WITH barely a week before the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Chess competition, the UST Male Woodpushers are raring to improve on their bridesmaid finish last season.
As part of their rigid off-season training, the Male Woodpushers have played tune-up games against six-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champions, the San Sebastian College (SSC) Woodpushers.
In addition, the entire coaching staff of both the men’s and women’s chess teams participated in a coaching seminar organized by the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) last July 17.
Dubbed “Harnessing the Tiger: Elevating Coaching to a Higher Level,” the seminar aimed to improve the coaching prowess of all varsity team coaches in UST.
“Malaki ang tinulong ng seminar sa amin, lalo na sa strategy,” said Male Woodpushers acting coach and National Master Winston Silva.
“Mas humigpit kami ngayon sa mga players, dati kasi lenient kami, ok lang na walang practice,” he added.
The Male Woodpushers’ title run this season will be led by National Master Bob Jones Liwagon on board one, Jerson Bitoon on board two, Jonathan Calapati on board three, Arnold Dableo on board four, Rynam Arce on board five and Leo-Anyan Atienza on board six.
Silva foresees a good year for the Woodpushers, and a good chance of at least a second-place finish, if not a championship, because of the team’s positive attitude.
“Medyo maganda ang prospects at mukhang tumaas ang confidence level ng team,” he ended.
Meanwhile, National Master and UST Lady Woodpusher Joann Toledo has been given the go-signal to play for the Tigresses this season.
Toledo has settled her academic deficiencies, paving the way for her inclusion in the team’s roster this season.
With her return, the Lady Woodpushers’ arsenal has become more formidable. Toledo will be backed up by Shercila Cua, Rusela Joya, Sherie Pearl dela Cruz, Cecille Fajardo, rookie Madelaine Abeleda and Jacquelyn Sharmaine Johnson. Rhejean Dableo may be unable to play this season due to academic problems.
Abeleda and Johnson are the two top choices for the position of team captain. Johnson, a returning player and a former team captain, is also a laboratory instructor at the College of Nursing.
Lady Woodpushers coach and National Master Ronald Dableo is confident of his team’s capabilities. A title is not far from reach, he said.
“Sure nang championship ito, lalo na at bumalik na si Joann (Toledo), basta ‘wag lang magkaroon ng problema sa technicalities,” Dableo said. Patrick Leonard M. Mayo
