Heightening school spirit with university cheers in a grand number, the new season of the University Athletics’ Association of the Philippines (UAAP) truly started with a bang at the Mall of Asia Arena on July 14, 2012.
Hosted by National University, the UAAP promises to be unbreakable like a diamond, which is the league’s anniversary. The UAAP is in its 75th year.
Season 74 Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks led the Oath of Sportsmanship along with the team captains of the eight participating universities. Present to witness the opening were the heads of the universities, including UST Rector, Rev. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD, and the members of the Board of Trustees, where the director of the UST Institute on Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) Rev. Fr. Ermito G. De Sagon, O.P. and Ms. Ma. Paz Gilda R. Kamus, faculty secretary of IPEA, represented UST. Also in attendance was former President Fidel V. Ramos. Hosting were Boom Gonzales and celebrity-athlete Tin Patrimonio.
In an interview, Fr. Dagohoy wished “good luck” to all the Thomasian athletes and he hopes to “keep the general championship at the end of the season.”
The new venue and NU are what people should watch out for in season 75, according to UAAP Board President Mr. Nilo Ocamo. He also jokingly added that “La Salle will go after the general championship of UST.” Shall the Tigers be warned?
Suspense aside, Tigers team captain Jeric Fortuna said that he is counting on his team’s two-year experience and he is also there to motivate his teammates. Asked for any new strategy, he said that they will play hard and stick to the game plan of Coach Pido Jarencio. His message for the Thomasians? “Thank you sa support. Kayo ang motivation namin and we’ll do our best to get the championship this year.”
By Miguel Villon
Photo taken by Jenzine Alcantara
