Far Eastern University (FEU) Jins triumphed after clinching a podium finish in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 86 taekwondo and poomsae tournament last November 29 at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City.

The team won their games against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, De La Salle University Green Archers, and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons where FEU Jin Patrick Odrada created a crucial tiebreaker win to notch the bronze medal for the team.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold co-captain Romar Javier expressed that the team’s success was always on their goal all throughout the tourney. 

“Walang katumbas na saya na-achieve namin yung 2nd runner up title, dahil una pa lang sa lahat ito talaga ‘yung goal namin makaabot ng podium finish as a team sa UAAP… Kudos sa buong team na nagtulungan para maabot ‘to (We are so happy that we achieved the 2nd runner up title, because first of all, this is our goal to reach a podium finish as a team in the UAAP... Salute to the entire team that worked together to reach this success),” he said.

The Morayta-based kicker also mentioned the team’s full-heat performance despite the struggles going off physically and mentally.

“Struggles namin during the tournament isa na dito ‘yung mga injuries at sakit ng katawan. Pangalawa is mentally, tulad na dito ‘yung iba sa amin is parang napanghihinaan ng loob kapag natalo yung first player, or kapag nakukuha ng momentum ng kalaban ‘yung laro (Struggles we’ve encountered during the tournament, first was the injuries and body pain. Second is mentally, like the rest of us seem to get discouraged when the first player loses, or when the opponent's momentum takes the game),” he added.

The Tamaraws also credited the coaches and the FEU community’s support during up until concluding the tourney with a podium finish.

FEU levelled up from their previous ranking in the last season wherein they landed at the fourth seed.

-Paula Jasmine P. Bronoza

(Photo courtesy of Patrick Pampilon/FEU Athletics Department)