“We fight as a team”: Green Judokas set to win their first championship this UAAP S86

After their comeback in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Judokas is invigorated with the passion to take home their first championship. With the will to not disappoint their seniors and a star rookie from the Philippine National Judo Team, the boys in Green and White are confident in their chances to win gold.

The Season 86 team captain and first-term black belter Angelo Saria understands that judo is an individual sport, but their goal is to win together. Although certain obstacles may come their way, the team is set to be the inspirational underdogs of this UAAP.

“This is the most crucial season.” Captain Angelo Saria says with a determined look and a confident smile. “Because last year we didn’t have time to prepare but now we have had our time. Our challenge is that our seniors are graduating. We are giving this fight to them so they don’t have any regrets even if they graduated.”

After The Comeback

The COVID-19 pandemic paused their training, causing the team to be a little rusty when they returned. The boys were still finding their footing when they fought against other schools last season.

Yet, La Salle is not afraid and does not eye anyone else but themselves. The coaching staff advises the team to have the right mindset before training and tournaments since that will decide their performance and show how much they prepared for it.

Their biggest enemy right now is keeping their mindset on the right track to help themselves achieve their goal. This helps them be brave enough to take the risk and not lose their chance of capturing the gold.

Captain Saria believes that the team’s ultimate goal is to execute the training and techniques taught by the coaches. The only way for them to do so is if they stay focused and keep building their mental as much as their physical. They don’t just rely on the training; they also do extra work to ensure that they build themselves up.

These hardworking Lasallians hope to turn their individual abilities into their team strength. This makes them adopt a strategic attitude of always thinking about each other. They are aware that teamwork and team play are still essential in their individual sport, regardless of an individual’s skill level.

Rising Stars

The Green Judokas aim not for individual medals but instead to win the overall championship. The team hopes that they will be the first Lasallian team to win a Men’s Judo Championship before the seniors graduate.

In their own individual competitions, many have championed, and they were third runner-up last year. Yet, their thirst for glory inspires them to go for gold.

Best believe that the boys from Taft have some new tricks up their sleeve as they prepare for the season. George Baclagan, the rising star and rookie of the DLSU Judo Team, is the only National Team member, giving them an edge in this season’s tournament.

Every Judo Player of the Green and White has a particular duty to play to accomplish what has to be done for the team while the other UAAP schools are getting ready for their Season 86 battle for a place on the podium.

The Captain is both grateful and excited for the team, sharing, “Do your best and never give up! No matter what, just do your best and give your best effort. I am happy and lucky to be your team captain.”

Underdogs of Season 86

The Green Judokas may still have much to work on and obstacles to clear this upcoming UAAP season, making the road to winning gold and becoming champions an undoubtedly lengthy one. Nonetheless, the boys in Green and White are confident in their individual skills to help build each other up.

Their greatest adversary will be the mental games that they play on themselves, but if the boys do not give up and let that hurdle keep them from running to their goal, they will be quite the team to beat.

Although they have yet to win a championship, the Green Judokas are not fazed by the competition and the journey ahead. Whether they win or lose, every game is still enlightening as they fight harder to become the best and finally bring the Judo championship title to Taft.

After the three-year hiatus and then a year of returning to their rhythm in the competitive UAAP environment, the team is eager to play and see how much their hard work has paid off. They wish to demonstrate their will to win to the DLSU community.

“Thank you to the DLSU Community for giving us this opportunity and, of course, to those that support the La Salle Judo Team,” Saria concludes, hoping that people will continue to support their journey to go for gold.

“We are looking forward to this upcoming UAAP Season 86 and claim the championship.”

Support the Green Judokas on their quest for the Gold to finish this UAAP Season 86 starting today, November 30, until tomorrow, December 1, at the Marikina Sports Complex.