NOT FOR wealth and fame but for the love of the game.
Losing what could have been UST’s 14th consecutive UAAP general championship to De La Salle University last season might have been one of the hardest blows to the UST sporting community, and it could be because the University values the passion and tradition of amateur sports more than keeping in step.
“We maintain our policy of amateurism (as against commercial sports). As long as we can compete, then we keep it that way,” said Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P., director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, in an interview with the Varsitarian.
But sticking with this ideal proves to be a double-edged sword. Recruitment-wise, the University lags behind Ateneo de Manila University, National University and La Salle that are backed by patrons who lay on the table more than any athlete could ever wish.
If a struggling player, let’s say, came from the province or he’s a high school superstar wanting to carve a name in the collegiate ranks, instinct would lead him to universities that offer much more than scholarship, board and lodging and monthly stipend—things you would find in España—but nothing more.
UST could not offer more not because it has been disregarded by benefactors but because it refuses any form of external control.
“I really don’t want to look for people who give such things then end up controlling your operations and interfering with school policies,” De Sagon said.
De Sagon added these wealthy people should instead invest their money “in a foundation” where “it could be used in a better way rather than in sports.”
While it is admirable that the University maintains a firm stand against athlete-buying and/or pirating, it is high time that its program be reassessed.
If we lost the general championship last season and if we will not take measures to improve the system, we may find ourselves yielding yet another overall crown to La Salle or any other university that is much more willing to extend support—by also asking for support—to athletes.
Mere cheering could boost morale and will to fight, but how about actually providing for the needs of the athletes? An agreement could be arrived at—it’s all about meeting halfway for UST and the interested patrons.
A reevaluation of sorts may be in the works, but Thomasian athletes must learn to make do, for now, and continue the winning tradition.
The Growling Tigers made it to last season’s finals even without prized recruits, extravagant team-building sessions and trainings outside of the country.
Yes, they were swept, 0-2, in the best-of-three series, but not without a gallant stand, not without putting up a fight against the eventual “five-peat” champions.
A broken streak doesn’t signify doom; it may even spark a return of the Tigers who have, time and again, proven to be Comeback Kings.
Our men’s and women’s judo teams, women’s beach volleyball, men’s taekwondo, table tennis and chess squads lorded it over other teams and gave UST six championships to finish with 278 points at the end of Season 75.
Many teams fought undermanned due to players’ academic deficiencies, the Quadricentennial Pavilion was not fully utilized due to graduation practices and other events, but the Thomasian athletes’ spirits remained unfazed.
Why? Because when you have God, you can achieve (almost) Glory even if you have yet to earn (or ask for) the Gold.
The feats that have been achieved—the collection of 39 overall titles, the brood of Thomasian athletes who have made a name in their respective fields, the unending quest for excellence—hold promise worth the support not only from the UST administration but also from those outside the University who are willing to extend a friendly, helping hand.
Athletes who are genuinely after healthy competition and contending for school pride will always be welcome—players whose yes can be won by quality education—even without the “extras.”
A little bonus, though, wouldn’t hurt.
The promise of wealth and fame may lure a bird to heights or a dog to an abundant den, but the love of the game will keep the Tiger—hungry and growling—in the Black and Gold lair.
I take it you’re the Sports Editor for this year 🙂 anyway, do you know that Salinggawi also has problems with piracy? The performers from NU Cheersquadron last 2012 were originally practicing with Salinggawi then all of a sudden, NU comes in.
Long gone are the days when UAAP is merely an amateur sport. UAAP players are now tapped to play in international games.
“Nasa doyos ang AWA, nasa tao ang GAWA.” Let those willing alumni do their part in helping out our dying sports programs.
i think it’s hay day for the university to let the alumni help at least in terms of the recruitment or sports facilities/training (why not both?). i believe there is nothing wrong in letting our beloved and thousands of alumni help in the university’s sports program but UST must still impose its will and not let the alumni dictate theirs. i’m still hoping that someday i would live to see UST have a patron of its own.
#GoUSTe #OneForUST