Apayao pulls off surprise in Caraa athletics

LUNA, APAYAO – Right at the start of the 2013 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association all athletes were all eyes on Baguio, the reigning champion in the regional meet.

But when the games formally opened Tuesday, it seems nobody was counting Apayao in to make a bold move in the overall standings of the annual regional meet where they have placed dead last in the last five years.

Now, every delegate keenly watches athletes from this landlocked province as they continue to weave magic and has now won gold after gold medals in the regional meet.

With one gold already in their tally, Apayao added another six gold medals for the day to stay within the top three of the seven conclave sports meet, mostly coming from athletics being held at the Apayao Sports and Eco-Tourism Complex.

Shotputter Keith Leigh Gundan heaved the heavy ball with a distance of 9.73 in the secondary girls event followed by the golden throw of Jay Gas-ib in the secondary boys discuss throw event.

“We all owe it to the support na binibigay ng Apayao kasi talagang all out sila pagdating sa sports and at the same time yung dedication ng mga bata kaya ngayon eh magdana yung performance naming,” said elementary coach Jesus Ramos of their resurgence in the athletics competition.

Last year, Apayao was able to snatch one gold with three silvers and bronze medals each but they have already exceeded output for this year with two more golden performances from Renalyn Pablo in the 100-meter dash secondary girls and Rico Jay Cardenas in the long jump elementary boys division.

“Malaking bagay din yung pagsunod ng mga mga bata sa kanilang trainors,” added Ramos.

Gaway Bomogao of Benguet, meanwhile, has yet to miss a mark as she continue to top the archery event for secondary girls by winning the gold in the 30 and 40 meter event while Daryll Bolislis and Kareel Hongitan salvaged silver and bronze medals, respectively, in both events.

Baguio’s Xander Uboan topped the shotput secondary boys event with a 10.88 meter throw besting Keith Solima of Benguet (10.45) and Chester Apiit of Ifugao who threw 9.77 meters.

Gundan’s Apayao topped the secondary girls with a total distance of 9.73 while Ifugao’s Jenny Ruth Cabbigat and Mary Elaine Sinisin of Benguet.

The 100-meter dash secondary boys saw Baguio’s Patrick Velchez winning the gold medal with a time of 11.39 seconds while Archie Boy Alcaide (Abra) and Bryan Mangalinan (Abra) was second and third, respectively, as Pablo (Apayao) won the distaff side with a time of 14.18 seconds.

Baxter Aromin of Baguio and Hadiyyah Asbok of Kalinga won the gold for the 100-meter dash in the elementary boys and girls divisions, respectively.

Moutain Province’ Baltazar Cayechen topped the high hurdles in the secondary level while the distaff side saw Jazmine Felix of Baguio topping the event with Vincet Galicia and Desiree Tiblac, both from Baguio took home the gold in the elementary 11 meter dash division.