The Nieto twins' not-so-secret goal? Trumping their father's legacy

They add their own stamp to their family's Ateneo legacy
Nov 20, 2019

FOR brothers Matt and Mike Nieto, bringing Ateneo its three-peat championship became a chance to meet a challenge from their father Jet Nieto, who was part of the Blue Eagles' back-to-back championship in the UAAP back in 1987 and 1988.

"You know, achieving your goal, wala ng best feeling in the world na lalo na para sa amin ni Mike na ang goal namin as a family is ma-beat 'yung kay daddy," said team captain Matt Nieto.

They not only beat their father's championship legacy, but also rewrote history with a 16-0 finish, the first-ever in the league.

"'Yung inside goal namin, na hindi naman namin sinasabi ni Mike, na mag 16-0. 'Yun talaga 'yung aim namin. Sobrang saya na nag three-peat [to make] history," Matt shared.

Beyond the friendly family one-upmanship, the twins, who are graduating this academic year, are gratified that they were able to bring glory to the Ateneo, the university that has become their second home for more than a decade.

"Ito 'yung pinaka-sweet and saya na victory kasi kami na 'yung seniors e, eto na 'yung last ride namin. And wala ng ibang feeling na aalis ka ng Ateneo program na nag champion, doon ka makikilala — not as an individual but as a team na nag-champion," Matt said.

Mike added: "In our final year sa program ng Ateneo, we left as winners, we left as champions. I think, grabe rin naman 'yung trinabaho ni Matt, 'di ba? Simula pa ng first year namin. Kaya rin naman kami andito kung nasaan kami ngayon, and we have to give credit where credit is due."

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