Staa Mavericks Athletics Team Triumphs with 14 Gold Medals in Davao del Norte Provincial Meet
The Santo Tomas Athletic Association (Staa) Mavericks athletics team is celebrating a remarkable achievement after clinching 14 gold medals at the recently concluded 2026 Davao del Norte Division Provincial Meet. This impressive performance has propelled 15 qualifiers to advance to the upcoming 2026 Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet, scheduled from February 23 to 28.
Coach Beverly Garcisto Villarino Initiates Donation Drive for Athletes
Following the team's success, decorated Palarong Pambansa coach Beverly Garcisto Villarino has launched a donation drive to support the Mavericks athletes. Many of these young competitors come from underprivileged backgrounds and struggle to afford essential equipment like proper spikes and running shoes, which are crucial for higher-level competitions.
Villarino, a veteran coach known for producing Palarong Pambansa champions who now hold varsity scholarships at UAAP-member universities, expressed pride in the team's accomplishments. "We hit our goal to win gold and become overall champion. All of them met the qualifying standard," he stated in a phone interview with SunStar Davao on February 10.
Team's Contribution to Overall Championship and Current Challenges
The Mavericks secondary boys and girls athletics teams played a pivotal role in securing Staa's overall championship at the provincial meet. The delegation amassed a total of 106 gold medals, 95 silver medals, and 82 bronze medals, showcasing their dominance across various events.
Despite the triumph, the team faces significant challenges. Villarino highlighted that worn-out gear, including spikes patched with tape and torn soles, hampers the athletes' preparation for the regional meet. He has turned to social media to seek sponsorships, noting that only P5,000 has been raised so far, enough for just one pair of shoes purchased from Manila.
Training and Future Goals for the Regional Competition
With the Davraa Meet approaching, the Mavericks began in-house training on February 7, just two days after the provincial meet concluded. Villarino emphasized a cautious approach, focusing on strength and conditioning to aid recovery rather than overload training. "They are still in the recovery process, so we will focus more on strength and conditioning," he explained.
The team aims to defend their secondary girls' athletics title from Davraa 2025 and secure the overall championship to represent Region 11 in the Palarong Pambansa. Villarino inspired his athletes by reminding them that success extends beyond physical preparation. "Stay focused. Always hold on to your dream. I believe in the power of dream," he urged.
Inspiring Stories and Community Support
Villarino's efforts are inspired by past successes, such as helping Lorenz "Soysoy" Datiles, a five-time gold medalist in the 2024 Davraa Meet who competed with improvised gear before receiving donations for top-tier equipment. Datiles now represents the University of Santo Tomas, demonstrating how community support can transform athletes' careers.
As the Mavericks race against time and limited resources, Villarino continues to prioritize assistance for those who meet qualifying standards or win gold medals, ensuring that dreams remain alive despite financial constraints.
