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* [[Gec Chia]] - 1998-2002 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion; currently playing for the [[Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]])
* [[Gec Chia]] - 1998-2002 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion; currently playing for the [[Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]])
* [[Chris "Epok" Quimpo]]-1998-2002 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
* [[Chris "Epok" Quimpo]]-1998-2002 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
* [[Wesley Gonzales]] - 1998-2003 (currently playing for the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]]; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
* [[Wesley Gonzales]] - 1998-2003 (currently playing for the [[Air 21 Express]]; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
* [[Rich Alvarez]] - 1999-2003 ('''2000-2001 UAAP MVP''', 2004-2005 [[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]] Rookie of the Year, currently playing for [[Ginebra Gin Kings]]; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
* [[Rich Alvarez]] - 1999-2003 ('''2000-2001 UAAP MVP''', 2004-2005 [[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]] Rookie of the Year, currently playing for [[Air21 express]]; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
* [[Paolo Bugia]] - 1999-2004 (played for [[San Miguel Beermen]] in the PBA; awarded a citation as the only active player to finish an MBA degree)
* [[Paolo Bugia]] - 1999-2004 (played for [[San Miguel Beermen]] in the PBA; awarded a citation as the only active player to finish an MBA degree)


Revision as of 04:47, 28 July 2010

Ateneo Blue Eagles
Logo of Ateneo Blue Eagles
SchoolAteneo de Manila University
LeagueUAAP
Joined1978
NCAA founding member - 1924
LocationLoyola Heights, Quezon City
Team colorsBlue and White   
Women's teamLady Eagles
Juniors' teamBlue Eaglets
Seniors' general championships
Juniors' general championships
  • UAAP: 2
    (2000-01, 2001-02)
  • NCAA: : 2
    (1967-68, 1976-77)

The Ateneo Blue Eagles is the name of the men's varsity teams that play for the Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. The Ateneo was the first Philippine school to adopt a mascot, and was also the first school to field an organized cheering squad in the Philippines.[1][2][3][4][5]

Member Various Athletic Associations

The Ateneo de Manila University is a member of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, where it fields teams in all events. It was also a founding member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which was founded in 1924. The Ateneo left the NCAA in 1978 due to the league-wide violence prevalent at the time, and then joined the UAAP in the same year.[5]

Aside from the UAAP, the Ateneo also participates in the Father Martin Cup, Nike Summer League, Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Cup and the Shakey's V-League. Different university units also field teams in leagues such as RIFA (football), PAYA and PRADA (basketball), the Inter-MBA Friendship Games, various inter-university golf tournaments.[citation needed] The Ateneo also fields teams to the Jesuit Athletic Meet, an athletic meet of the different Jesuit schools in the Philippines.

Mascot and Colors

Ateneo de Manila's teams were called the Blue and Whites until the late 1930s when the Ateneo adopted the Blue Eagle as its mascot.[1][2]

Blue and white, being the colors of the school's patroness Mary, were chosen as the school's colors. The Ateneo Blue Eagles are sometimes called the Hail Mary Team by the sports press.

The choice of an eagle as school mascot holds iconic significance. .It is a reference to the "high-flying" basketball team which would "sweep the fields away" as a dominating force. Furthermore, there was some mythological— even political—significance to the eagle as a symbol of power..[6]

Basketball

File:Ateneo Blue Eagles NCAA 1975 (1610969012).jpg
The 1975 Blue Eagles, NCAA seniors' champions.

Rivals

The Blue Eagles have had many rivalries over time. Before the NCAA was founded, the Ateneans' fiercest basketball rivals were the UP Fighting Maroons.[7]

During the early days of the NCAA, the Blue Eagles developed a rivalry with the San Beda Red Lions as they traded championships in the 1930s. Then, a small rivalry began with the De La Salle Green Archers when they scored an upset win over Ateneo in the 1939-1940 season of the NCAA. After this, the Blue Eagles and the Red Lions would continue to win championships and other schools such as Jose Rizal College would come up with championship seasons of their own. That 1939 upset by De La Salle planted the seed for a new rivalry that continues to this day in the UAAP.[7]

The games between the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers are among the most anticipated matches in every UAAP season. During the 1988 season, Ateneo was the defending champion and they faced La Salle in the Finals. A deep Ateneo lineup ended up winning the crown and triggered the start of their UAAP rivalry that remains as hot as ever. Recently, the rivalry has picked up once more as both Ateneo and La Salle have become frequent UAAP Final Four participants,[citation needed] even clashing in the UAAP Finals in 2001 (won by La Salle), 2002 (won by Ateneo), and 2008 (won by Ateneo). The UAAP is often guaranteed high TV ratings and high ticket sales when Ateneo and La Salle clash on the hardcourt.[citation needed]

Records

Ateneo currently has 46 combined NCAA (23) and UAAP (23) basketball titles, which include championships won in men's, women's and juniors' basketball divisions. This is more than the total number of titles held by University of Santo Tomas, which has 42 (40 UAAP and 2 NCAA), San Beda College, which has 30 (all in the NCAA, of which it is currently a member), University of the East which also has 30 titles, all in the UAAP, Colegio de San Juan de Letran with 26 (all in the NCAA, of which it is currently a member), Far Eastern University with 25, all in the UAAP and De La Salle University, which has 23 (10 in the NCAA and 13 in the UAAP).

Ateneo has also won 6 double championships. These were years when both the Blue Eagles and the Blue Eaglets won the championship in the same year. Double championships were won in 1933, 1937, 1975, 1976, 2008 and 2009. The years 1975 and 1976 were doubly significant as Ateneo not only won double championships but was also a back-to-back double champion, a feat that they repeated with championships in both the seniors and juniors divisions in 2008 and 2009 in the UAAP.

In men's basketball, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have won 14 NCAA titles and 5 UAAP titles, for a total of 19.The Blue Eagles became 3-peat champions when they won the title in 1931, 1932 and 1933. They have also won back-to-back titles 5 times. Three were won in the NCAA (1953 and 1954, 1957 and 1958, 1975 and 1976) and two in the UAAP (1987 and 1988, 2008 and 2009).

In juniors basketball, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets have 9 NCAA titles (includes a Midgets title won in 1924) and 16 UAAP titles, for a total of 25. The Blue Eaglets were 4-peat champions having won the title in 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986.They were also 3-peat champions after winning the title in 1978, 1979 and 1980. Six times, they won back-to-back titles, 1933 and 1934, 1937 and 1938, 1975 and 1976, 1999 and 2000, 2003 and 2004, 2008 and 2009 . In the UAAP, the Blue Eaglets hold the record for the longest Finals appearance.They were in the Finals in 11 consecutive seasons, from 1994 (season 57) to 2004 (season 67). They also swept the elimination round 5 times (1984, 1986, 1997, 1999 and 2006).

In women's basketball, the Ateneo Lady Eagles have 2 UAAP titles. They were champions in 2005 and 2007.

In addition to the NCAA and UAAP championships, recent victories of the Blue Eagles include the back-to-back titles in the annual University Games in 2008 and 2009, the national championships of the 2007 Collegiate Champions League and its successor, the Philippine Collegiate Champions League, in 2009, the 2008 Nike Summer League and the Fr. Martin Summer Cup in 2006 and 2010.

