5 Iloilo City Sports Academy athletes make nationwide ranking in tennis

From R-L: John Rafael Santiago, Martirez, Onte, and Aguirre during their Negros Occ. Tourney stint (Rafa Santiago FB)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Five athletes carrying the banner of the Iloilo City Sports Academy (ICSA) made it to the national rankings by the Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) as of April 2020.

John Rafael Santiago booked the fifth spot in the 10-under unisex category, John Benedict Santiago landed 16th in the 16-under boys, Althea Rose Martirez 12th in the 16-under girls, Maria Alexandra Onte notched 8th in the 12-under girls, and Peebee Aguirre clinched 16th in the 16-under girls.

Both Santiagos are brothers, Rafael playing for the Iloilo City Central School while Benedict is part of the CPU Golden Lions team together with Martirez, Onte from Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School, and Aguirre from Philippine Science High School.

The tennis players are currently under the supervision and training of the ICSA, formulated and conceptualized by Executive Assistant for Sports, Rudiver Jungco Sr, approved and made to reality by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

Meanwhile, both Santiagos, Martirez, Onte, and Aguirre are mentored by coaches Alven Santiago, Alquinn Flores, and Jonelle Llavore.