Ang Pahayagan

TARLAC – The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 swimming and athletics tournaments will kick off at the New Clark City (NCC) Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

It will be the second straight season that swimming and athletics will be held at the NCC, which also hosted the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019.

Reigning MVPs Miguel Barreto and Mishka Sy banner Ateneo de Manila University, which is out to defend its collegiate swimming titles in the four-day tournament.

Barreto anchors the men’s squad, reinforced by Palarong Pambansa champions TJ Amaro and Paolo Labanon, as they seek a historic 10th consecutive title, one of the longest championship streaks in UAAP history.

Sy will spearhead the women’s drive for back-to-back crowns and their eighth overall.

Ateneo is expected to face a strong challenge from the University of the Philippines (UP), led by national record holders Joshua Ang and Thanya Dela Cruz; the De La Salle University, bannered by SEA Games-bound Alexander Chu and Rookie of the Year Mikaela Talosig; and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), spearheaded by seniors Jules Mirandilla and Shairinne Floriano.

Meanwhile, the athletics competition will start on Nov. 10 with UP and Far Eastern University (FEU) also determined to keep the men’s and women’s crowns, respectively.

Only javelin throw will remain inside the main stadium, while other throwing events will be at the adjacent field.

UP, led by Season 85 and 86 MVP Alhryan Labita, is seeking a record 22nd title, while Annie Mercurio will banner FEU, eyeing a league-best 26th title.

In the high school division, UST is aiming to retain the boys’ and girls’ titles in swimming and the boys’ crown in athletics.

The University of the East will rely on Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Sep Placido in defending the girls’ title in athletics. (PNA)

SWIMMING KICKOFF. Ateneo de Manila University’s Mishka Sy competes in the women’s 200m backstroke during the UAAP Season 88 swimming competition at the New Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac on Oct. 18, 2024. The Blue Eagles are the defending champion in the men’s and women’s divisions. (UAAP photo)