New clark city: National University (NU) reclaimed the men’s athletics title Sunday after collecting 100 points in the final day of Season 88 competition at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. The Bulldogs tallied 298.5 points with a sweep of the 3,000-meter steeplechase and decathlon events.

According to Philippines News Agency, in the 3,000m steeplechase, Noli Torre clocked 9 minutes and 28.24 seconds to prevail over teammates Rico Jay Patanao (9:39.93) and Renz Cruz (9:40.21). Larry Tarife Jr. dominated the decathlon with a total of 5,779 points, beating Far Eastern University (FEU) duo Ronel Juntilla (5,522) and Rolly Royo Jr. (5,444).

‘Our dream of winning back-to-back champions last year was thwarted because some players were unable to play due to eligibility and injuries. This year, it was pretty good and there was no injury,’ NU coach Fernan Dagasdas said in a news release Monday.

FEU, which ruled high jump (Ernie Calipay) and 400m hurdles (Jazzpeer Arcenal), placed second overall with 272.25 points. FEU also placed second in Season 87 behind University of the Philippines (UP).

UP can only place third this time with 213.25 points, followed by season host University of Santo Tomas (UST; 205), Ateneo de Manila University (150), Adamson University (90.25), University of the East (70) and De La Salle University (53.25).

Ateneo’s Russel Ricaforte set a new record of 52.62m in the discus throw, improving the 47.80m he made last season. Ricaforte, the shot put gold medalist, shared the Most Valuable Player award with UST’s Hokett Delos Santos, who won the 110m hurdles in 14.80 seconds.

UST also won the javelin throw courtesy of Jhon Laurenze Ballelos (47.33). Ateneo’s Hussein Lorana, winner of two golds and one silver, was named Rookie of the Year, following in the footsteps of his twin brother Hassan, last year’s winner.