Bombers open 4-peat athletics bid with 2 golds

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University copped two gold medals to kick off its four-peat bid in athletics in Season 90 of the NCAA at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

Mark Harry Diones took the long jump gold in 7.27 meters while Jhon Albert Mantua ruled the discus throw in 39.94m to key the Heavy Bombers’ strong start in the track and field events.

“I just want a graceful exit before I graduate next month,” said Diones, a 5-11 native of Libmanan, Camarines Sur who took the bronze last year.

JRU teammate Domingo Cabradilla, Jr. failed to defend his title and settled for silver this time while Perpetual Help’s Thom Jasper bagged the bronze.

Mantua, on the other hand, posted a 39.94m throw to beat Carlo Caong (39.24) and Ryan Kenneth Penao (38.11) to capture the discus gold.

“So far, so good,” said Jose Rizal’s Management Committee representative Paul Supan.

St. Benilde’s Anfernee Lopena shared the spotlight after he retained the 100-m dash gold in 10.83 seconds, besting San Sebastian’s Jomar Udtohan (11.00) and Daniel Noval (11.14).

In the juniors division, Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Kenneth Paul Rafanan won the discus throw gold in 39.04, Jonel Gobotia topped the 2000-m steeplechase in 6:23.42, Ryan Ornales ruled the long jump in 6.79 m and San Beda’s Ezra Gonzales dominated the 100m dash in 11.35 seconds.