Since the early 1900s, and more so with the founding of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in 1938, sports have been an integral part of student life in the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Athletics have been recognized as means of building discipline, teamwork, and school spirit, apart from the prime benefit of physical fitness. Sports became accessible to students through annual inter-class and intercollegiate sporting events, varsity recruitment programs, and exhibitions showcasing different sports and highlighting student-athletes of the University.

UST also developed cheering traditions and community support through annual pep rallies and competitions such as the UAAP. These activities fostered a sense of pride and solidarity among Thomasians, both within and beyond the University walls.

Carrying win streaks in basketball, volleyball, cheerdance, and overall championships over the years, the UST Growling Tigers have solidified their reputation and legacy in the UAAP, as well as in local and international recognition. 

As a founding member of the UAAP, UST has been given broad opportunities to showcase its athletes throughout 88 years of competition against other top universities in the National Capital Region. With the help of these showcases, many former student-athletes advanced to the professional leagues and achieved great success—athletes including basketball hall-of-famer Bogs Adornado, Dennis Espino, Danny Florencio, and Bal David, among others. Some have chosen the path of mentorship, such as former Olympian Jasmin Simpao, who became a teacher, and former Growling Tiger and PBA player Alfredo ‘Pido’ Jarencio, who took on the mantle of coaching. Others continue to train under the University’s wing while making their mark as world-class athletes. Among them is world number 3 pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, who has represented the Philippines in prestigious international competitions such as the Olympics.

These Thomasian athletes embody the skills and values instilled by the University—humility, discipline, and resilience—nurtured under the guidance of their coaches from the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA), carrying these virtues well into their professional careers. 

Winning 48 overall championships, including an unbroken streak of eight consecutive years, the UST Growling Tigers are a proud force in inter-university competitions. Yet, before these tigers learned to growl, they first shone like gold.

In the 1930s, UST’s athletic teams were known as the “Glowing Goldies,” branding themselves with the University’s iconic black, white, and gold colors. In 1992, however, the University rebranded its athletics teams into the “Growling Tigers” to establish a more striking and distinctive identity. The Bengal tiger, with stripes echoing the University’s colors, eventually became the official mascot of UST’s athletics teams. Since then, the Growling Tigers have continued to add championships to the University’s record, thanks to the unwavering guidance and support of their mentors and coaches from the IPEA. 

Established in 2000 to meet the growing demand for organized athletics, the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) was established to formally professionalize UST’s sports program. Since then, IPEA has played a vital role in developing world-class athletes by providing quality physical education to all students, managing and training varsity teams, and supporting athletes both academically and physically. Through its efforts, UST has continued to sustain its reputation as a powerhouse in the UAAP.

Today, IPEA continues to offer its degree program in Fitness and Sports Management, while also managing and caring for its athletes and mentoring all Thomasians through their physical education courses. Having previously hosted UAAP Season 79, UST now once again carries the torch as it hosts UAAP Season 88. UST continues its legacy of competence, commitment, and compassion through sports.