Notable Players

1920s

  • Ambrosio Padilla - 1927-1930 (former Olympian; Team Captain, 1936 Philippine Summer Olympics Basketball team, 5th place; Team captain, Ateneo de Manila basketball team, 1928 NCAA champion; former Philippine Senator)

1930s

  • Robert "Bobby" Jones - 1934-1937 (former Olympian; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1982)
  • Andres Francisco - 1936-1939 (Coach, Ateneo Blue Eaglets, 1957-1961; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)

1940s

  • Luis "Moro" Lorenzo - 1947-1950 (named Mr. Basketball of the Philippines by the sports Press in 1948, 1949 and 1950 NCAA MVP; Team Captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1950; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1979)
  • Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan - 1945-1948 (member, Philippine World Basketball Championship team, 1959; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1979)
  • Antonio Ma. "Chole" Gaston - 1949-1952 (Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1988)
  • Jose "Poch" Estella III - 1949-1952 (Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)

1950s

  • Jose Ma. "Rusty" Cacho - 1950-1953 (Team Captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1953; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1985)
  • Miguel "Mike" Littaua, Jr. - 1950-1953 (Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1994)
  • Honesto "Ness" Mayoralgo - 1951-1954 (Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1985)
  • Fernando Villareal - 1951-1954 (Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)
  • Ramchand Motoomull - 1952-1955
  • Francisco "Frankie/Paking" Rabat - 1953-1956 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1953 and 1954) NCAA champions; Dubbed by the sports press as the Rajah of Rebounds; member, 1954 Philippine national basketball team - 3rd place, FIBA World Championship in Brazil; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame)
  • Quinteliano "Tiny" Literal - 1953-1954 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1953 and 1954) NCAA champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Mario Ballesteros - 1953-1954 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1953 and 1954) NCAA champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2002)
  • Fernando "Ando" Hernaez - 1954-1958 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA back-to-back (1957-1958) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Jose Ma. Gayoso - 1954-1957 (Team Captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle Team, 1956; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA 1957 champion; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)
  • Edgardo "Ed" Ocampo - 1955-1958 (Team Captain, back-to-back NCAA basketball champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, 1957-1958; named Mr. Basketball Philippines and Mr. Football Philippines by the sports Press; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1982)
  • Jaime "Jimmy" Pestano - 1955-1958 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA back-to-back (1957-1958) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Roberto "Bobby" Littaua - 1955-1958 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA back-to-back (1957 and 1958) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1997)
  • Miguel "Mike" Jalandoni - 1957-1959 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA back-to-back (1957-1958) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Antonio "Tony" Jose - 1957-1960 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA back-to-back (1957-1958) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Cristino "Cris" Arroyo - 1957-1960 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team. NCAA back-to-back (1957-1958) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1994)
  • Edmundo "Dody" Agcaoili - 1957-1961 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1958 and 1961 NCAA champion; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1977)
  • Amado "Dodo" Martelino - 1958-1961 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1958 and 1961 NCAA champion; Co-Captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1961; Basketball player of the Year, 1961; 1961 NCAA MVP; Nominated Mr. Basketball Philippines, 1961; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame,1997)
  • Jose Ramon "Boogie" Pamintuan - 1958-1961 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, NCAA 1958 champion; Team Captain Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1961 NCAA champion; Athlete of the Year 1959, 1960 and 1961; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)

1960s

  • Felix Flores - 1960-1963 (member, Philippine Olympic Team, 1965: member, Philippine ABC Team, 1969: Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1997)
  • Jimmy Alabanza - 1963-1966 (1966 NCAA MVP- scored 35 points in a game versus La Salle; Captain Ball, Ateneo Blue Eagles, 1966; Recognized as one of the basketball greats by sports writers in the 60s; An athlete for all seasons - played in four Ateneo varsity teams in the NCAA (basketball, football, volleyball and track & field); Founding member, Ateneo college Fencing Club; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1994; Past President, Ateneo Sports Foundation, 2002-2006)
  • Frank Harn - 1966-1969 (Team captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA champion; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Luis "Chito" Afable, Jr. - 1967-1970 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA Champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1994)
  • Lyle "Jun" Ross, Jr. - 1967-1970 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA Champion; Co-Captain of the 1970 Ateneo Blue Eagles; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Richard "Ricky" Palou - 1967-1970 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA Champion; played pro basketball in the PBA; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1997; Ateneo Athletic Director, 2008-present)
  • Marte Samson - 1968-1969 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA Champions; member 1970 RP Youth Team, 1971 and 1972 Philippine Basketball Team; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Ricardo "Joy" Cleofas - 1968-1969 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA Champion; member, 1970 RP Youth Team; member, 1972 Philippine Summer Olympics team, Munich; member, 1973 Philippine ABC team, Champion; member, 1974 Philippine World Basketball Championship team; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Francis Arnaiz - 1969 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1969 NCAA Champion; member, 1973 Philippine ABC team, Champion; member, 1974 Philippine World Basketball Championship team; Nine time PBA champion)

1970s

  • Manuel Estrella - 1974-1977 (member, back-to-back NCAA basketball champion Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 1975 and 1976; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)
  • Bernardo "Joy" Carpio - 1974-1977 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1975 and 1976) NCAA champions; played pro basketball in the PBA)
  • Matthew "Fritz" Gaston - 1974-1977 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1975 and 1976) NCAA champions; played pro basketball in the PBA; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Andres "Chito" Narvasa, Jr. - 1974-1977 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back NCAA basketball champion, 1975 and 1976; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2000)
  • Manolito "Pons" Valdes, Jr. - 1974-1977 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1975 and 1976) champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)
  • Federico "Padim" Israel, Jr. - 1975-1977 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1975 and 1976) champions; played pro basketball in the PBA)
  • Louis Philippe "Louie" Rabat - 1975-1978 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1975 and 1976) NCAA champions)
  • Stephen "Steve" Watson - 1975-1977 (1976 NCAA MVP; member, Ateneo Blue Eagles, back-to-back (1975 and 1976) NCAA champions: Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame 2000)

1980s

  • Jojo Lastimosa - 1981-1982 (member, PBA's 25 Greatest Players), currently with the coaching staff of Alaska Aces - PBA.
  • Vincent "Chot" Reyes - 1981-1984 (Philippines national basketball team and Talk 'N Text Phone Pals head coach; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2006)
  • Emilio "Nonoy" Chuatico - 1982-1988 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2009)
  • Gilbert "Jun" Reyes, Jr. - 1985-1989 (1987-1988 UAAP MVP, member, Ateneo Blue Eagles, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions)
  • Alejandro "Alex" Araneta - 1985-1988 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2009)
  • Joseph Kenneth "Jet" Nieto - 1985-1988 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2009)
  • Joseph "Sef" Canlas - 1985-1989 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 2009)
  • Jaime "Jayvee" Gayoso - 1987-1988 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions)
  • Enrique "Eric" Reyes - 1986-1990 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions)
  • Daniel "Danny" Francisco - 1987-1988 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions)
  • Rodericko "Olsen" Racela - 1987-1992 (member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, back-to-back (1987 and 1988) UAAP Champions, currently playing pro basketball with San Miguel in the PBA)

