ATENEO celebrated its UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball crown in style on Saturday night, highlighted by a bonfire lighting during festivities held at the school’s grade school grounds.
Before thousands of students and alumni, a bonfire was lit near the Blue Eagle gym to celebrate the success of Ateneo’s first semester teams led by the men’s basketball team which won the championship at the expense of long-time rival De La Salle in a best-of-three finals that went the distance.
Also honored during the event were the men’s judo team and the men’s and women’s swimming squads.
During his opening remarks, Ateneo president Fr. Jett Villarin honored all the teams which won the championship, while asking the crowd to commend La Salle for its gesture of lighting its façade with blue lights following the Blue Eagles’ title win this season.
The Blue Eagles, led by coach Tab Baldwin, also thanked the crowd for its support to the team during its title run.
“This team deserves to take a lot of credit because of their hardwork, work ethic, and sacrifice for one another,” said Baldwin, the former Gilas Pilipinas coach.
Former players led by Kiefer Ravena, also showed their support to the team through their presence.
Prior to the bonfire celebration, the Blue Eagles had an autograph and picture taking sessions with the fans while the deciding Game Three of the finals was being played on the big screen.
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