MAKING WAVES YET again, the San Beda Red Sea Lions continued their dominance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Swimming Tournament, successfully defending their titles in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions from December 10 to 13 at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila City.
The Red Sea Lions secured their 21st consecutive crown in the Men’s division, while the Women’s squad claimed their 11th straight title, amassing a total of 32 gold, 16 silver, and 21 bronze medals.
Record-breaking performances from three Bedan MVPs were highlighted in the three-day swimming competition. Starting with Ihiazel Fei Dolliente of the Women’s team, the debuting swimmer broke three new NCAA records, earning the award of the Most Records Broken for the Women’s division,
Along with the titles of Most Bemedalled Swimmer with six golds and one silver, Most Outstanding Swimmer, and Women’s Division Most Valuable Player (MVP), Dolliente also managed to achieve the Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year nod.
In an interview with The Bedan, she expressed how the motivation that boosted her performance came from the phrases, “‘Wag kang matakot matalo” and “‘Wag kang matakot sumubok,” which she often hears from her coaches every after training session.
In the Men’s division, Jennuel Booh De Leon asserted dominance by breaking three NCAA records in the process. He was also awarded as the Most Bemedalled Swimmer with a medal tally of four golds and three bronze, followed by the award of Most Outstanding Swimmer and the Men’s Division MVP.
De Leon, who also made his freshman season debut, also clinched the title of Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year.
He shared that the pressure was “tough” as it took him a lot of “self-discipline” to push through while dealing with minor injuries and fatigue. Still, he believes that “It’s an incredible honor to be part of this milestone and contribute to NCAA history. [It] is something I’ll always be proud of. It’s proof that all the hard work was worth it.”
Following their success in Season 100, Head Coach Dondon Roxas expressed his “gratitude” to the support they received in their campaign, saying “We are very privileged and immensely grateful to partake in this milestone for the 100th season of NCAA as much as we’re all grateful to our very generous and supportive team manager, Sir James Sy, the alumni, and parents. I love this team and am proud of the performances and record-breaking swims.”
He concluded by sharing what’s in store for the Red Sea Lions’ preparations for another pressure-filled NCAA swimming season, saying “We, as coaches, make sure that we are always ready to face the challenges and pressures every time we compete. However, a coach wouldn’t be called as a ‘coach’ if it weren’t for the athletes that make up a team. We will continue to strengthen our swimmers with ‘Ora et Labora’ (Prayer and work) for the future seasons of the NCAA.”