The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazing Torpedoes bagged another silver win in both men's and women's events at the four-day #NCAA102 Swimming Competition hosted by Mapúa University (MU), held from Nov. 10 to 13, at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila City.
The Blazing Torpedoes hunted for podium finishes, securing a hefty 12-medal haul, sweeping four each of gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Meanwhile, record-breaking came as a breeze for rookie FJ Catherine Cruz, an ID126 student from BS Real Estate Management (BS-REM), and Michael Vijay Romero, an ID125 student from BSBA Business Management (BSBA-BM).
In the 100-meter backstroke, Romero toppled the men’s division’s two-year record set by Prince Dave Calma, closing in by a tight 0.43 margin, ending at 59.08 seconds, whereas Cruz of the women’s division bested her own preliminary record of 1:06.11 down to 1:05.47, inching off a 0.64 margin. Both players ultimately clinched gold finishes for the team.
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, the Blazing Torpedoes team captain and graduating student Amanda Tongson, an ID122 Fashion Design and Merchandising (AB-FDM) student, shared the team's struggles, how they overcame mental challenges, and how they gradually improved their performance.
“Before the competition, mentally, we were nervous; we were starting to doubt ourselves […] Maybe we didn’t get enough rest. Nonetheless, we tried to overcome it. [But] in the four-day competition, our performance [eventually] got better,” she said.
Furthermore, Blazing Torpedoes Head Coach Evan Grabador highlighted the importance of understanding the athletes' physical and emotional well-being, stressing that their development goes beyond their performance in the pool.
“Athletes are not machines; they get sick, they get depressed. We have to take all of those factors in. But with perseverance, hard work, and consistency, we have to take it straight. So, the design—the program [we prepare]—is made ahead of time for the right path,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the next NCAA season, Grabador shared the team's plans to strengthen its roster through recruitment, especially with several athletes preparing to graduate. He also expressed his gratitude for the school's continued support.
“I think we have to make sure our recruits next year can also perform. Recruitment-wise, [kailangan] medyo marami-rami since may gumagraduate. We are thankful na nag-i-increase iyong ibinibigay sa amin ng school,” Grabador said.
Meanwhile, Tongson left an encouraging message for all aspiring young athletes, reminding them to remain dedicated and faithful throughout their swimming journey.
“Work hard, pray hard, [and] also strive for the best,” she advised.