1990s

2000s

  • Larry Fonacier - 2000-2004 (2005-2006 PBA Rookie of the Year; currently playing for the Alaska Aces; co-Finals MVP, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
  • Magnum Membrere 2000-2005 (currently playing for the Red Bull Barako)
  • LA Tenorio - 2001-2005 (currently playing for the Alaska Aces; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
  • J.C. Intal - 2002-2006 (currently playing for the Barangay Ginebra Kings; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
  • Doug Kramer - 2002-2006 (currently playing for Barangay Ginebra Kings; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
  • Macky Escalona - 2002-2006 (currently playing for the Barangay Ginebra Kings; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2002 UAAP Champion)
  • Claiford "Ford" Arao - 2003-2007 (2007 UAAP Most Improved Player)
  • Japeth Aguilar - 2004-2005 (transferred to Western Kentucky University in 2006, drafted by the Burger King Whoppers)
  • Chris Tiu - 2003-2008 (Team captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008 UAAP Champion; Awardee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, Plaque of Recognition for excellence in sports and academics, 2009), currently playing for the national developmental team Smart-Gilas.
  • Yuri Escueta - 2004-2008 (Co-captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008 UAAP Champion)
  • Rabeh Al-Hussaini - 2005-2009 (2008 UAAP MVP, 2009 UAAP Finals MVP; member, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008-2009 UAAP Champion)
  • Jai Reyes - 2005-2009 (2005 UAAP Rookie of the Year; Co-captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008-2009 UAAP Champion, 2009 NCCL MVP)
  • Nonoy Baclao - 2007-2009 (2008 UAAP Finals MVP; 2008 Smart Defensive Player of the Year; Co-captain, Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008-2009 UAAP Champion)
  • Eric Salamat - 2007-present (Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008-2009 UAAP Champion)
  • Ryan Buenafe - 2008-present (2008 UAAP Rookie of the Year; Ateneo Blue Eagle team, 2008-2009 UAAP Champion)

UAAP Season 65 (2002-2003)

In Season 65, Joel Banal took over the reins of Joe Lipa after the Blue Eagles lost to La Salle in the Season 64 finals. The Blue Eagles were off to a good start, but consecutive losses earned them a 4-5 win-loss record. They started to lose hope of even making it to the Final Four. However, through practice and hard work, they won their last 5 games and was the third seed in the Final Four with a 9-5 record.

Final Four

In the Final Four, they faced second seed UE, who had a twice-to-beat advantage. In the first game, they beat UE, 84-78. In the second game on September 22, 2002, it was a close game, with the score tied at 70 with 7.8 seconds left. Paul Artadi made a crucial turnover, which gave possession to the blue shirts. LA Tenorio, under pressure, passed the ball to Gec Chia who evaded Ronald Tubid, and made an unforgetable last second shot which sent the Blue Eagles into the Finals against La Salle once again.

Finals

In Game 1 on September 26, 2002, the Blue Eagles were down 52-60 at the start of the fourth quarter. A three-point shot by Larry Fonacier and back-to-back fastbreaks by Sonny Tadeo and LA Tenorio cut La Salle's lead to one, 59-60. Near the end of the fourth quarter, Ateneo was able to grab the lead. Enrico Villanueva then made a crucial three-point play which increased their lead, 69-64. With just 9.2 seconds left in the game and the Blue Eagles leading, 72-70, Mac Cardona had the ball and a chance to either go for the tie or for the win. However, his shots were blocked by Larry Fonacier, sealing the Blue Eagles' win.

In Game 2 on September 29, 2002, it was Mike Cortez's game as La Salle won, 85-77, despite Larry Fonacier's 25 points. The series was tied at 1-1.

In the third and final game of the championship series and of the season on October 5, 2002, both teams were hot with their three-point field goals. The Blue Eagles were leading, 70-62, with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter. A three-pointer by Epok Quimpo increased the lead to 11 and the Ateneo crowd went wild, sensing victory. With 6 seconds left in the ballgame, Larry Fonacier put the finishing touches by converting two free throws. The Blue Eagles won their fairytale season, with the final score 77-70. Fonacier was Finals MVP together with Wesley Gonzales.

UAAP Season 71 (2008-2009) Double Championship

Seniors

In season 71, the Blue Eagles were unbeaten past the mid-way of the 1st round of eliminations. On the Blue Eagles' sixth game of the season on July 31, 2008, their 5-game winning streak was halted by a loss to the FEU Tamaraws, 72-66, despite Rabeh Al-Hussaini's 33 points and 20 rebounds. The Blue Eagles having only one loss, finished the first round elimination on top of the standings, with a 6 wins 1 loss record. In the second round elimination, the Blue Eagles beat all opponents to end the two-round eliminations with a 13-1 win-loss record. This put them on top of the standings and gave them a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final 4 round. It also put them on record as having swept all their opponents except FEU in the elimination rounds. More importantly, the sweep included their arch-rival De La Salle Green Archers.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles with a twice-to-beat advantage routed the UE Red Warriors in game 1 of the semifinals, 70-50, to advance to the Finals. In Game 1 of the Finals, they beat La Salle with a score of 69-61. The game was dominated by Rabeh Al-Hussaini, season 71 MVP, who scored 31 points. The Blue Eagles were crowned the UAAP season 71 champions after beating the Green Archers again in game 2, 62-51. It marked the third time in four title meetings that the Blue Eagles bested the Green Archers. They beat the Green Archers in the 1988 and 2002 Finals. The Blue Eagles also completed a sweep of the Green Archers in their four meetings in Season 71.

Ateneo won all the individual UAAP awards for Season 71 in the men's basketball category. Rabeh Al-Hussaini won the season MVP Award and the Most Improved Player Award. Nonoy Baclao garnered the Finals MVP Award and the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Ryan Buenafe was chosen Rookie of the Year. Finally, Chris Tiu and Al-Hussaini were in the Mythical Five.

Juniors

The Blue Eaglets finished the eliminations tied with De La Salle Zobel, both with a 12-2 win-loss record. They, however, earned the No.1 seed in the Final Four due to a higher quotient. Their only losses were against DLSZ, 77-74, in the first round and against FEU, 90-87, in the second round. The Blue Eaglets defeated the Adamson Baby Falcons 78-45 to earn a slot in the UAAP Juniors' Basketball Finals. They swept the FEU-FERN Baby Tamaraws in the Finals, 72-62 and 71-60, to win their 15th UAAP title.

UAAP Season 72 (2009-2010) Double Championship

Seniors

First Round Eliminations

The Blue Eagles started season 72 with a three-game winning streak. On the second day of the opening games last July 12, 2009, they began the defense of their crown with a close 63-59 win over the highly favored FEU Tamaraws. In their second game which was against the UE Red Warriors on July 16, 2009, they rallied from a 17-point deficit and went on to beat the Warriors by 15 points, 72-57. Reigning Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini led all scorers with 27 points. In game 3, the Blue Eagles routed the UST Growling Tigers, 93-77. Point guard Emman Monfort, who was recalled for duty in UAAP season 72 from Team B, did the most damage to the Growling Tigers with his 6 treys and a career-high 20 points. This winning streak was stopped by a loss to the UP Fighting Maroons, 58-68, on July 26, 2009. After this loss, the Blue Eagles were again on a winning mode. They defeated the Adamson Falcons, 61-51 on July 30, 2009, the NU Bulldogs, 75-47 on August 1, 2009 and the De La Salle Green Archers in overtime, 76-72, on August 9, 2009, to end the first round of eliminations on top of the standings with a 6 wins 1 loss record.

