UST jin named UAAP top athlete

MANILA, Philippines - Taekwondo jin Marlon Avenido of Santo Tomas claimed the 72nd UAAP Athlete of the Year honor in rites at the Far Eastern U Auditorium on Morayta, Manila last night.

Avenido edged fellow UST standouts rookie trackster Serenata Saluan and basketball MVP Dylan Ababou, La Salle tanker Enchong Dee and Far Eastern U chesser Sheider Nebato for the highest plum in the league.

Behind welterweight Avenido’s sterling effort, the Tigers reigned supreme in taekwondo for the second straight season.

The 21-year-old Avenido also represented the country in several international competitions including the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos where he snared a silver medal.

The España-based school made it a twin victory after swimmer Gian Berino captured the Athlete of the Year trophy in the juniors’ division for the third year in row.

The Growling Tigers and Cubs also dominated both college and high school levels with a pair of overall championships.

It was UST’s 37th general championship in the senior section while earning its 12th overall title in the junior side.

After the ceremonies, UAAP president Anton Montinola turned over the hosting rights for Season 73 to La Salle through Bro. Bernie Oca.

The league also feted all the athletes who excelled in various fronts in the same festivities.