DUE TO the change in the University’s academic calendar and priority given to the studies of its athletes, UST missed the annual University Games (UniGames) held at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo last Oct. 20 to 28.
The Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) decided not to send a delegation in the annual tournament, which serves as a preseason for second semester sports, since UST athletes were still attending classes.
IPEA Director Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P. said that the decision would yield better results as student-athletes would be able to comply with their respective colleges’ grade requirements as the final examinations approach. The move would also allow the athletes to avoid academic ineligibility, which could affect UST’s overall performance in the UAAP.
“We may have players who are very much attuned as far as the game is concerned but cannot play because of academic deficiencies,” De Sagon told the Varsitarian.
De Sagon reiterated that UST, though poised to regain the UAAP general championship, was primarily an academic institution and student-athletes had to prioritize their studies, especially this year when colleges have become more strict in accepting students.
“We are looking at it from the point of view of academics. We are thinking of not just the competition this year but the competition year after year. It not just their eligibility this year but including that of next year. If they end up not passing any subject, how can we maintain them as athletes?” De Sagon added.
The former UST High School principal sees the non-attendance of the UniGames as an advantage as the players will not be subject to injuries and will stay healthy when the UAAP resumes this November.
De Sagon said that the University treats the UniGames as “testing waters” of how the athletes from other schools will compete and cited that it is only “part of a total system that we are dealing with,” unlike other universities who treat the annual sports event as the most important tournament. Delfin Ray M. Dioquino
