San Beda Sea Lions: alive and kicking as they conquered 9th straight title

San Beda splashed its way to another tidal wave-like performanceat the pool as it emerged the champion in the 86th NCAA swimming competition for an impressive ninth straight year at the Rizal Memorial Aquatics Center.

Keeping their proud tradition alive, the Sea Lions outclassed and simply dominated the opposition by amassing 1,248 points, or a whopping 878.5 points ahead of the St. Benilde Blazers, who wound up with 369.5 points.

“This is overwhelming,” said an ecstatic San Beda coach Dondon Roxas. “I can’t say anything more, my swimmers really wanted to win it and honor our seniors.”

McGyver Reyes came through with a splashing effort as he garnered a total of 212 points to emerge as the Most Valuable Player of the swim meet.

The 20-year-old Reyes capped his amazing feat with golden swims in the 200-meter backstroke in two minutes and 19.08 seconds and 400m individual medley in 5:03.6, in the fourth and last day of the event, which returned to the historic Rizal Memorial Complex after it was held at the Trace Aquatics Center last year.
In juniors’ action, La Salle-Greenhills likewise ruled the meet to extend its title run to six years after amassing 1,057 points, besting San Sebastian (483.5) and surprise third place Emilio Aguinaldo (275.5).

The championship and the individual trophy was a fitting gift to Reyes, who has participated his last NCAA competition.

“I’m very proud of this victory because its my final year and I really want to win it for the school,” said Reyes, who added they worked hard to deserve this triumph.

San Beda’s nine-year reign is the longest since Mapua lorded it over the sport for 14 straight seasons in the 90s.

San Beda though will have to train harder next season since aside from Reyes, 2009 MVP Theody Gavino will also not return due to graduation.