USJR 3oth University Days
and Intramurals, Sept 16th to 20th 2014
– It was another
time for students to square off for inter-college supremacy, and another moment
to spend time mingling with new friends (and even with your crush). I would
emphasize on the first as it was another fruitful year for the CAS Basketball
team. 1 bronze medal. 4 wins. 15 players with the desire to win. Hundreds of undying
supporters. Unlimited moments of firepower and laughter. What else to cherish
when you have the people scream “C-A-S?”
And here are the most unforgettable lessons I that would
willingly want to share with you:
1.) The passion to play will forever stay
Everyone’s hungry to get
the win even when cramps happen. I remember Sean, Janus and most especially
Concha (both legs) who suffered the worst cramps during the team’s first win in
double overtime against the School of Law, 83-75.
Passion means enthusiasm;
and enthusiasm gives you to play not for yourself, but for the team’s sake. One
concrete example? Just see Brad and Janus’ dominance in the game.
2.) What’s in the court, stays in the court.
Got
yelled at by your coach or team-mate? Oh, did your pride hit you? Nah, put
those emotional setbacks aside. There shouldn’t be anything personal during the
game. It’s the time to play for gold, not the time to get old. This week,
you’re an athlete; next week, you’re back to reality – back to student life!
I even heard an
altercation during a game between CICCT and School of Law, but I’m hopeful that
that shall pass.
3.) Brotherhood is as precious as gold
I
think I shall never see a brotherhood that’s lovely as my team (apologies to
Joyce Kilmer). Yup, as what I’ve said in my video blog: It ain’t all about
winning; it’s all about the brother we’ve developed. Nothing is as priceless as
when you see the entire team go out and compete during the game, but act like lunatics
after serious post-game huddles.
4.) Hardwork is also found beyond the basketball court
You
heard it right. The entire CAS Basketball Team gives credit to the practice
players who have spent their time to join us in practices despite that they
didn’t have incentives except for post-practice bonding.
Me organizing the team –
reminding fellow players of their monetary and basketball obligations, setting
up practice schedules, etc. – is probably the most tiresome job, but it’s a
fulfilling moment when they get to thank you for your off-the-court work
ethics.
5.)
Win or lose, teammates
I
don’t mind not getting the gold medal. What mattered to me the most was that
I’m honored to be a piece of a group that recognizes your potentials and
improves your flaws; a person’s victory is everyone’s triumph; a teammate’s
downfall is another lesson to learn. Enough said.
The University Days &
Intramurals isn’t just limited to leisure, but also of words of wisdom. From
the very first tryout until the last game, there are always dozens of moments worth
sharing. There were times we got disappointed, but none of it matters. As long
as we enjoyed this week-full event, as long as we laughed our hearts out, as
long as we brought something that’s worth remembering for, nothing is as
precious as friendships being valued. Enough said.
I am proud to acknowledge
the following people who have greatly shown their enthusiasm to support the
team all throughout:
-15 brave young men with matching
jersey #’s:
(1) John Karl “Boy Tingsi” Dimasuhid
(2) Elbert Napao
(5) Elconjim Concha
(7) Necolle Duero
(9) Gerald “Brad” Pontanar – Team
Captain
(13) Marchini Kong
(14) Jongjong Gingoyon
(15) James Savellon
(17)
Carlo “Danielle Padilla” Samson
(19) Sean “Burger King” Espiritu
(26) Ed “Shofo” Naron
(27) Jazz “T**” Ortega
(28) Jaymier Rosada
(29) Kicker Pitao
(69) Janus “Jimmy Alapag” Ceniza
-Practice players: Joshua “Gwapo”
Escalante, Phil Montefalcon, Giorgio Abellana, Alvin Rabadon
-Coaches: Mr Leo Aberion, Dr Galvin
Galeon, Mr Jojit Foronda
-The avid supporters of the entire
College of Arts and Sciences academic and sports competitors.
-The Purveyor (Gotta love your own) Resilient
work, guys! Rabboni and his sports team, Apple, Princielo, Michaela, Mitzi, Milva, Janjafn, Keith, Dane, Yayoi, Beverly (PM me if I've forgotten someone)
Congratulation also to other CAS athletes and contestants for bringing home the bacon!
Much love,
James Nicole
Franz R. Savellon, #15, shooting guard for CAS Basketball signing off..
P.S. I
posted this a kind of late – my apologies, guys.