AJHS awarded ‘Best Powerlifting Team’ at Nat’l Bench Press Championships; Blue Eagles collect 5 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze

The Ateneo de Manila Junior High School (AJHS) Powerlifting Organization won the Best Team award in the 2024 National Equipped Bench Press Championships’ men's high school category. The single-lift competition was held on Saturday, 13 April 2024, at Robinsons Otis in Manila. The Ateneans bested powerlifters from Tomas Claudio Colleges (2^nd place) and Gardner College (3^rd place) for the title and received individual awards in their respective weight categories. 

Reef Francisco (10-Saito) won gold in the Men's High School, Men's Novice, and Men's Sub-junior categories, totaling three gold medals. He competed in the 66-kilogram weight class and had the best bench press lift of 85 kilograms.

James Bonoan (10-Saito) won gold in both the Men's High School and Men's Sub-junior categories, totaling two gold medals. He competed in the 83-kilogram weight class with a best bench press lift of 95 kilograms. 

Joab Manaysay (10-Saito) won silver in the Men’s High School category. He competed in the 93-kilogram weight class and bench pressed a best lift of 85 kilograms. 

Ronnel Santamaria (10-Pignatelli) won silver in the Men's High School category, also competing in the 83-kilogram weight class with a best bench press lift of 75 kilograms.

Alphonso Academia (10-Pignatelli) won bronze in the Men’s High School category, competing in the 83-kilogram weight class, bench pressing a best lift of 60 kilograms. 

The AJHS Powerlifting Organization is moderated by Coach Edwin Sonido and Coach Punch San Jose of the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School.