One of
the most accomplished track coaches in the 1930s was PEDRO ABLAN,
himself a talented middle distance race specialist. Born on 9 Dec. 1891 in Laoag,
Ilocos Norte, The young Ablan discovered running as part of his
school’s physical education classes. He was a constant presence in
interscholastic meets, winning many medals. He pursued running when he came to
Manila to study at the Philippine Normal School, and managed to improve
his times to become a national record holder for 3 consecutive years
beginning 1915 in the 440 yard dash.
The 5 foot 4 Ablan became a mainstay of the winningest Philippine team to the Far Eastern Championship Games that took part in the Manila (1913) and Shanghai games (1915). In Shanghai, he was part of the Philippine men's team that won Gold in the 880 m. yard relay, along with Fortunato Catalon, Genaro Saavedra, and Nicolas Llaneta. His Far East campaign culminated with a Bronze Medal finish at the 1917 edition in Tokyo, Japan. He placed third behind two Japanese runners Shinsaku Yamanouchi (Gold, 55.0 secs.) and Iwao Saeki (Silver, 55.2 secs.). Ablan clocked 56.2 secs. , a Philippine record, and became a much-talked about sprinter in the Philippines, China and Japan.
In 1918, Ablan was deep in training for the next Far Eastern Games, when he was found unconscious on the athletic field, stricken with a debilitating illness. He had to stop running and was scratched off from the team. As if that was not enough, his 440 yard record was broken by another Filipino sprinter. He recovered soon enough, but he found out that he had lost his former speed.
But behind every setback, there was a silver lining. When he was well enough, he married Soledad Adiarte (b. 1895) , retired from running to become a track coach at a local high school. It was while coaching that Ablan was selected as a pensionado of the Philippine government to study physical education abroad. Upon the recommendation of Vice-Governor Charles E. Yeater, Ablan was accepted at the Missouri College in Springfield (now Missouri State University), that was known for its outstanding physical education program.
In
September 1919, Ablan, together with another Filipino who would also
become an eminent sports leader—Serafin Aquino—began his studies at the
Missouri college. His reputation as a champion sprinter had preceded him, and
his athletic feats were written about in local community newspapers.
After graduating in 1922, Pedro Ablan returned to the Philippine Islands as physical director in the public schools. During World War II, he served as captain in the Philippine Army, and he received an honorable discharge in 1948. Ablan dedicated the remainder of his life to physical education.
He assumed the post of Physical Director of his alma mater Philippine Normal School and led the track team to victory at the Manila Interscholastic Athletic Association (M.I.A.A.) meets in 1932 and 1935. In 1934, he served as assistant coach of the P.A.A.F. athletic events, and helped in the training of the Philippine squad for the 1936 Olympics.
The revered Ablan rose to become a Division Superintendent of the Department of Education, with P.E. as his field of expertise. He retired in 1965 and returned to Springfield College campus for his 50th class reunion in 1972. Pedro Ablan, the multi-tasking athlete, mentor and sports official, passed away on 16 July 1974, and was survived by 3 daughters and 2 sons.
Passport, Pedro Ablan: U.S., Passport Applications, 1795-1925, Border
Crossings & Passports
Far East Championships, http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/fec.htm
Photo of Ablan, Merwin and Aquino/ Cosmopolitan Club/ In Memoriam, Courtesy
of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections.
https://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15370coll2/id/5236
No comments:
Post a Comment