Powerhouse UC leads Cesafi athletic events

THE vaunted athletics squad of the University of Cebu captured a combined 15 gold medals to lead the collegiate and high school divisions and shattered two meet records in yesterday’s start of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation (CESAFI) track and field competition at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in Canduman.

Leading UC’s charge was Dharl Pitogo who won two collegiate golds in the 110 and 400m hurdles both in record fashion. Pitogo broke his previous record of 15.50 seconds in the 110 hurdles with a new time of 15.39. He also shattered George Pinanonang’s 2005 record of 55.70 secs. in the 400m hurdles clocking 55.27 secs.

Irene Baluran also bagged two gold medals in the long and high jump in 5.08m and 1.33m respectively. The multi-titled Lindly Fran Navaja topped the 200m run in 22.46 seconds.

Sheena Gacayan also added to UC’s haul after topping the 400m run while Jason Higanto ruled the discuss throw in 33.58m.

Meanwhile, Jorry Ycong led Southwestern University’s harvest of six golds yesterday by topping in the 1,500m and 3,000m steeple chase in 4:20.78 and 10:25.49 respectively.

Ycong’s teammate Girlie Rose Baylon topped the 5-kilometer women’s walk (31:41.84); Jess Gonzaga ruled the 10,000m run (35:07.80) while Princess Baruc bagged golds in shot put (7.35m) and discus throw (27.32m).

University of Southern Philippines-Foundation hauled four gold medals courtesy of Lorna Olareta, Aiza Suaybaguio and Kenly Parcon.

Olareta topped the 200m run in 26.25 seconds and set a new record in the 400m hurdles with 1:06.80 breaking her previous mark of 1:08. Suaybaguio won the 1,500m run.

UC’s secondary athletics squad is also leading the tally with eight gold medals courtesy of Roy Villahermosa,  Jercell Cabatino, Stella Marie Malingin, Kristie Kaye Vinco, and Jelena Joy Dagatan.

Villahermosa won two gold medals in the 400m hurdles and 400m run and bagged a silver in the 110m hurdles. Cabatino also won two gilts for UC by topping the boys long jump and high jump events. Malingin topped the long jump girls, Vinco won the high jump while Dagatan ruled the discus throw and shotput finals.

The other track and field events will continue today at the same venue.  /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL