Sports Writing

Saint Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) held its official basketball tryouts on July 5, 2025, around 2:00 PM at the STAC Quadrangle. This year’s awaited tryouts focused not only on physical performance but also on the attitude, sportsmanship, and coachability of each participant. STAC’s commitment to developing well rounded individuals through sports continues to foster a platform for growth, leadership, and teamwork.

The selection aimed to identify student-athletes with strong potential for the upcoming basketball season. Mr. Rito Signar, head coach of the STAC basketball team and the school’s Sports Coordinator, led the assessment, observing key athletic abilities such as agility, ball-handling, shooting, defense, and coordination. Around 60 students participated in the tryouts, all determined to earn a spot on the team.

“Talent is important, but effort and attitude make the real difference,” said Mr. Signar. “We’re looking for players who are willing to work hard and grow as a team.”

While the evaluation was demanding, it also gave students a chance to learn, grow, and improve—whether or not they make the final team. Final selections will be announced in the coming days following a thorough review.

 07/08/25

Nearly 20 student-athletes joined the STAC women’s volleyball tryouts on July 9, 2025, at the Saint Thomas Aquinas College Quadrangle. The tryout aimed to identify players with not just skill but also teamwork, communication, and composure under pressure.

Led by team captain Keizen Yoshimi Ruba and Sports Coordinator Mr. Rito Signar, the session focused on finding athletes willing to learn and grow.

Players underwent fast-paced drills that tested their skills, awareness, and teamwork.

Final roster results will be released soon. Regardless of outcome, each player left the court better, stronger, and more inspired.

 07/10/25

Atlanta — Tommy Fleetwood capped an emotional 2025 PGA Tour season by finally capturing his inaugural Tour Championship title at East Lake Golf Club — and in doing so, secured the FedExCup crown. His closing-round 68 left him at 18-under-par overall, a full three strokes clear of runners-up Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley. 

Fleetwood’s victory is the culmination of a long journey. After 163 starts without a win, he broke through—turning past near-misses (including six runner-up finishes and 30 top-fives) into a milestone moment. 

His breakthrough arrives amid a banner year for golf: Scottie Scheffler captured both the PGA Championship and The Open, while Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta. As Fleetwood savors his moment, eyes shift to the upcoming Ryder Cup, where his form could prove pivotal. 

 07/18/25

Saint Thomas Aquinas College wrapped up Nutrition Month with excitement and laughter as students from both Junior High School and Senior High School gathered for a day of parlor games on July 31, 2025. The event, organized to promote health awareness and camaraderie, brought the entire campus together in friendly competition.

A variety of games kept the participants energized and engaged, including trivia challenges, multiple-choice quizzes on nutrition facts, and the ever-popular egg toss. Cheers and laughter echoed across the venue as students tested their knowledge, agility, and teamwork.

The activity not only reinforced the importance of proper nutrition but also fostered school spirit, sportsmanship, and unity among Thomasians. It was a memorable conclusion to the month-long celebration, leaving everyone with smiles, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for healthy living.

07/31/25

San Francisco — The National Women’s Soccer League shattered a single-game attendance record on August 23, drawing a staggering 40,091 fans to Oracle Park. Bay FC’s matchup against Washington Spirit now stands as the most attended game in any U.S. women’s professional sports league. 

Coaches from both teams hailed the event as more than a spectacle—it’s a signal of a paradigm shift in women’s sports. This milestone was not viewed as a once-in-a-while occurrence, but as the new standard for audience engagement. Strategic initiatives like Kansas City Current’s dedicated stadium and the high-profile debut of the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco underpin this momentum. 

The record underscores growing investment and mainstream support, illustrating that women’s soccer has firmly entrenched itself in the national sports landscape

08/03/25

An emotional Jannik Sinner was forced to retired from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness, just six days before the start of his US Open title defense.

The world no 1 never looked himself from the opening point, falling behind 5-0 after just twenty three minutes on another hot afternoon. At the first changeover Sinner sat with ice on his head after going down a double break, and soon after called for the trainer as his condition worsen.

