By AC Putong
With the establishment of new sporting events, various teams from Silliman University (SU) outpaced 24 local universities to earn a silver podium finish during the 2025 City Meet last Nov. 11 to 14.
The SU Elementary (SUES) Sports Program introduced a new aerobic gymnastics team, while the SU Junior High School (SUJHS) reformed its futsal and lawn tennis teams for boys and girls.
According to SUES Sports Program coordinator Emmarie Amores, they joined gymnastics because “there are some potential children who can perform well in the sport.”
The SUES dissolved their softball and baseball teams, while the SUJHS folded their entries for billiards and arnis boys and girls teams.
Amores explained that they had difficulties completing their teams due to their participation in more events compared to previous years, and having to “start from scratch.”
“We had problems with the trainers and coaches, on who will be the one to handle [which teams]. Most of the players we tried to convince or invite to join the team, dili kaayu sila into that sport [they are not really into the sport],” she said.
SUJHS Sports Program coordinator Manolito Gatchalian also mentioned the need for more sports equipment and facilities that cater to the athletes’ needs, such as in the SU Gymnasium, which became congested during their preparations.
“Another thing that most of our teams lack is the exposure in preparation to actual competition, […] [The] athletics budget must be increased to allow teams to participate in [an] inter-school tournament prior to the [actual meet],” he said.
Teams bring silver medal haul
The SUES teams topped the events for the girls’ athletics, while the SUJHS and SU Senior High School swept the swimming events for both boys and girls, as well as the badminton doubles for girls, to become overall champions.
The elementary delegation also returned with a back-to-back championship title in football, boys, and one silver and six bronze medals in the newly-added gymnastics entry.
Moreover, the high school teams bagged a two-peat championship title in taekwondo boys and accumulated 20 medals in archery.
This year, SU clinched the second overall title with 187 medals, comprising 28 gold, 23 silver, and 29 bronze medals in the elementary level, and 48 gold, 28 silver, and 31 bronze medals in the high school level.
The Sillimanian gold medalists will advance to the newly established Negros Island Region Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet at Bacolod City in February 2026.
The City Meet is an annual gathering of student-athletes competing in various individual and team sporting events, featuring participants from both public and private schools.
