The student-athletes of the Santo Tomas Athletic Association (Staa) Mavericks are now equipped with fresh running shoes, thanks to a generous donation from Megiko Dormitel Davao, just in time for the upcoming 2026 Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet. This crucial support ensures they can compete safely and with renewed confidence on the regional stage.
Overcoming Adversity with Community Support
Previously, these young athletes faced significant challenges, running in worn-out spikes that were patched with tape, had torn soles, and split seams. Despite these hardships, their dreams remained larger than their circumstances. Coach Beverly Garcisto Villarino, a decorated mentor known for producing Palarong Pambansa champions who now study on varsity scholarships at UAAP-member universities, led a donation drive to address this need. The Mavericks' secondary boys and girls athletics teams recently dominated the Davao del Norte Division Provincial Meet, securing 14 gold medals and qualifying 15 athletes for the 2026 Davraa Meet, scheduled from February 23 to 28. Their performance contributed to Staa's overall championship haul of 106 golds, 95 silvers, and 82 bronzes.
A Coach's Call for Help
Coach Villarino highlighted the daily struggles off the track, noting that many of his athletes come from underprivileged families and lacked proper spikes and running shoes, which are essential for competing safely at higher-level meets. He turned to social media to seek assistance, and thanks to a feature in SunStar Davao by journalist Marianne Abalayan, the message reached the broader sports community. The response was swift and heartwarming from Dabawenyos and beyond.
Megiko Dormitel Davao stepped up by donating shoes for Villarino's athletes, including current Palarong Pambansa and National Batang Pinoy stars such as Samantha V. Martinez, Ruth Mae Teodocio, Sheena Rabuya Che Che, and Hana Kei. Villarino expressed his gratitude on Facebook, stating, "We are forever grateful to Megiko Dormitel for sharing your blessings with our deserving student-athletes." Additional support came from the Davao Noble Empire Eagles Club, led by James Alvarado James, which provided three more pairs of running shoes, while Lots for Less Davao committed five pairs. Two additional pairs from Manila, including a spike and a walkathon shoe, are en route via LBC, and the Davao del Norte provincial government has pledged spikes for the team competing in the 2026 Davraa Meet.
Training and Preparation Amidst Challenges
The Mavericks returned to in-house training on February 7, just two days after the provincial meet, leaving barely two weeks to prepare for the regional competition. Villarino emphasized that he is prioritizing strength and conditioning while athletes recover from their previous efforts. This isn't the first time Villarino has inspired his athletes to overcome obstacles; he previously launched a donation drive for Lorenz "Soysoy" Datiles, a five-time gold medalist who trained in improvised "Frankenspikes." Donors later provided him with proper gear, enabling him to pursue a university scholarship and continue his athletic career.
With new shoes and unwavering support, the Mavericks are set to run, jump, and throw their way through the regional meet, showcasing their determination and the enduring strength of Santo Tomas athletics. Their story is a testament to how community generosity can fuel athletic dreams and foster success in competitive sports.
