KEEPING THE CROWN in Mendiola, San Beda University (SBU) reasserted its dominance after clinching the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 overall championship during the turnover ceremony held last July 8 at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.
The University hauled eight golds, one silver, and one bronze to secure its second straight general title in the NCAA’s historic centennial season.
The Red Paddlers led the charge in both the men’s and women’s table tennis titles, anchored by their Most Valuable Players (MVPs), Matt Andrew Ramos and Danaia Reblora, with the latter also earning the Rookie of the Year titles.
The Lady Red Smashers also added to the haul by winning the badminton crown under MVP Isabella Pollentes and Coach of the Year Rocky Magnaye, while the men’s team bagged silver.
In chess, the Red Woodpushers reclaimed the gold medal, guided by their MVP, Lionel Escote, and Coach of the Year Ildefonso Datu. Aside from them, the Red Jins also dominated taekwondo, highlighted by rookie Leiron Capitle’s triple award and Rica Antonares’ MVP performance.
On the other hand, the Red Sea Lions also extended their dynasty in the NCAA’s swimming tournament, taking home its 21st men’s and 11th women’s championship, with Jennuel Booh De Leon and Ihiazel Fei Dolliente sweeping the MVP and individual awards.
In an interview with The Bedan, Dr. Diosdado “Tottie” M. Aler III, then-SBU Athletics Moderator, emphasized that the triumph reflects the unity of the Bedan community.
“Everybody loves a winner. Our Rector-President, Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, would always come up with a memorandum congratulating the athletes and even host a celebratory lunch for them. For me, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Season 100 or 101—what’s important is that we emerged as overall champions,” he said.
He also underscored that the victories go beyond individual players, attributing them not only to the coaches and the athletics office, but to the entire Bedan community.
When asked about the key to San Beda’s sustained success, Dr. Aler credited the discipline of its student-athletes, explaining that while coaches provide the motivation, the athletes “take on the challenge and deliver.”
Looking ahead to Season 101, Dr. Aler acknowledged the pressure of defending their title, looking onwards to maintain and achieve three straight championships.
“Three-peat—others are after our heads. All our rivals will be coming for us to deny that,” he expressed.
He left the athletes with words of conviction he often shares during orientations: “Success cannot be spelled without U, dear athletes. Continuous training is key. Remember, you may succeed if others don’t believe in you, but you will never succeed if you don’t believe in yourself. Internalize that, and this three-peat will be in the bag. Good luck, my dear student-athletes. You can make it. Make San Beda and the whole community proud. Go San Beda, fight!”