JRU criminology grad Harry Diones breaks PH triple jump record

MANILA, Philippines – A criminology graduate of Jose Rizal University broke the 7-year-old Philippine record in the triple jump in Sunday’s November 6 final of the weekly relays, installing himself as a probable medalist in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

Harry Diones leapt 16.29 meters to erase the old mark of 15.92 meters set by Joebert Delicano in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos. 

“At last, he got it after several near misses,” said national coach Jojo Posadas of his former athlete at JRU. The 5’10” 22 year old Diones surpassed the second place feat of 16.20 meters by Varungyoo Kongnil of Thailand in the 2015 Games. 

“I told him not to put too much effort in the hop stage (the first phase of the triple jump) so he can distribute his energies better,” said Posadas in a phone interview. 

Diones is reviewing for the criminology exam which will be given by the National Police Commission.

Though Diones’ jump is far from the SEA Games mark of 16.76 meters by Muhammad Ismail of Malaysia, the performance is sure to boost the momentum of the 22-year-old Diones, who comes from Libmanan, Camarines Sur. 

Diones’ performance is the second national mark set this year. 

The weekly relays, organized by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, ended Sunday with a fistful of good marks, led by an impressive 10.51 of Anfernee Lopena and the national junior high jump mark of Kaylene Mosqueda of FEU.

Lopena, 22, who found his niche in the 100 meters after failing to make an impact in the 400 meters, clocked 10.51 seconds in the 100 meter relay, extending his good form. He clocked 10.47 in the weekly relay on October 23, making him the third fastest Filipino all time on electronic timing.

Lopena, a graduating computer applications major at DLSU-St Benilde, trails national record holder Eric Cray 10.25 and the retired Ralph Soguilon. 

“His start has greatly improved,”said Lopena’s St Benilde coach Joseph Sy. His fitness has been boosted by Jay Futalan, the man who rehabilitated lifter Hidilyn Diaz to win the country’s third Olympic silver medal. 

“Lopena’s potential is not fully tapped. Watch when he graduates, then you will see something,”said Futalan in a Facebook private message. 

Mosqueda, 18, cleared 1.69 meters to reset her own national junior mark by one centimeter. The 18-year-old FEU student is fifth in the all-time list topped by veteran Narcisa Atienza’s 1.81. – Rappler.com