By AJ Alarcon

Waves of blue and white filled the newly-renovated Blue Eagle Gym as the Ateneo community rallied behind its student-athletes during the annual Ateneo Cheer Rally on Friday, September 12, marking the start of the athletic year.

Hosting the program was Julia Vargas, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 to 85 correspondent, who set the tone and energized the crowd.

The Company of Ateneo Dancers (CAD) opened the program with a high-energy performance to the beat of the Blue Babble Battalion, drawing the first surge of cheers from the audience.

Afterwards, Ateneo’s sports teams were introduced, beginning with the Arnis Team, followed by the teams for badminton, baseball and softball, basketball, bowling, chess, e-sports, fencing, football, golf, and judo.

The crowd then welcomed the rowing team, who had showcased an eagle’s prowess on the international stage last season. Also recognized were the teams for rifle-pistol, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

Ateneo also shone the spotlight on athletes who achieved top podium finishes last year. Among them were the NBA2K champions, who made a strong debut in UAAP Season 87, and the Women’s Blitz Chess Team, who secured the sport’s first championship title.

The Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team — last season’s champions — took in the crowd’s cheers, followed by the Women’s Swimming Team, who reclaimed their UAAP crown. Closing the parade of athletes were the Men’s Swimming Team — the reigning champions now eyeing a historic 10-peat.

The Blue Babble Battalion once again brought the crowd to its feet, leading iconic Ateneo cheers alongside the Battalion and Competition units.

University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ, capped the program with his closing remarks, reflecting on the essence of sports. 

“Sports generates community, fosters belonging, and generates school spirit,” he said.

“Discipline, teamwork, school spirit — that is the Ateneo way for sports and that is what we celebrate in this year’s rally,” he concluded.

The UAAP Season 88 officially opens on Friday, September 19, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Grandstand and Open Field.