JRU keeps NC athletics overall title

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University posted a record-breaking run in the 4x100 meter relay to cap its domination of the NCAA track and field competitions for the fourth straight year at the La Salle-Dasmariñas grounds in Cavite over the weekend. 

Domingo Cabradilla, from Davao City, anchored the 4x100-m squad, which included Peter Pol Padal, Pernel Lobos and Simplicio Doysabas to victory in 42.41 seconds as they reset the old mark of 42.50 seconds set by St. Benilde last year.

The third golden effort following his victories in the 110-m and 400-m hurdles highlighted Cabradilla’s comeback after he was forced to sit out last season on account of academic deficiencies.

“This is redemption for the boy,” said Jose Rizal coach Jojo Posadas, who has steered the school to four seniors’ athletic championships since he and wife, former Southeast Asian long jump queen Elma Muros-Posadas, took over the coaching reins six years ago.

Aldrin Rey, Lobos, Padal and Ramil Toledo also copped the 4x400-m gold to underscore the Bombers’ domination of the centerpiece event.

“We’re doing our best to win championships in other events as well as basketball but it is here in athletics where we take pride most of all. We’re proud of all the members of the team,” said JRU management committee representative Paul Supan.

Jose Rizal pooled 985 points in the three-day event, beating St. Benilde, Perpetual Help, San Sebastian and Letran by a mile.

Providing big help to Cabradilla, a 22-year-old third year business management student, was national pool member Harry Diones, who ruled  the long jump and high jump.