Moments later the Italian tearfully told the umpire he “felt really bad” for the fans and could not continue. He hugged Alcaraz at the net before raising his hands in apology to the crowd, then burried his face in his towel. Alcaraz quickly went to comfort him, later writing “Sorry Jannick” on the camera lens.

Sinner keeps the no.1 ranking despite the retirement but Alcaraz is closing in and remains his toughest rival heading into the US Open. The two can only meet in the final at Flushing Meadows, where Sinner is defending more points then Alcaraz who lost early last year.

This was their forth final of 2025, and while Alcaraz now leads 2–1 this season, the match barely counted as a contest. Between them, they have won the last seven Grand Slams, and it seems likley one of them will add an eigth in New York.

08/22/25

New York — Alexandra Eala etched her name in tennis history on Tuesday after pulling off a dramatic first-round victory at the US Open, becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in the Open Era.

The 20-year-old rallied from 1-5 down in the deciding set to defeat Denmark’s Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (11). The three-hour battle ended with Eala collapsing in tears on Arthur Ashe’s outer courts, her victory sending ripples across Filipino tennis circles back home.

“This win is for the Philippines,” said Eala, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. “I wanted to show that we can compete at this level.”

Eala’s breakthrough caps a breakout 2025 season. Earlier this year, she stunned Australian Open champion Madison Keys in Miami, reached her first WTA Tour final in Eastbourne, and rose to a career-high world No. 56.

Filipino fans flooded social media after the match, hailing her as a trailblazer in a country where tennis has long played second fiddle to basketball and boxing. The Philippine Sports Commission called her win “a watershed moment for Philippine tennis.” 

Up next for Eala is a second-round clash against either Claire Liu or Cristina Bucsa, with analysts pointing out that her draw opens the door for a potential deep run.

Win or lose, Tuesday’s result may already stand as the defining moment of her young career—a sign that Filipino tennis has arrived on the global stage.

08/26/25

The Las Vegas Aces are once again heading to the WNBA Finals, marking their fourth championship appearance in the last six seasons and strengthening their reputation as one of the league’s most dominant teams.

The defending champions sealed their finals berth after an impressive playoff run, highlighted by the leadership of two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, whose scoring and defense have anchored the team throughout the season. The Aces’ balanced attack and strong chemistry proved too much for their opponents, as they continue their quest for a rare back-to-back title.

Their return to the finals places them in elite company, with only a handful of teams in league history managing consistent runs at the championship stage. Fans and analysts alike have pointed out the Aces’ depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure as key reasons for their sustained success.

With another finals appearance secured, the Las Vegas Aces are on the brink of making history once more. Whether they can capture consecutive championships remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—their reign as a WNBA powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down.

 09/15/25

Host nation India kicked off the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with a convincing win over Sri Lanka in Guwahati, marking a historic opening for the tournament.

 he match, played before a packed crowd, showcased India’s dominance on both batting and bowling fronts. Star opener Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a stylish half-century, supported by Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma, as India set a strong total.

Sri Lanka, in response, struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with veteran bowler Jhulan Goswami spearheading the defense in her final World Cup appearance. Despite a late partnership, Sri Lanka fell short, giving India a comfortable victory in the first match of the global tournament.

The event itself also made headlines — this is the first Women’s World Cup match hosted in Guwahati, a milestone for Indian cricket as it expands to new venues and broader audiences.

India’s win not only boosts their confidence but also sets the tone for their World Cup campaign. For Sri Lanka, it’s a reminder of the challenges ahead as they regroup for their next match. With strong performances and passionate fans, the Women’s World Cup is off to a powerful and historic start.

 09/24/25

The NBA season has just started, and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama is already proving why the hype was real. The 7’4” Spurs forward exploded in his first few games, showing off a mix of size, speed, and skill that fans rarely see all in one player. His highlight blocks and smooth three-pointers have everyone talking — even veteran stars are taking notice.

