STUDENT-ATHLETES FROM THE San Beda Red Smashers and Red Tracksters stepped onto the national stage, serving as national delegates for their respective cities during the Philippine National Games held last December 19 to 22, 2023.
Arjay Philip Lazareto, Mel David De Vera, Krenz Valena, and Joaquin Pollentes of the Red Smashers competed in the Men’s division, while Isabella Pollentes, Lharrene Sales, and Elayssa Morada participated in the Women’s division. The majority of the team were endorsed by and represented Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, with the exception of Lazareto, who represented Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The Red Smashers demonstrated exemplary performance against their competition, with Krenz Pollentes and Valena making it to round 16. Lazareto advanced to the quarterfinals stage of the Men’s double division, and Women’s Team Captain Pollentes reached the Women’s singles quarterfinals.
Ultimately, Men’s team captain Lazareto secured a podium finish, bagging the bronze medal. Following his run, Lazareto shared a story about his National Games outing after being injured in a prior competition.
“Sabi n’ung PT Doctor ‘ko, ‘magpahinga ka,’ so hindi talaga ko pwede maglaro sa National Games.” However, he added that with the persistence of his coaches in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, he was able to compete. “So lakasan talaga ng loob, hindi ako prepared. Surprisingly, nakatalo kami ng mga big names and big schools,” he shared in an interview. Overjoyed, Lazareto shared his emotions, saying, “Ang naging mindset ko during that time was to get ready and play the game at my best.”
Meanwhile, sharing her thoughts on their competition, Isabella Pollentes was honored to have been endorsed by their city, along with her fellow Smashers, to be the representative for the National Games. “It’s an honor to have that support, to actually get to play in the Philippine National Games,” she detailed, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play against big names. “Nakatalo rin ako ng mga universities,” despite falling short in the quarterfinals against the De La Salle University (DLSU), whose skills she commended.
On the other hand, the track team’s hard work and commitment to the sport proved fruitful, after bagging a total of three gold medals, two bronze medals, and setting new personal records in numerous events.
Moreover, David Paul Matibag achieved two gold medals during the 800-meter run and 4x400m mixed relay, and John Rey Cano earned a gold medal running the 4x400m relay men under-20 category. In addition, bronze medals were also clinched by Jimmy Bas, as well as Matibag, who both ran the 4x400m relay, all in the “elite” category.
Breaking personal best records are athletes Patrick Bilches, who exceeded his past record in the long jump with a leap of 7:20 meters, and Bas, who set a new personal record in the 3000m steeplechase event.
Beyond the competition, Arjay shared that their Bedan camaraderie remained the same, “yung bond pa rin namin sa court is still the same,” noting that for the Smashers, their main priority is their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament, while the Red Tracksters await their turn.
(With Nathaniel Soriano & Prince Piolo Tagarino)