.