Second Round Eliminations

In the first game of the Blue Eagles in the second round, Rabeh Al-Hussaini led the Blue Eagles with 30 points and 12 rebounds to an 80-75 victory over the UE Red Warriors. Their second game played on August 16, 2009 was another win, an 81-65 victory over the De La Salle Green Archers. After this win, the Blue Eagles were victorious again as they defeated the UST Growling Tigers, 80-70, led by Kirk Long with 21 points. This was followed by their 25th straight win over the Adamson Falcons, 61-52. In their next game a week later, the Blue Eagles defeated the UP Fighting Maroons, 93-75. After that, in the last game of the eliminations, the Blue Eagles came back from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter to win over the FEU Tamaraws, 74-73. The Blue Eagles ended the eliminations with a 13-1 win-loss record and secured the top Final Four seed.

Final Four

The Ateneo Blue Eagles held a twice-to-beat advantage over their Final Four opponent, the UST Growling Tigers. However, the Blue Eagles did not have to use this advantage as they beat the Growling Tigers in game one of their series. The top seed defending champions put on a strong start and a stronger finish in defeating UST, 81-64, to claim the first finals slot in the 72nd UAAP men's basketball tournament. They won even without one of their key players, power forward Nico Salva, who was suspended for throwing a punch at one of the guards of FEU in their last game of the elimination round. This win gave the Blue Eagles a second straight finals appearance, their third under the leadership of coach Norman Black.

Finals

The Blue Eagles were scheduled to face the UE Red Warriors on September 27, 2009, for Game One of the best-of-three Men's Basketball Finals. Game One was postponed to October 1, due to the effects of Tropical Storm "Ketsana"/"Ondoy." Just before Game One, three team members were given special awards—Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Eric Salamat were recognized as the UAAP Jollibee Doubles Duo, Nico Salva was recognized as the UAAP KFC Sixth Man of the Year, and Eric Salamat was recognized as the UAAP PS Bank Maaasahan Player of the Year. In Game One, the Blue Eagles recovered after their 17-point lead was erased by the UE Red Warriors by halftime, and went on to defeat the Red Warriors, 78-71. In Game Two, after regaining the lead at halftime, the Blue Eagles were defeated by the UE Red Warriors, 68-88. However, the Blue Eagles fought back and played big defense as they won Game Three, 71-58. They secured an early lead and maintained the advantage over the Red Warriors until the end, to clinch their second straight title. This marked the second time the Blue Eagles won back-to-back championships since they won against UE and La Salle in 1987 and 1988, respectively. With this win, Ateneo registered its first back-to-back double championships in the UAAP, a feat which was last accomplished during their 1975 and 1976 double championships in the NCAA.

Juniors

The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eaglets opened their season with back-to-back losses to the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers and the UST Tiger Cubs. After these losses, the Blue Eaglets went on to win consecutive games until their winning streak was ended by UST. After racking up another string of wins, the Blue Eaglets lost to the FEU-FERN Baby Tamaraws at the end of the elimination round. Because of their 10-4 win-loss record, the Blue Eaglets were seeded third in the Final Four where they faced the UST Tiger Cubs which had a twice-to-beat advantage. The Blue Eaglets won their Final 4 series with the Tiger Cubs and entered the Finals for the fourth consecutive year. They now have to defend their crown against the DLSZ Junior Archers. The Blue Eaglets took Game 1, 80-73, a game highlighted by junior Kiefer Ravena's 33 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks. However, Ravena's output was limited in Game Two, and the Blue Eaglets lost to La Salle which made a 14-2 run in the latter portion of the fourth quarter to end the game, 57-53. However, the Blue Eaglets flew high in Game 3 and finally clinched the title with a win, 61-56, giving them their sixth back-to-back titles.

UAAP Season 73

The Blue Eagles Basketball Team Roster

No. Name Pos. Height Weight Playing Yr. High School
4 Arthur Dela Cruz, Jr. PF 6' 3" Rookie San Beda College
5 Juan Miguel B. Tiongson PG 5' 10" 2nd Ateneo de Manila
6 Emmanuel N. Monfort PG 5' 7" 4th Ateneo de Iloilo
7 Luis Lorenzo C. Gonzaga SG/SF 6' 0" 185 lbs. 3rd Ateneo de Manila
8 Raymond Leonard S. Austria SG/SF 6' 1" 205 lbs. 4th Ateneo de Manila
10 John Paul I. Erram C 6' 7" 190 lbs. 2nd Pilgrim Christian College
11 Eric Carlo L. Salamat (Capt.) G 5' 11" 180 lbs. 5th San Sebastian College-R
12 Jeffrey Kirk Long SG/SF 6' 1" 170 lbs. 4th Faith Academy
13 Ryan Clarence J. Buenafe SF 6' 2" 200 lbs. 3rd San Sebastian College-R
14 Nicolas Raymond J. Salva F 6' 4" 190 lbs. 3rd San Beda College
15 Carlo Christopher D. Balmaceda PG 5' 10" 1st Ateneo de Manila
16 Edwin Jason E. Escueta C 6' 5" 250 lbs. 1st John Marshall HS LA USA
18 Justin Shaun R. Chua C 6' 5" 215 lbs. 3rd Chiang Kai Shek College
20 Christian Paolo M. de Chavez SF 6' 3" 185 lbs. 2nd Benedictine International School
21 Frank B. Golla, Jr. PF 6' 4" 205 lbs. 2nd Ateneo de Manila
22 Jeric Estrada C 6' 6" Rookie San Sebastian College-R
Team Depth Chart
Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2 Bench 3
C Justin Chua Jumbo Escueta Jaypoy Erram Jeric Estrada
PF Frank Golla Nico Salva Art Dela Cruz
SF Ryan Buenafe Bacon Austria Chris de Chavez
SG Kirk Long Tonino Gonzaga Carlo Balmaceda
PG Eric Salamat Emman Monfort Juami Tiongson
Coaching Staff
  • Head Coach: Norman Black
  • Assistant Coaches:
    • Sandy Arespacochaga
    • Gene Afable
    • Jamike Jarin
    • Gabby Severino
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach: Chester Tiongson
  • Athletic Trainer: Dennis Aenlle

Medical Staff:

  • Physical Therapist: Arcee Cua
  • Team Physician: Dr. George Canlas

Team Manager: Paolo Trillo

Student Managers:

  • Jover Chavez
  • Maxine Garcia
  • Cito Mendoza
  • Pia Ojeda

Team Chaplain: Fr. Nemesio Que, S.J.

