DLSU Poomsae Team primed to claim the championship this S86
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Poomsae Green and Lady Jins are more than ready to claim the championship this UAAP Season 86.
After claiming the second runner-up honors in Season 84, and then a no-podium finish in Season 85, the team is intent on taking home the crown this season.
A look back on last season
When asked about the team’s performance last season, Team Captain Sofia Sarmiento shared that a lot happened, particularly individual external factors that hindered the team from performing their best.
“Last season, a lot happened. A lot of external factors made it hard for us to power through Season 85…those external factors happened to individuals, not to the whole team, but to each one of us — we had some type of external problem, but when you put that all together — that’s what gave us a hard time to harmonize.”
The captain then positively states that this season will be different, as aside from the fact that the team has strengthened their bond, each member is also more determined to do better, which will surely boost their performance.
“This season, I think we did better connecting not only in training but also outside training — we’re more bonded emotionally... And I can see that each of us, individual, I can see the drive of us like ni-isa walang nagkukulang, I can see all of us hungry for more.”
Preparations for the season
After finding out that the season would occur from the last week of November to the first week of December, the team immediately started preparing two to three months early.
The team’s training time increased, instead of the usual two hours, they did three hours, every five to six times a week. Their training focused on conditioning, trying to keep their stamina up along with fixing their forms. In addition to this, La Salle and National Team coach Angelica Gaw also made sure to talk to each member of the team before and after training. This in turn boosts the team’s morale and overall is a big help to the team’s preparation for the season.
Sarmiento also mentions that La Salle joins most if not all the off-season Poomsae Nationals from the beginning of the year up until the UAAP which is usually set at the end of their competitive year. When asked about their performances in these competitions, she discloses that compared to the start of the year, the team has improved immensely due to the rigorous training and conditioning they do.
The Team
La Salle’s eight-man team is comprised of a combination of four seasoned veterans and four new to the UAAP rookies. This combination balances each other out as each brings something to the team.
For the veterans, Sarmiento shares that her co-veterans help pull up the team as they share the load of leadership during and outside of training. This is especially a big aid for her who is new to have a leadership role, whereas some of the veterans have experience, such as the team’s “super senior” Patrick Perez, who is in his last playing year, a National Team member, and stands as the role model for the team.
Simultaneously, the rookies play a huge role in the reason why the captain is confident in the team claiming the championship this season. She expresses that each one is brimming with potential and as long as they continue to work hard and remain consistent, it will surely show in the competition.
When asked about the weaknesses the team has, the captain acknowledges that individually, some members of the team are physically not in the best shape wherein some have asthma or may be weak physically while some may struggle emotionally and mentally. However, the will of each member to work hard in training and balancing their student-athlete commitments cancels out this weakness.
“Kahit may ganun silang weakness, di sila nagigive up sa training, I still see them show up to training every day and they still try no matter how hard it is for them — in training and outside of training,” Sarmiento remarks.
Goals and expectations
Coming off a no-podium finish in Season 85, Sarmiento states that the team’s primary goal is the championship. It is something they all desire and is not only for themselves but for a lot of people such as their coach, and seniors.
“The championship is siyempre, for our coach, for us, for the Lord, we also want to dedicate this championship to our seniors.”
More than attaining the first-place finish, the DLSU Poomsae team also desires to perform their best and be happy with their performance. The captain expresses that the team believes in the saying, “When you perform, you leave the mats with no regrets.”
Sarmiento then proudly remarks that the team is confident of their chances of taking home the championship as the preparations they have done throughout the year allude to good results.
“Last year may part of us na naging complacent pero ngayon, we’re confident that we can do better, we can see it naman — it shows in our training.”
Hunt for the Title
With better preparations and a focused mindset, the DLSU Poomsae Team is all set to take on the UAAP Season 86 Taekwondo competition.
“This season I think we’ll do exceptionally — very well. From preparation pa lang, nakikita ko na yung potential for championship. Mailabas lang namin consistently and i think makakamit namin yung pinaka-goal namin which is yung championship,” states the team captain.
The team also acknowledges that support from the Lasallian community is highly appreciated with Sarmiento conveying, “It will be nice [if you can] come and support us — very encouraging ang makarinig ng sigaw ng fellow Lasallians — it boosts our morale and also gives us the confidence to play our best, so if you have time, join us.”
Support the DLSU Poomsae Team on their quest for the Championship this UAAP Season 86, today, November 27, 8 AM, at the Marikina Sports Center.
