Jose Rizal sweeps field events, rules NCAA athletics

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal swept all the field events in centerpiece athletics to win for the third straight time the NCAA track and field competitions at the Philsports oval in Pasig City.

John Mantua and Diones brothers Mark Harry and Melbert combined for five gold medals helping the Mandaluyong-based school in its three-peat feat.

Jose Rizal, which won its first two track and field crowns with accumulated points of 627 and 752, was more dominant this year, amassing 854.5 points against runner-up Perpetual Help’s 786.

“We’re improving each year, thanks to the continuous support of Jose Rizal and our supporters,” said Jojo Posadas, who coaches the team along with wife former multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Elma Muros-Posadas.

Mantua, a 19-year-old proud son of General Santos City who is a former Palarong Pambansa golden boy, copped the discus throw gold with a 40.61-meter heave and later bagged the shot put mint with a 13.56-m throw.

Mark Harry Diones, a 20-year-old native of Naga City, likewise annexed a pair of triumphs, reigning supreme in the discus throw in 40.61-m and high jump in 1.95-m.

Diones’ elder brother, 21-year-old Melbert, ruled long jump where he leapt 14.52-m for the gold, adding to the bronze he grabbed in the triple jump.

Melbert has played his fifth and last year for Jose Rizal, helping the school win multiple golds in the sport.

“It’s his last year so I guess he went out with a bang. We’re proud and thankful to him for his efforts and hard work,” said Posadas of Melbert.

Melvin Calano won the javelin gold in 61.44-m while Aries Camporedondo and Edward Paler chipped in a silver apiece in discus throw and shot put, respectively.

Also contributing to the Bombers’ cause were the 400-m hurdle silver of Jay Ebora, 400m bronze of Aldrin Rey, 5K  bronze of Albert Valencia, 3K steeplechase silver of Roldan Verano and bronze by Rudyfer Hernandez.

“It’s a proud feeling winning the track and field competition for the third straight year. The whole Jose Rizal community is proud of our athletes’ accomplishments,” said Jose Rizal athletic director Paul Supan.