Aside from Wemby, several players are also shining early. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 37 points in a thriller for Oklahoma City, and Tyrese Maxey continues to look like the future for Philadelphia. The season’s first week already feels like a preview of what could be one of the most competitive years in a while.

Teams are still adjusting, but you can tell who came ready. The energy, the new lineups, and the early rivalries are setting a good tone for the season. For fans, it’s a reminder that basketball’s back — and the excitement is too.

As September ends, it’s clear the league’s young stars are stealing the spotlight. If this is how week one looks, the rest of the season might just be a show.

 09/30/25

Manny Pacquiao is in negotiations to challenge WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero in early 2026, a potential bout that could make him one of the oldest fighters to ever reclaim a world title.

The 46-year-old boxing legend, who returned to the ring last July against Mario Barrios in a fight that ended in a draw, has shown no signs of slowing down. Pacquiao believes his experience and conditioning still allow him to compete at an elite level despite the challenges of age.

Aside from training, Pacquiao has relaunched Manny Pacquiao Promotions in the United States, with its first event scheduled for November 29. This move signals his dual commitment to fighting and developing the next generation of boxers under his wing.

Romero, 30, is known for his aggressive style and knockout power, making him a dangerous opponent for the Filipino icon. Analysts believe Pacquiao’s speed and ring IQ will be tested heavily if the fight is finalized in the coming months.

For Pacquiao, the fight represents more than just another comeback,

it is a chance to solidify his legacy and prove that age is no barrier to greatness. If successful, it would mark yet another milestone in a career already filled with historic achievements.

 10/06/25

Football fans were surprised when Brendan Rodgers announced his resignation as Celtic’s manager this week. The decision came after a string of underwhelming performances that left fans frustrated and the team struggling in the standings. The club quickly moved to appoint former boss Martin O’Neill, along with ex-player Shaun Maloney, as interim coaches to stabilize things.

Rodgers had enjoyed previous success with Celtic, including domestic titles, but this season didn’t go his way. Pressure from supporters and internal concerns reportedly pushed him to step down. The timing caught many off guard, especially with key matches coming up in the Scottish Premiership.

Now, all eyes are on O’Neill and Maloney to see how they’ll lift the team’s morale and results. It’s not easy to take over mid-season, but Celtic fans expect nothing less than a comeback. The next few games will test the team’s chemistry and resilience under fresh leadership.

Sometimes, a managerial change is exactly what a club needs to reset. Celtic might be down right now, but they’re far from out.

 10/10/25

Real Madrid came out on top in this season’s first El Clásico, defeating Barcelona 2–1 in a heated La Liga showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match lived up to its billing — fast, physical, and full of emotion. Rising star Jude Bellingham once again delivered, scoring the decisive goal that sealed Madrid’s victory.

Barcelona started strong, controlling possession in the first half, but costly defensive lapses turned the tide. Real’s counterattacks were sharp, and their midfield dominance gradually broke down Barça’s rhythm. For Madrid fans, the win felt like proof that their team can command not only Spain but Europe as well.

The result pushes Real Madrid further ahead in the standings and leaves Barcelona facing tough questions about consistency. Manager Xavi Hernández admitted afterward that his squad must “regain focus” after several lackluster performances.

Rivalries like El Clásico remind fans why football is more than just a game — it’s passion, pride, and history rolled into one. And for now, Madrid proudly holds the bragging rights.

10/17/25

As the NFL season intensifies, injuries are shaking up some of the league’s top contenders. The Baltimore Ravens announced that star quarterback Lamar Jackson will miss their upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears due to a knee issue. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have placed standout cornerback Trevon Diggs on injured reserve after suffering a concussion. Both losses hit hard — not just in talent, but in team momentum.

Without Jackson, the Ravens will have to depend on backup play and a more conservative offense. Baltimore’s season has been impressive so far, but losing their leader under center will truly test their depth and adaptability. For the Cowboys, Diggs’ absence leaves a major gap in a defense that has anchored much of their success this year.

Fans and analysts alike are already debating how these setbacks could reshape the playoff race. In a league where durability often defines destiny, teams with strong depth and flexible coaching are the ones who survive the grind.