The Lady Eagles Basketball Team Roster

No. Name Pos. Height Playing Yr. High School
4 Maria Ariela A. Torre 1st
5 Denise Patricia L. Tiu 3rd Immaculate Conception Academy
6 Angelina Karla G. Morales 2nd San Beda Alabang
7 Maria Caterina Cristina R. Lopa (Capt.) G 5' 3" 5th Assumption College
8 Corinne Maxine Marie B. Javier C 5' 10" 3rd Assumption College
9 Therese Diane B. Estrada F 3rd Miriam College
10 Samantha Nicole N. Ong G 3rd Immaculate Conception Academy
11 Valerie Jiselle T. Chua F/C 3rd Jubilee Christian Academy
12 Sara Monica Isabel D. Bo-ot G Rookie De La Salle Zobel
13 Jennifer Ann C. Dimaano G 2nd Miriam College
14 Sarah Michelle S. Mercado F 5' 7" 4th Miriam College
15 Bianca Denise Anne D. Belarmino G Rookie
17 Princess Marie C. Trinidad G 3rd De La Salle Zobel
18 Allysa Grace B. Dogong G Rookie Diliman Preparatory School
19 Veronica Ann M. Limcaoco C 2nd St. Pedro Poveda College
Coaching Staff
  • Head Coach: Christoper "Epok" Quimpo
  • Assistant Coaches:
    • Katrina "Kat" Quimpo
    • Emmanuel "Noli" Ayo
    • Roel Aurelio "Yuri" Escueta
    • Jose Ricardo "Joe" Silva
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches:
    • Mico Dandan
    • Julio Veloso

Medical Staff:

  • Physical Therapist: Shari Moreno
  • Team Physician: Dr. George Canlas

Team Manager: Erika Dy

Student Managers:

  • Sophia Estrella
  • Jayne Orlina
  • Anisha Villamejor

The Blue Eaglets Basketball Team Roster

No. Name Pos. Height Weight HS Yr.
4 Gerard S. Austria F 3rd
5 Mark Lawrence Z. Gamboa PG 2nd
6 Izak Kiefer L, Lim G 3rd
7 Jay Jericho R. Sacluti PF 4th
8 Jose Markus Mercado G 4th
10 Emilio Martin M. Puno SG 2nd
11 Michael Jay Javelosa PF/C 6' 3" 175 lbs. 1st
12 Lambert V. Tenorio PG 5' 9" 135 lbs. 3rd
13 Charles Alek P. Dumrique G 5' 9" 135 lbs. 4th
14 Leandro Jose Resurreccion IV F/C 6' 2" 4th
15 Kiefer Isaac C. Ravena SG/SF 5' 10" 140 lbs. 4th
16 Paolo Luis J. Romero PF 6' 2" 185 lbs. 4th
17 Jose Gabriel Gadia SG/SF 6' 0" 150 lbs. 3rd
18 Janus Kyle Cristian L. Suarez SG/SF 6' 0" 150 lbs. 3rd
19 Von Rolfe V. Pessumal SF 6' 1" 150 lbs. 4th
20 Karol Lolek V. Vitangcol C 6' 4" 200 lbs. 2nd
Coaching Staff
  • Head Coach: Michael Ray "Jamike" Jarin
  • Assistant Coaches:
    • Reynaldo "Jon" Jacinto, Jr.
    • Jose Ricardo "Joe" Silva
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach: Aristotle "Aris" Manalo

Physical Therapist: Jesus Angelo Naynes

  • Team Managers:
    • Marco Alfredo Benitez
    • Michael "Mico" Halili
    • Al Broderick "Blue" Viray
  • Student Managers:
    • Martin Gabriel Raya
    • Robert Tajonera

Football

The football teams never had much success until the mid 1990's, when the men's team reached the UAAP finals 4 times in a row, from 1996-1999. Months after winning the 1995-1996 Chipper Afable Cup (beating NAVY FC in the finals, 3-0), the Blue Booters won their first ever UAAP title in 1996, by beating arch-rivals La Salle in the finals by 2 goals to 1, with 2 goals from Vince Santos. The following two years, they lost both finals to the Green Archers, but were able to regain the title in 1999.

The re-birth of the Ateneo Football Team came in the 1995 season (under coach Chris Monfort) with the return of comeback players Vince Santos (1996 MVP), Blue Avelino and Jet Lacson, who joined returning 1994 team members (who finished last in the 1994 season) Domeka Garamendi, Rely San Agustin (team Captain) and Pat Moran. The team was further boosted by 5 rookies; Monch Espejo (1998-1999 MVP), Mark Ramos, Karlo Laurel and Tojun Malvar, who would occupy the 4 midfield positions for the next four years, and Jonji Castañeda who would become the team captain in 1998, from the sweeper position.

With the departure of the 1996 seniors (San Agustin, Santos, Garamendi, Lacson), Castañeda and company took over the leadership role of the team, and with help from new blood in Paolo Aquino, Paolo Buendia and Carlo Santos, and Panky Abijay were able to regain the title in 1999.

The 1999 team, also holds the record for most goals scored in a single UAAP game, scoring 41 in a 41-0 win over Adamson University.[citation needed] All eleven Atenean starters scored at least one goal in this game, with Carlos Leus leading the way with 13 goals, Monch Espejo with 9 goals and Paolo Aquino adding 5.

UAAP Season 72

The Blue Booters Football Team Roster

No. Name Position Height Weight Playing Yr. High School
Julio Stefano Miguel S. Abraham 1st Xavier School
Ansel Marcus Kurt G. Alvarez
Fernando Anton S. Amistoso, Jr. Midfielder 2nd
James Reynard M. Arco Forward 3rd
Antonio Lorenzo R. Bonoan 1st Southridge
Gregorio Gerardo D. Cancio III Midfielder 5th
Derrick Michel Yvestre O. Candelaria Forward 3rd
Paul Eusebius K. Cheng 2nd
Thomas Julio P. Cruel 1st Ateneo de Manila
Juan Gabriel Q. Faustino 2nd
Ranvin Anthony N. Jarina 1st Ateneo de Manila
Ceasario Rex P. Kapunan 3rd
Keith Elbert C. King 1st Xavier School
Carl Matthew R. Llado Fullback 1st Ateneo de Manila
Jacobo Jose G. Lorenzo Midfielder 1st Ateneo de Manila
Rufino Samuel R. Mantos III Goal Keeper 3rd
Marion Leoncio A. Marcelo Fullback 3rd
Jose Luis Francisco P. Meer Fullback 3rd
Miguel L. Monfort Midfielder 1st La Salle Greenhills
Frederick F. Ozaeta Fullback 4th
Juan Gabriel S. Siojo (Capt.) Forward 3rd
Miguel V. Tuazon
Coaching Staff
  • Head Coach: Arnulfo Merida
  • Assistant Coaches:
    • Gregory Loui Madrona
    • Michael Magpantay
    • John Paul Merida
    • Aris Pronce

Team Chaplain: Fr. Vic Salanga, S.J.

