KARATEKAS OF THE University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R), University of Cebu (UC) and University of the Visayas (UV) gained seats to represent Cebu City in the regional Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) competition in Tagbilaran this December after ruling their respective events in the 2011 CESAFI karatedo championships.
The Jaguars bagged four gold medals in the individual kumite and one in the women’s team kumite. The gold medals were clinched by Lynie Narboada, who dominated the 55 kilograms category; Phelina Erika Regis, who reigned supreme in the 61 kg; John Eric Aquino, who bested his foes in the 75 kg.; and Mel Kassan Anchuvas, who ruled in the +84 kg category.
Narboada and Regis were also part of the USJ-R’s women’s team kumite that won the gold. They were joined by Julie-ann Japus.
The men’s team kumite gold medal went to UV represented by Michael Morales, Harold Florendo, Amelito Gella, John Rey Abasolo and Christian Mejala.
Other winners in the individual kumite event were UC’s Samuel Orillo in the 55 kg, UC’s Bryan Adam Eropena in the 60 kg and UV’s Mejala in the 67 kg.
The Webmasters, on the other hand, topped the individual and synchronize kata/bunkai. UC’s women’s team won the gold. It was composed of Ann Marie dela Riarte, Mary France Dajunan and Lorraine Parotina.
UC men’s team also won a gold. It was comprised by Orillo, Eropena and Reyland Sanchez.
In the secondary division, the Jaguars dominated both the kata and individual kumite.
Winning gold for their performance were Tracy Lynne Basalo in the 14-15 years old kata/kumite and Katelein Arsolon in the 12-13 years old kumite.
The competition was officiated by Ramon Franco, chairman of the National Referee Council. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON