By Mikee Natinga Norico & Ezra Nhiez Balane

Players from CPU’s ultimate frisbee teams, BiniSaya and Centralian Ultimate, pose with their awards after a successful tournament, together with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (center, holding the championship trophy) and Jett Louis C. Dumlao, RSW (right, wearing a black shirt), Faculty Adviser of the CPU Frisbee Community.

Central Philippine University’s (CPU) ultimate frisbee team, Centralian Ultimate, made history by emerging as the first-ever champion of the 2024 Iloilo Ultimate Collegiate Championship. The groundbreaking tournament, held on September 7 and 8, 2024, in Iloilo, marked the inaugural ultimate frisbee competition among universities in the city.

Centralian Ultimate, alongside their fellow CPU team, BiniSaya, displayed remarkable prowess throughout the competition. Both teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination, and skill, setting the stage for a much-anticipated showdown in the finals.

The championship match between BiniSaya and Centralian Ultimate showcased the depth of talent and sportsmanship within CPU’s ultimate frisbee community. Both teams exhibited high-caliber offensive and defensive plays, thrilling the audience with their strategic and competitive performances. Ultimately, Centralian Ultimate clinched the title, underscoring their hard work and commitment to the sport.

Since 2016, CPU has nurtured a thriving frisbee community, cultivating passion and dedication to the sport among its students. The success of teams like Centralian Ultimate (CPU Team 2) and BiniSaya (CPU Team 1) serves as a testament to the university’s ongoing support for ultimate frisbee. This strong backing has undoubtedly contributed to the team’s achievements and the continued growth of the sport on campus.

Individual excellence was also recognized during the tournament. Several Centralian Ultimate and BiniSaya players were named to the Mythical 8, including Kerr Joseph Jacintos, Elaisa Francine Gimotea, and Euna Gene Piosca. Darwin Prado and Sheena Mae Faldas were awarded Finals MVP honors, while Jesuren Superio was celebrated as the Tournament MVP.

Jett Louis C. Dumlao, RSW, the faculty adviser of the CPU Ultimate Community, expressed his pride in the team’s success. “Centralian Ultimate’s championship win was a testament to their hard work and dedication,” he said. “I was impressed by their performance. Their dedication to the sport was evident in every play, and their hard work paid off.”

When asked about his advice for aspiring frisbee players at CPU, Dumlao encouraged students to embrace the sport: “Don’t be scared to take the leap. Don’t be discouraged and think you’re not good enough in this sport, even the greats started as newbies!”

This historic victory cements Centralian Ultimate’s legacy in the local frisbee scene, setting a high standard for future tournaments and highlighting CPU’s role in fostering athletic excellence in Iloilo.