Notable Players

  • Edgardo "Ed" Ocampo - 1955-1958 (Team Captain - NCAA champions Ateneo Blue Booters, 1957-1958; named Mr. Football Philippines by the sports Press; Inductee, Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, 1982)
  • Victor Sison - 1954-1957 (Best Goalkeeper)
  • Jose Cantada - 1958-1961 (Best Goalkeeper)
  • Rely San Agustin 1993-1997(1996 & 1997 UAAP Best Goalkeeper, 1996 Team Captain, 1996 Moro Lorenzo Awardee for Sports)
  • Vince Santos 1993-1994, 1996-1998 (1996 UAAP MVP)
  • Domeka Garamendi 1993-1996 & 1999
  • Patrick Moran 1994-1998 (1997 Team Captain)
  • Blue Avelino 1995-1997
  • Monch Espejo 1996-1999 (1997 UAAP best midfielder, 1998-1999 UAAP MVP)
  • Carlo Laurel 1996-1999
  • Tojun Malvar 1996-1999
  • Jonji Castañeda 1996-1999 (1998-1999 Team Captain)
  • Paolo Aquino 1998-2001 (1998 Rookie of the Year)
  • Paolo Buendia 1999-2002 (1999 UAAP best defender)
  • Carlo Santos 1999-2002 (1999 UAAP best Goalkeeper)
  • Mark Tiaoqui 1999-2002
  • Chico Ingles 1999-2004 (2003-2004 Team Captain)
  • Roger Lastimado 2002-2005 (2005 UAAP Best Scorer, Hall of Famer)
  • Mickey Ingles (2005, 2006 Team Captain)
  • Mickee Gimarino (Hall of Famer)
  • Alvin Perez (Hall of Famer)
  • Patrick Ozaeta 2004-2008 (2003 Rookie of the Year, 2003-2005 Best Defender, 2004-2006 UAAP MVP, Hall of Famer)
  • Jaypee Merida (Hall of Famer)
  • Jerwin Belina 2004-2007 (2005 UAAP Best Goalkeeper, Hall of Famer)
  • Robbie "Cross Over" De Vera

Volleyball

The Men's and Women's Volleyball teams had their successes in the UAAP in the early 1980s until the decline of recruitment and retirement of some coaches.[citation needed] The Ateneo Volleyball Program also has a very rich tradition of winning in the volleyball tournament in the NCAA.

In 1976, the school won the NCAA Volleyball titles in all three divisions.

UAAP Season 73

The Blue Spikers Volleyball Team Roster

No. Name Position Height Weight Playing Yr. High School
1
2 Duane Craig Teves Outside Hitter 3rd
3 Kyle Matthew Ong Outside Hitter 3rd
4 Julborg Africa Utility Player 4th
5 Vian Paul Serranilla Outside Hitter 3rd
6
7 Justin Lawrence Tec Outside Hitter 4th
8 Walter Angelo Caancan Utility Player 120 lbs. 2nd
9 John Paul Pareja Libero 130 lbs. 2nd
10 John Joseph Sandoval Utility Player 2nd
11 Narciso Intal, Jr. Middle Blocker 5th
12
13
15 Leonard Loo Middle Blocker 3rd
16
17 Bartolome Rivera Setter 2nd
18 Eduardo Ortega Setter 4th
Coaching Staff
  • Head Coach: Oliver Almadro
  • Asst.Coach: Mario Mia, Jr.
  • Team Trainer: Leonardo Toyco

Team Manager:

The Lady Spikers Volleyball Team Roster

No. Name Position Height Weight Playing Yr. High School
1 Aerieal P. Patnongon Middle Blocker 6' 0" 155 lbs. 1st University of Santo Tomas
2 Alyssa C. Valdez Middle Blocker / Open Spiker 5' 8" 135 lbs. Residency University of Santo Tomas
3 Gretchen Ho Middle Blocker 5' 7" 125 lbs. 3rd Immaculate Conception Academy
4 Bea Chermaine Pascual Middle Blocker 5' 7" 125 lbs. 5th Colegio de San Agustin
5 Ma. Carmina Denise Acevedo Utility Player / Middle Blocker 5' 6" 125 lbs. 4th Immaculate Conception Academy
6 Angeline Marie A. Gervacio Open Spiker 5' 6" 130 lbs. 3rd St Scholastica's College
7 Aillyse Carol O. Nacachi Middle Blocker 5' 7" 130 lbs. 3rd Canossa Academy
8 Jorella Marie G. De Jesus Open Spiker 5' 3" 120 lbs. Rookie Saint James Academy
9 Ramona Jessica A. Bagatsing Utility Player 5' 8" 140 lbs. 2nd San Beda College Alabang
11 Natasha Graciela T. Faustino Setter 5' 3" 120 lbs. 2nd Colegio de San Agustin
12 Jamenea A. Ferrer (Capt.) Setter 5' 3" 120 lbs. 3rd Hope Christian School
13 Dennise Michelle Lazaro Libero 5' 5" 125 lbs. Rookie Colegio San Agustin
15 Fille St. Merced N. Cainglet Open Spiker 5' 6" 120 lbs. 3rd St. Scholastica"s College
16 Rongomaipapa Amy Ahomiro Middle Blocker / Utility 5' 9" 150 lbs. Rookie Brent International School
17 Ma. Beatrice Dominique Tan Middle Blocker Rookie University of Saint La Salle
Coaching Staff
  • Head Coach: Roger Gorayeb
  • Asst.Coach: Roger "Clint" Malazo
  • Team Trainers:
    • Ma. Rosario "Charo" Soriano
    • Michelle "Mic Mic" Laborte

Team Manager: Tony Boy Liao

Asst. Team Mgr.: Sherwin Malonzo

The Blue Eaglet Spikers Volleyball Team Roster

No. Name HS Year
4 Jak Mayo 3rd
7 Jeb Bello 3rd
8
9 Greg Cabrera 3rd
10 Lorenzo Espinosa 1st
11
13 Sam Wijangco 3rd
14 Enzo Tuazon 3rd
17 Enrico Dizon 2nd
18
  • Coach: Clint Malazo