Injuries may be part of football’s reality, but this season, they’re proving to be true game-changers. The coming weeks will reveal which teams have the resilience — and the bench strength — to keep their championship hopes alive.

10/24/25

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, officially making him the highest-paid player in NBA history. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season, pushes Durant’s career earnings to an estimated $598 million, surpassing LeBron James’ all-time record.

Durant, who joined the Rockets earlier this year, has quickly become the centerpiece of Houston’s resurgence. Despite being 37 years old, the 14-time All-Star continues to perform at an elite level, averaging over 25 points per game last season.

The new deal is slightly below the maximum salary he could have received, signaling Durant’s willingness to prioritize team flexibility over personal gain. Sources close to the organization say the move allows Houston to strengthen its roster around him, particularly as the team eyes a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.

Durant’s signing comes at a pivotal time for the Rockets, who are looking to blend their young core with veteran leadership. Head coach Ime Udoka praised the forward’s commitment, calling him “the ultimate competitor who wants to build something lasting here in Houston.”

Analysts note that Durant’s extension not only cements his financial legacy but also redefines longevity for modern NBA stars, as he remains a premier scorer deep into his career.

With this historic contract, Kevin Durant not only secures his place as the NBA’s highest earner of all time but also solidifies his role as the veteran leader of a rising Rockets team. As Houston prepares for the 2025–26 season, all eyes will be on whether Durant’s experience and leadership can propel the franchise back into championship contention.

10/27/25

A wave of headline performances swept across the sports world this week, highlighted by a star athlete’s long-awaited return that immediately shifted momentum. Addressing the media after the game, the player said the focus was simply on execution and trust, admitting the buildup was “stressful at times.” Teammates echoed the sentiment, describing the win as a confidence boost heading deeper into the season.

Football action delivered both intensity and controversy, with post-match comments once again stealing the spotlight. The coach questioned a late decision that swung the result, saying, “We accept losses, but not like this.” Officials declined to comment immediately, while analysts suggested the incident could be reviewed internally as pressure on referees continues to grow.

In tennis, consistency from the younger generation continues to turn heads. Another upset saw a rising player outlast a veteran in a grueling match, later telling reporters she stayed calm by “blocking out everything else.” The performance reinforced growing belief that the competitive gap is narrowing faster than expected.

As leagues push through a packed calendar, athletes are openly discussing the toll of nonstop competition. During media availability, one senior player stressed balance. “You train your body every day,” she said, “but the mind needs care too.” With momentum building and expectations rising, the season shows no signs of slowing down.

01/06/26

With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, athletes around the world are entering the most demanding phase of their training. National teams have begun final selections, while individual competitors push their limits in pursuit of Olympic qualification.

From swimming and athletics to gymnastics and volleyball, recent international competitions have offered glimpses of who may dominate the global stage. Records are being challenged, rivalries are intensifying, and expectations continue to rise as elite athletes sharpen their form. Beyond the pursuit of medals, the upcoming Games carry deep symbolic meaning—highlighting unity, resilience, and perseverance in an increasingly divided world. As athletes prepare to represent their nations, the countdown to Paris has transformed preparation into pressure, and ambition into history in the making.

Training camps have intensified, with coaches fine-tuning strategies and athletes focusing on peak performance. Strict schedules, disciplined routines, and mental conditioning now define daily preparation, leaving little room for error as the Games draw closer. For many competitors, the coming months mark the culmination of years of sacrifice and unwavering commitment. International sporting bodies have also ramped up logistical preparations, ensuring venues, safety measures, and athlete accommodations are ready for the global event. Paris is expected to welcome thousands of athletes and millions of viewers, making the Games one of the most closely watched sporting events in recent years.

As anticipation builds, the Olympics continue to serve as a powerful platform for inspiration and global connection. Regardless of the outcome, the journey to Paris reflects the resilience of athletes who compete not only for medals, but for pride, perseverance, and the honor of representing their countries on the world’s biggest stage.

01/30/26