Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Blue Knights made their mark once again in the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) 2025 College Regional Culture and Sports Meet, racking up 19 gold, 12 silver, and 18 bronze medals across athletic and esports events.
The Blue Knights powered through the season to capture championships in several categories, including women’s volleyball, women’s chess, men’s badminton, poomsae, DOTA 2, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Women’s volleyball team captain Saara Emy Taguiran reflected on the significance of their win, describing it as a “perfect chapter closer” for her final playing year.
“It was a reminder that everything we poured into this sport was all worth it, and ending my final year with a championship alongside this team is something I will carry forever… Commitment was a given, but what proved to be just as important was allowing ourselves to enjoy every part of the training.”
On another front, poomsae and taekwondo kyorugi teams tightened their grip in the martial arts division, garnering a combined total of 10 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze.
Momentum rolled on for the men’s football team, women’s table tennis team, and men’s chess team as they all secured silver medals.
Meanwhile, the men and women’s swimming teams wrapped up the meet with an 18-medal surge, stacking 3 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze in individual heats and relays.
Rounding out the medal haul, the men’s volleyball team, women’s 5×5 and 3×3 basketball teams, women’s futsal team, and men’s table tennis team fought tooth and nail to cap off with bronze finishes.
Men’s table tennis bronze medalist Zander Xyle Tumanday recounted their journey of bringing glory to the university after months of intense preparation.
“Every member of our team had to make significant sacrifices. Despite the difficulty, our shared passion and perseverance kept us going… beyond the pressure and intensity, what matters most is the bond we share.”
Despite falling short of podium finishes, the men’s basketball team, women’s badminton team, and Valorant team kept their game faces on with solid performances throughout the season.
In line with this year’s theme, “In Sync With Faith In The Digital Era Through Sports And Culture,” College Sports Head and Athletes’ Formator Bemi Garcia Jr. highlighted the need to “remain spiritually grounded even in a tech-driven world.”
“We aim to show that while we embrace the digital age, our core humanity and spiritual connection must remain the ‘operating system’ of our lives. For Ateneo, this reflects ‘Finding God in All Things,’ teaching our athletes that true connectivity isn’t just digital—it’s the human solidarity and spiritual bond we share.”
Garcia stressed that the athletes’ characters reflect the university’s values, reminding them of the weight that they carry in representing the institution.
“They are not just playing for themselves or a medal count; they bear the weight and honor of the entire Ateneo de Davao University. Together with our coaches and our staff, we emphasize that they are students first and athletes second, constantly reminding them that the kind of character they display on the field is a direct reflection of the values of our school,” he said.
The DACS – Davao, Digos, Tagum, Mati (DaDiTaMa) College Regional Culture and Sports Meet was held from November 17 to 22 in a multi-venue showdown across Davao City.