JRU eyes to extend dynasty in 90th NCAA athletics tiff

MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal University seeks to extend their reign as athletics champion for the fifth straight year when the 90th NCAA track and field competition unfurls Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Led by Domingo Cabradilla's three-gold feat, the Kalentong-based athletes captured their fourth title in row and left behind St. Benilde, Perpetual Help, San Sebastian and Letran by a mile that underscored their domination of the centerpiece event.

Jojo Posadas, who is coaching the Bombers along with wife and former national team track star Elma Muros-Posadas, said he expects a tougher challenge this year.

"We expect a tougher field this season but we will do our best to win it again this year," said Posadas in Filipino.

NCAA Management Committee chair Paul Supan of Jose Rizal, for his part, said he expects athletes with national team potential to come out this year.

"We're very happy with the level of competition over the years because we're really getting highly competitive," said Supan. "Hopefully, we could continue to contribute athletes to the national team this year."

Mapua athletic director and NCAA Mancom member Melchor Divina, who chairs the committee hosting athletics this season, said a total of eight gold medals will be up for grabs in this three-day event.

Gold medals will be won in seniors pole vault and long jump and juniors discus throw and long jump in the morning events while four more – seniors discus throw and 100 meters and juniors 100m and 2000m steeplechase – in the afternoon events.

"We expect an exciting edition this year," said Divina.