The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) proudly participated in the Philippine ROTC Games 2024 Luzon Regional Qualifying Leg held from July 20 to August 3, 2024, at Cavite State University. Fifty-eight schools from Luzon participated in the said sports competition. The ASCOT delegation featured four talented athletes competing in Athletics, Taekwondo, and Arnis.In Taekwondo, Roxan Joy Celeste achieved a bronze medal in the featherweight division. Meanwhile, in Arnis, Mark Loren Pascua clinched a bronze medal in Live Stick (RAPID), and Aldrin Balagso finished 5th in the same category.
In athletics, King Oren Collado made an impact by securing silver medals in both the 100m and 200m sprints. His impressive performance has earned him a spot in the National Finals.
King Oren Collado, a 19-year-old pursuing a Bachelor in Industrial Technology with a major in Automotive Engineering Technology, began his track and field journey in 2021. In an, he shared his excitement about winning a silver medal and a chance to compete at the National Finals. “Masaya na nakasali ako sa ganoong event at na-beat ko ang aking personal record sa 100m. Sobrang nahirapan ako na makipag-sabayan sa ibang university, pero sa tulong ng aking coach at mga kaibigan mas lumakas ang loob ko masaya ako na nakakuha ng Silver Medal. Nawala lahat ng aking pagod, kahit hindi ako pinalad na makakuha ng gintong medalya. Masaya rin na nakapasok ako sa national finals, sa dami ng naglaro isa ako sa mga napili” he said.
He aslo offered advice to young athletes aspiring to enter the world of sports. “Ang payo ko kung papasukin ang larangan ng palakasan, ipagpatuloy lang kung anong sinimulan, kung saan sport kayo masaya. Huwag ninyong isipin na mahina kayo tandaan nyo walang malakas na hindi nag simula sa pagiging mahina at higit sa lahat disiplina sa sarili.”
The athletes were supported by their dedicated coaches: Jeoben Fontanos and Conrad Mendizabal for Athletics, June Espinosa for Taekwondo, and Farag-Ey Pais for Arnis and ASCOT Nurse Mr. Jeju Moral. Maj. Ron Michael M. Soriao, Tsgt Winston Q. Dumayas, and Cpl Mark Joel Tamayo were also present, showing their support for the ASCOT athlete.
Written by: Patrick Sotero