UNIST has proudly secured the overall championship title at the 2024 Stadium Competition, marking the first time the institution has achieved this distinction. Held at DGIST on November 9, the competition showcased the impressive talents of UNIST students across various sports, including badminton, baseball, and basketball, in a thrilling showdown against KAIST and POSTECH. POSTECH.
STadium: Celebrating the Unique Culture of S&T Universities through Sports
The STadium serves as a premier platform for sports competitions and cultural exchange among six leading science and technology universities: KAIST, GIST, DGIST, UNIST, POSTECH, and KENTECH. This annual event, which began in 2017, was paused for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The name STadium not only highlights the spirit of sportsmanship and exchange but also evokes a sense of science and technology, reflecting the academic roots of the competition.
UNIST secured the overall championship title at the 2024 Stadium Competition, marking the first time the institution has achieved this distinction. l Image Credit: Studio Ingam
Celebrating its sixth anniversary, this year’s event featured KENTECH’s inaugural participation, enhancing collaboration and allowing student clubs from each university to showcase their talents.
UNIST Shines Bright in Badminton and Baseball
UNIST’s victory was driven by stellar performances in badminton and baseball. In mixed doubles event in badminton, the team of MinSu Seo (Department of Electrical Engineering, UNIST) and JuA Lee (Department of Electrical Engineering, UNIST) emerged victorious, while Jun Hyuk Seo (Department of Industrial Engineering) and HyonSeo Hwang (School of Energy and Chemical Engineering) took the top spot in men’s doubles after a nail-biting final match.
Reflecting on their victory, MinSu Seo said, “Our mixed doubles team benefitted from my partner’s exceptional skills, which allowed us to exploit our opponents’ weaknesses.” JuA Lee added, “I was worried about losing the first set, but my partner’s relentless defense helped us turn the game around.”
UNIST ROCKETS, the UNIST baseball team clinched the championship after a thrilling tiebreaker against KAIST. l Image Credit: Studio Ingam
In baseball, the UNIST ROCKETS clinched their championship after a thrilling tiebreaker against KAIST. Seongchan Kim (School of UNISTars) delivered the game-winning hit, expressing his joy by stating, “I am thrilled to have secured the final hit after such a long and challenging game against KAIST.”
Dong Hyun Lee (School of Energy and Chemical Engineering) also played a crucial role in the match against POSTECH with a vital home steal, noting, “I was nervous during such a close game, but ultimately, my efforts secured the points.”
UNIST’s Determination Across All Sports
While UNIST finished second in women’s doubles in both basketball and badminton, the team faced challenges in soccer and e-sports. Nevertheless, every player demonstrated relentless effort until the very end.
The runner-up finish of the ‘UNIS Basketball Team’ added 6 points, securing the overall championship for UNIST. l Image Credit: Studio Ingam
The runner-up finish of the UNIS Basketball Team added six points, securing the overall championship for UNIST. One member commented, “Although we prepared thoroughly for the championship, the experience we gained from our teammates was invaluable.”
In badminton women’s doubles, JeongYun Moon (Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNIST) and JeYeon Lim (School of UNISTars, UNIST) advanced to the finals with an impressive preliminary round, though they ultimately fell short. JeongYun Moon reflected, “I found that my concentration improved when I remained relaxed, and I channeled all my energy into the game.”
Encouragement and Support from Student Clubs Fuel UNIST’s Success
The strong performances of the student clubs, along with enthusiastic support from fellow students, significantly contributed to UNIST’s overall victory. The cheer squad, UNICH, generated an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere during the event, further energizing the athletes. “I take great pride in what we have achieved together,” said JiHyeon Oh (School of Energy and Chemical Engineering), President of the Student Club Association at UNIST. “Our unity played a crucial role in securing this championship.”
The performing clubs at the 2024 STadium also enjoyed the fruits of their hard work. One member shared, “Performing on stage has been a dream of mine since entering UNIST. The cultural exchange with students from other universities made this experience incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful to my fellow club members for their dedication.”
MinGeon Kim (School of Energy and Chemical Engineering), Public Relations Director for the Undergraduate Student Council at UNIST, summed up the event, saying, “Seeing UNIST students come together, linking arms and singing cheer songs, was a truly touching experience.”
President Chung Rae Park of UNIST praised the students for their teamwork and dedication, stating, “The efforts and cooperation demonstrated by our students this year have reached unprecedented heights. Their commitment to one another embodies the united spirit of UNIST.” He concluded, “This achievement, grounded in mutual support, will be remembered as a milestone in our journey toward greater success, extending beyond mere victories.”
