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On the runway, every step is calculated and every second is earned. For Benjamin V. Pascasio, the long and triple jump events arenβt simply data points measured in meters; they are a ritual of discipline crafted over years of practice, patience, and determination.Β
A fourth-year student from the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) taking a BS Agriculture major in Agronomy, proves that the distance he conquers on the sand starts long before his feet ever leave the ground.
At 23, Mr. Pascasio balanced the physical toll of long and triple jump with the academic demands of his degree. His journey into athletics began not with grand ambition but with encouragement from friends during his junior high school years.
He focused on long jump and triple jump events from ninth grade through high school. As he entered college, he decided not to quit doing it either. His initial curiosity eventually evolved into a more serious commitment as he realized both his strength and enjoyment for it.
According to Mr. Pascasio, long jump and triple jump require not just speed and power, but even more than what an individual can offer. The hardest part for Mr. Pascasio to deal with is to remain a self-disciplined individual. The training is hard, and injuries are lurking as a threat. By choosing this route, he had to make a lot of sacrifices by staying consistent and practicing patience, especially when his body was pushed to its limits.
βAng unang pinaka challenging sa akin ay iyong self discipline dahil hindi naman basta basta ang pagpili ng ganitong sport. Bukod dito ay ang mahirap na training dahil minsan nagkakaroon ng injuries,β he wrote.
Mental preparation, as he explains, is an activity that begins well before he competes. Being smart about training is a necessity. He believes in healthy meals and rest knowing that it helps on the track.
βSinisigurado ko po na kumakain ako ng masustansya at natutulog ng maaga dahil iyon ang pinaka mabisang proper conditioning,β he added.
His personal mantra captures that balance clearly: βMag-aral para makapaglaro, maglalaro para makapagtapos.βΒ
βPagsusumikapan na makamit ang mga medalya na siyang magsisilbing bahagi ng aking istorya sa hinaharap,β he shared.
On top of everything, Mr. Pascasio shared his deep appreciation for TAU for making all of his achievements possible through the Universityβs guidance and support.
βNagpapasalamat ako sa TAU sa pagtanggap sa akin. Ang pagrepresenta sa TAU ay isang karangalan para sa akin dahil sa dinami dami ng tao na pwedeng mabiyayan ng ganitong talento masaya ako na isa ako sa mga napabilang na patuloy na nagtataas ng bandera ng aking mahal na unibersidad.β
Meanwhile, Mr. Pascasio also shared his triumphs with his coach, Mr. Tommy B. Balbuena, whose guidance and expertise shaped him into an exemplary athlete.
In a recent interview, Mr. Balbuena conveyed his message for Mr. Pascasio stating βAs your coach, trainer, and mentor, naipasa ko na lahat ng nalalaman ko sa iyo about sa jumps. You already achieved and proved na karapat dapat kang tawagin na βChampionβ ng Triple Jump and Long Jump ng SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association). Galingan mo pa this season, bring home the gold again for our University. Good luck Benjie.β
Moreover, Mr. Pascasio also looked back and commended his former coaches who mentored, refined, and guided him in his journey as an athlete.
βMaraming salamat din po sa mga sumusunod: Sir Jan Kevin Holmes Binuya, Maβam Marielle Tinga, at sa namayapang si Sir Mark Mendoza. Pati na rin po sa trainer ko na si Sir Jett Adrew Tolin,β he expressed.
Mr. Pascasio was expected to continue his journey and jump for the gold in the upcoming State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) to be held in Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST).
#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #SCUAA #LongJump #TripleJump #SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG17
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Text | Carmina S. Melchor [Information Unit]Β Β
Photos | June Adel S. Guerrero [Information Unit]Β
Graphics | Omar U. Barauntong [Information Unit]Β
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