Notable Players

  • Nilo Asperas - one of the Triple "A" Threat in the NCAA '73-'77, "A"( Quicker)Spiker '76 Captain Ball, NCAA Champion team '74,'75,'76,'77, Milo Mini Olympics Champion team member, SMVP Champions
  • Mandy Asperas - one of the "Triple A Threat" members in NCAA with brother Nilo and Mon Azurin, NCAA 74-78, UAAP '81 1st Runner-Up team member , NCAA Champion team member '75,'76,'77, SMVP(Samahan ng Manlalaro ng Volleyball ng Pilipinas) Mythical 6 , Coached Ateneo Grade school and College Women's team
  • Choy Cojuangco - NCAA Best Attacker
  • Louie Gepuela - MVP, NCAA Best Setter, RP Team Setter
  • Jose Miguel Cameña Aquino - MVP
  • Carlo Singson
  • Ronald Margallo – MVP
  • Rasty Rastrullo
  • Chemari Enage
  • Piquillo Enage
  • Joey Cruz
  • Butch Gutierrez
  • Boy Ramos
  • Mon Daez
  • Edgar Jayme
  • Ton Larrauri
  • Nico araneta
  • Amelia Divina Gracia-Guanco - MVP & Contingent of the RP Team who won Gold in the 1993 SEA Games, UAAP 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90 MVP
  • Zenaida Sison-Chavez - Former RP Team Member
  • Rosemarie Peralta-Prochina - Former RP Team Member
  • Chandra Arceo - Former RP Team Member
  • Maria Regina Gavino - Former RP Team Member
  • Sherwin Malonzo
  • Iris Ortega - Former RP Team Member
  • Cecille Tabuena - Former RP Team Member Beach Volleyball Player
  • Michelle Laborte - RP Team Member Beach Volleyball Player, V-League 3-Time Best Blocker
  • Bea Charmaine Pascual - UAAP Season 69 Best Blocker
  • Patricia Lyn Taganas - UAAP Season 69 Best Digger
  • Karla Bello - V-League Best Server
  • Maria Rosario Soriano - UAAP Season 66 Rookie of the Year, UAAP Season 69 3rd Best Scorer, UAAP Season 70 Best Scorer, UAAP Season 70 Best Receiver, Home and Away League Best Server, Shakey's V-League Season 5 Best Blocker and Most Improved Player
  • Star Cabuco
  • Neil Flores - Petron Volleyball's Most Improved Player
  • Tomie Rivera - Petron Volleyball's Best Setter
  • Andre Joseph M. Pareja - UAAP Season 72 Men's Volleyball MVP and Best Scorer

Baseball

The Ateneo de Manila baseball team once had the longest losing streak in UAAP history. From 1992-2002, the team did not win a single UAAP baseball game. But on January 20, 2002, the team finally won its first UAAP game in 10 years by beating National University, 16-9. Oliver Ryan Chong recorded the final out, catching a flyball in left field. Jose Edgardo Quiogue pitched a complete 9 innings to record the win.

In the 2002-2003 UAAP season, the team further improved on its standing by placing 5th overall with a 2-8 record, surpassing the previous record the year before of 1-9. The team has never had a winless season since. In 2003-2004, the team was 1-9 and the year after, 2004-2005, they finished with a 3-7 record, then the best record in school history, and placed 4th overall. It would have been the Blue Batters' first Final Four appearance had UST not swept the elimination round and was declared champions of UAAP season 67.

UAAP Season 68

In UAAP Season 68, the team added Philippine Team softball catcher Melvin Villegas, pitcher Rommel Sta. Ana, infielder Inly Amable, and first baseman/designated hitter Jonathan Sibal, a former Ateneo Blue Batter (1999-2003) who had been living in Fremont, California, USA to its already talented lineup led by veterans John Vincent Zamora, Stefano Gino Baltao, and Nikko Anthony Dizer. The team also managed to recruit ILLAM (International Little League Association of Manila) standouts Alexander Frederick Tolome, Carlo Lorenzo Banzon, and Carlo Olivarez - all of whom became starters.[citation needed]

In that year, the Blue Batters won 5 of their games by just 1 run, most of them in come-from-behind fashion. They beat NU (7-6) in the opener on Dizer's 2-RBI game-winning single, thrashed La Salle in 8 innings, 17-7, on Sibal's 2-RBI single in the second game of the season for its first mercy rule victory in more than a decade, topped Adamson (7-5) in the second round, and squeaked past Adamson (7-6), UP (8-7; Tolome scored the winning run on a passed ball), UST (6-5; on Amable's game-winning RBI single), and La Salle (5-4; on Dizer's game-winning RBI single) to end the season with a 7-3 record, currently the best record in Ateneo UAAP history. They became the first Ateneo team in over a decade to beat each UAAP team at least once in a season.[citation needed] A loss by sweep-gunning UST to UP in the second round eliminated any chance for a sweep and put to effect the Final Four format.

The Final Four that season consisted of UP (8-2 record, 1st place), UST (7-3 record, 2nd place due to quotient rule), Ateneo (7-3 record, 3rd place due to quotient rule), and NU (5-5 record, 4th place). UP, enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage, easily eliminated NU in the first game of the Final Four to claim first UAAP Finals berth. Ateneo won its first Final Four game in history on February 16, 2006 by defeating UST, 12-5, to set up a do-or-die Game 2. However, Ateneo lost Game 2, 10-5, to end its magical season.

UAAP Season 69

UAAP Season 69 was a controversial season for Ateneo as it was found at the end of the season that star rookie Michael Justine Zialcita, a U.S. citizen, did not have enough eligibility papers to qualify playing in the UAAP despite having both Filipino parents. A UAAP Board ruling wiped out all of Ateneo's wins that season and forfeited their chance to play in the Final Four that year. Ateneo finished with a 3-5 record, good for 4th place. Despite the 3-1 start in the first round, the Blue Batters lost all their 4 games in the second round to finish 4th.

UAAP Season 70

UAAP Season 70 was a miserable one for Ateneo who was sorely lacking the services of Zialcita, who left for the U.S. to play college baseball. Under the leadership of team captain Stefano Gino Baltao, the team finished 1-9, only beating archrival La Salle in the first round, 10-0, for their only win in that season.

UAAP Season 71

Season 71 was a rebirth for the Ateneo Blue Batters. Led by team captain Nikko Anthony Dizer and supported by seniors Alexander Frederick Tolome, Carlo Lorenzo Banzon, and Carlo Olivarez, the team finished with a 6-4 record (second best in school history) and placed 3rd at the end of the season. Had the Adamson Falcons not swept the season, Ateneo would have been 3rd seed in the Final Four which would have been composed of Adamson (1st), UP (2nd), Ateneo (3rd), and UST (4th). Among the notable games was the high-scoring win against La Salle, where the Blue Eagles blasted the Green Archers, 27-14, in which could be a record-setting highest total runs combined in UAAP history.

Blue Eagle basketball player Kirk Long also plays pitcher for the Blue Batters.

UAAP Season 72

The Blue Batters Baseball Team Roster

No. Name Position Height Weight Playing Yr. High School
Gabriel G. Bagamasbad 2nd
Carlo Lorenzo Banzon (Capt.) 5th
Rheinhart Patrick Bartolome 4th Ateneo de Manila
Luke Paolo R. Bernardo Catcher 2nd
Macky Blanco
Anton Cabanban 4th
JR Caparanca
Paolo E. Castillo 4th
Jeffrey Kirk Long Pitcher 6' 1" 170 lbs. 3rdd Faith Academy
Patrick Christian G. Morales 4th
Carlo Olivares 5th
Matthew Aaron R. Reyes 3rd
Bryan Salcedo
Alexander Frederick Tolome Pitcher 5th
Jesus Yap 4th

