JRU tracksters zoom to 4th straight NCAA title

MANILA, Philippines -- Jose Rizal capped its smashing performance in athletics with a record-breaking effort in the 4x100-meter relay to extend its dynastic reign for the fourth straight year in the 89th NCAA track and field competitions that concluded Saturday at the La Salle-Dasmarinas grounds in Cavite.

Domingo Cabradilla, a proud son of Davao City, towed the 4x100-m squad that also included Peter Pol Padal, Pernel Lobos and Simplicio Doysabas to victory in 42.41 seconds that reset the old mark in the event organized by a committee chaired by Jose Rizal’s Management Committee representative Paul Supan.

It was Cabradilla’s third golden effort following his earlier victories in the 110-m and 400-m hurdles that signaled his return from ignominy after he, whose only medal collection was a 110-m hurdles bronze two years back, was forced to sit out last season due to academic reasons.

“This is redemption for the boy,” said Jose Rizal coach Jojo Posadas, who has carried 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 mint on the final day to underscore the Bombers domination of the centerpiece event after failing to make a big dent in the basketball competitions.

“We’re doing our best to win championships in other events as well as basketball but it is here in athletic where we take pride most of all, we’re proud of everyone in the team,” said Supan.

After three days, Jose Rizal has amassed 985 points, good enough to leave rivals St. Benilde, Perpetual Help, San Sebastian and Letran in its wake.

Providing big help to Cabradilla, a 22-year-old third year Business Management student, was national pool member Harry Diones, who captured a pair of golds thanks to his triumphs in the long jump and high jump.