Wildcat swimmers hailed champions in Malaysia invitational meet

The MSEUF Wildcat Swimmers captured the championship title in the Under 18 Age Group Category in the KLASS Lions Invitational Swim Meet held Nov. 14–16 at Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The team earned multiple gold, silver and bronze medals, marking one of the University’s strongest international finishes.

Zahjeed Isaac Sarmiento of STEM12B1 led the delegation after being named Most Valuable Swimmer in the Under 18 category and securing the Top 1 Skins Winner award. Sarmiento won gold medals in the 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay. He also added a silver in the 50m butterfly and a bronze in the 100m freestyle.

Princess Darren Virrey of STEM12B7 contributed to the medal haul with a gold in the 4x100m medley relay, along with bronzes in the 100m butterfly, 50m breaststroke and 4x100m freestyle relay.

Aidepp Merriel de Luna, earned a gold in the 4x100m medley relay and four bronze medals in the 200m individual medley, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay.

Ryan Amiel Lotino of STEM12B7 secured silver medals in the 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, 4x100m medley relay and 50m backstroke, and capped his run with a bronze in the 100m breaststroke.

Dylan Matthew Dator of JHS7C finished as the 3rd Top Scoring Swimmer in the 11–12 age group. He claimed gold in the 200m individual medley, silver in the 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle, and bronze in the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

Thomas Randall Geronimo of ABM11B2 added to the tally with a gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay and a bronze in the 50m backstroke.

Janella Ysabel Villenas, a first-year civil engineering student, scored a gold in the 4x100m medley relay and a bronze in the 4x100m freestyle relay, completing the team's strong finish.

The coaching staff praised the swimmers’ discipline and teamwork, saying, “Our athletes performed with remarkable grit and unity. They carried the name of the University with pride, and their achievements reflect years of consistent training.”

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This championship victory illustrates the University’s commitment to excellence and student-centered learning by allowing athletes to apply their training in a global and competitive setting. The team’s perseverance mirrors the values of fortitude, unity and service as they represented the country and the institution on an international stage.

Related UN SDGs

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — Competitive sports promote physical fitness, resilience and overall wellness among student-athletes.

SDG 4: Quality Education — International competitions provide experiential learning that strengthens holistic education and character development.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — Participation in global sporting events fosters international collaboration and engagement for the University.