Head Coach: Randy Dizer

Notable Players

  • Emmanuel Fernandez - 1990-1994
  • Benjamin Joseph Afuang - 1996-2000
  • Edouardo Lagdameo - 1998-2002
  • Rafael Teodoro De Jesus - 1999-2002, 2004-2005
  • Jonathan Sibal - 1999-2003, 2005-2006 (UAAP 1999-2000, tied for most home runs* (1)) (* The home run was actually a triple but due to a throwing error by the shortstop to the catcher, he was able to score the run. However, the statisticians still recorded it as an inside-the-park home run -- Sibal's first and only home run.)
  • Dominic Chad Garcia - 2000-2001
  • Johnel Clemente - 2000-2004
  • Paolo Padla - 2000-2004
  • Sanky Daniel Quinto - 2000-2004
  • Jose Edgardo Quiogue - 2000-2004 (winning pitcher in Ateneo's first victory, 2002)
  • Juan Miguel Bautista - 2002-2006
  • Miguel Castaneda - 2002-2006
  • Ryan James Topacio - 2002-2006
  • John Vincent Zamora - 2002-2006
  • Stefano Gino Baltao - 2003-2007 (UAAP 2006-2007 co-awardee, Most Home Runs)
  • Julius Visaya - 2004-2005
  • Nico Lorenzo David - 2004-2008 (UAAP 2006-2007 co-awardee, Most Home Runs)
  • Nikko Anthony Dizer - 2004-2008
  • Christopher King Chua - 2005-2006, 2007-2008
  • Rommel Sta. Ana - 2005-2006
  • Melvin Villegas - 2005-2006 (RP Team softball gold medalist)
  • Carlo Lorenzo Banzon - 2005-2009
  • Carlo Olivares - 2005-2009
  • Alexander Frederick Tolome - 2005-2009 (UAAP 2006-2007 Most Stolen Bases)
  • Michael Justin Zialcita - 2006
  • Patrick Christian Morales - 2006-2010
  • Rheinhart Patrick Bartolome - 2006-2010
  • Paolo Castillo - 2006-2010
  • Jeffrey Kirk Long - 2007-present
  • Gabriel Bagamasbad - 2008-present
  • Luke Paolo Bernardo - 2008-present

Rankings

Being the three most popular sports in UAAP, this is the school's ranking in each sport since 1987, the year, the UAAP became an 8-team league:

A.Y. Men's Basketball Women's Volleyball Men's Football
1987-1988 1st Unknown 5th
1988-1989 1st Unknown 4th
1989-1990 4th Unknown 2nd
1990-1991 3rd Unknown 5th
1991-1992 5th Unknown 4th
1992-1993 5th Unknown 6th
1993-1994 6th Unknown 7th
1994-1995 6th Unknown 6th
1995-1996 7th Unknown 1st
1996-1997 5th 6th 2nd
1997-1998 6th Unknown 2nd
1998-1999 6th 8th 1st
1999-2000 3rd Unknown 2nd
2000-2001 3rd Unknown 2nd
2001-2002 2nd Unknown 3rd
2002-2003 1st Unknown 2nd
2003-2004 2nd Unknown 1st
2004-2005 2nd 7th 1st
2005-2006 2nd 6th 1st
2006-2007 2nd 5th 4th
2007-2008 3rd 4th 2nd
2008-2009 1st 5th 6th
2009-2010 1st 3rd 4th
A.Y. Junior's Basketball Boy's Volleyball Boy's Football
1987-1988 3rd
1988-1989 3rd
1989-1990 2nd
1990-1991 2nd
1991-1992 2nd
1992-1993 2nd
1993-1994 3rd
1994-1995 2nd Unknown
1995-1996 1st Unknown
1996-1997 2nd 3rd
1997-1998 1st Unknown
1998-1999 2nd 2nd
1999-2000 1st Unknown
2000-2001 1st Unknown
2001-2002 2nd Unknown
2002-2003 2nd Unknown
2003-2004 1st Unknown
2004-2005 1st 2nd
2005-2006 3rd 2nd
2006-2007 1st 3rd
2007-2008 2nd 3rd 2nd*
2008-2009 1st 2nd 1st*
2009-2010 1st 3rd 1st
  • * Demonstration sport
  • Fields in gray indicate years wherein an event is not held.

Championships

Overall/General Championships

  • Seniors:
    • NCAA (1) - 1968-69
  • Juniors: (possibly incomplete)
    • NCAA (2) - 1967-68, 1976-77
    • UAAP (2) - 2000-01, 2001-02

Athletics (track and field) Championships

  • Blue Eagles: (Tournaments from 1925-26 until 1952-53 consisted of the relay events and track and field events)
    • NCAA (9) - 1925-56 (relay), 1934-35 (relay), 1949-50 (T/F), 1960-61, 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1969-70
  • Blue Eaglets:
    • NCAA (10) - 1954-55, 1960-61, 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1974-75
    • UAAP (24) - 1979-80, 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2008-09

Badminton Championships

  • Blue Eagles:
    • UAAP (2) - 1995-96, 1996-97
  • Lady Eagles:
    • UAAP (1) - 2003-04

Basketball Championships

  • Blue Eagles:
    • NCAA (14) - 1928-29, 1931-32, 1932-33, 1933-34, 1937-38, 1941-42, 1953-54, 1954-55, 1957-58, 1958-59, 1961-62, 1969-70, 1975-76, 1976-77
    • UAAP (5) - 1987-88, 1988-89, 2002-03, 2008-09, 2009-10
  • Lady Eagles:
    • UAAP (2) - 2005-06, 2007-08
  • Blue Eaglets:
    • NCAA (9) - 1924-25 (Midgets), 1933-34, 1934-35, 1937-38, 1938-39, 1966-67, 1973-74, 1975-76, 1976-77
    • UAAP (16) - 1978-79, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1995-96, 1997-98, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10

Chess Championships

  • Blue Eaglets: (possibly incomplete)
    • UAAP (7) - 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02

Fencing Championships

  • Lady Eagles:
    • UAAP (1) - 2006-07
  • Blue Eaglets: (demonstration years in italics)
    • UAAP (1) - 2008-09, 2009-10

Football Championships

  • Blue Eagles:
    • NCAA (6) - 1924-25, 1941-42, 1951-52, 1953-54, 1954-55, 1967-68
    • UAAP (5) - 1995-96, 1998-99, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06
  • Blue Eaglets: (demonstration years in italics)
    • NCAA (2) - 1936-37, 1977-78
    • UAAP (1) - 2008-09, 2009-10

Judo Championships

  • Blue Eagles:
    • UAAP (4) - 2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10
  • Blue Eaglets: (demonstration years in italics)
    • UAAP (2) - 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10

Lawn Tennis Championships

  • Blue Eagles:
    • NCAA (1) - 1939-40
    • UAAP (1) - 2000-01

Swimming Championships

  • Lady Eagles:
    • UAAP (1) - 2008-09
  • Blue Eaglets: (possibly incomplete)
    • UAAP (5) - 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10

Softball Championships

  • Blue Eagles:
    • NCAA (1) - 1965-66
  • Blue Eaglets:
    • NCAA (2) - 1965-66, 1968-69

Taekwondo Championships

  • Blue Eaglets: (possibly inaccurate/incomplete)
    • UAAP (3) - 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02

References

  1. ^ a b Roman A. Cruz, Jr. "The Ateneo Story." Aegis. 1959
  2. ^ a b The First 100 Years of the Ateneo de Manila
  3. ^ Ateneo Aegis (official yearbook) See 1959 issue.
  4. ^ About the Ateneo's Songs and Cheers
  5. ^ a b History of the Ateneo de Manila, 2006 and 2007 Executive Planners
  6. ^ [1] Blue Eagle, The King
  7. ^ a b The Guidon, July 1993.
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