The story of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta dates back to 1984 when it joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Their moniker, the Altas, which was derived from the Latin word for height and the initials of the school's founder Dr. Antonio L. Tamayo, has inspired the Las Piñas-based squad to bring sports to greater heights.
It is the home of the likes of basketball star Scottie Thompson, but while other schools take pride in their rich basketball history, the Altas have built dynasties in sports such as cheerleading and volleyball.
Volleyball and cheerleading powerhouse
The Altas have a total of 26 titles in men's volleyball, 12 of which came from the men's team. It also has 11 titles in the juniors and three in the women's division.
Prior to the suspension of games of NCAA Season 95, Perpetual had already swept the men's volleyball elimination and needed just two more wins to defend their title. Had they won the title that season, it would’ve been their 12th overall, with the first being claimed in the school year 1985-86.
The juniors team, meanwhile, are the reigning five-peat champions which started since NCAA Season 90.
On the women's side, the Lady Altas last won a championship in 2014 after a title streak which ran for three years. They produced the likes of Jheck Dionela and Honey Rose Tubino.
Perpetual is also home to one of the NCAA's best cheerleaders: the Altas Perpsquad.
In the NCAA cheerleading competition, the Perpsquad hold the most number of titles with nine. They last won the title in 2016.
Basketball contenders
They may not have won a basketball title, but the Perpetual Altas have reached the finals twice since they joined the NCAA.
Back in 1989, a team led by Bong Hawkins and Most Valuable Player Eric Quiday brought the Altas to a finals stint, but eventually fell to the San Sebastian Golden Stags.
It took almost 15 years before the Altas returned to the finals. Back in 2004, the Altas fell to the Philippine Christian University Dolphins, then a member of NCAA. The Dolphins had the likes of Gabby Espinas and one of Asia's best basketball guards Jayson Castro.
In recent years, the Altas produced basketball stars such as Thompson and Prince Eze, players who won the MVP plum in 2014 and 2018, respectively.
This season, the Altas will continue to bring sports to greater heights.
—JMB, GMA News
