One on One with a Game Master by: Jay V. Amero Date Posted: 08/04/2008 12:36 am

THE SOUTHWESTERN University flaunts the slogan “SWU… Where Excellence is a virtue.” However, the achievement of such should not only be confined in the classrooms, but also in the other vital aspects which contribute to the total growth of the students. The Athletics Department headed by Hon. Ryan P. Aznar in the university has been established for such development. Aside from organizing the annual SIGALAKAS games,
the department also oversees the university varsity teams. But there has been a seeming unfamiliarity of its activities among students.


THE FRONT LINERS

These students carry the university banner in every game they play. With every victory, the honor becomes ours. Indeed, they are playing a significant role in the field and in the university as well. They are our varsity players. Hon. Aznar said that before qualifying, each player has to make it into the try-outs conducted by the department. Then he has to undergo training and an academic evaluation as well.

Aside from the prestige that comes with being a varsity player, he get some privileges. A scholarship is granted to every player. He also receives sets of uniforms, shoes, bags, vitamins and other sports accessories.

Inevitably, one encounters problems once he is in the team. Academic pressure is commonly cited. “Lisod i-maintain ang sports ug ang academic kay kinahanglan 60% sa imong academic subject makapasar ka, kay kung mabiya-an ka, mawala ka sa varsity team,” a Cobra player expressed. But he has given a chance to be part of the team unless he can comply by the next semester the required General Weighted Average (GWA) as per requirement for the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Incorporated (CESAFI) tournament. Every varsity player is required to take an academic load a minimum of 15 units per semester.

Another problem brought out is the lack of teachers and students support. The players claim that some teachers do not consider their game schedules. Oftentimes, they are unexcused or disallowed to make up for what they have missed. As what Hon. Aznar used to joke,“Lisod kaayo pagpangita ug potential nga mga players, mas sayon ra pangitaon ang mga instructors”.

“We have many talented players who are capable of obtaining high respect in terms of sports. They need our support,” Cris Litorja of the Cobras Basketball team remarked.

It is not just the glamour nor the benefits that draw students from joining the team but others do it as a stepping stone to advance to higher grounds. Some do it for the university’s name. Still others do it simply for the love of the sport.


MANAGING THE TEAMS

At present, SWU has 8 varsity teams, namely : Basketball (men), Volleyball (women), Badminton (men and women), Boxing(men), Arnis (men and women), Track and Field(men and women),Sepak takraw (men) and Taekwondo(men).

In an interview with Hon.Aznar, he said that his office handles and takes charge of the athletic programs of the university. It is also in-charge of the university sports equipments and facilities and also the academic record of all the varsity players in the university. With these responsibilities on hand, Hon. Aznar admits the problems which arise from them. “But our number one priority is the academic requirements of our students,” Hon. Aznar stressed. He added that our varsity players should not only perform well on the field, but also maintain their good academic record because any player who fails in his subjects is out even if he is good.


ON THE COURT

Upon entering the Athletics Department, one cannot help but notice the array of trophies and plaques on the shelves. Indeed, it is a tangible proof that our teams fared well in sport competitions especially the Cobras Basketball team coached by Alejandrito “Dodie” Miego. The SWU Cobras defeated UV Green Lancers in the 62nd National Students’ Basketball Championship (NSBC) last March 01, 2008 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Cobras are representing to Xiamen, China this coming April 2008 for the four days exhibition game among those top universities in China and all of the expenses will be shouldered by the organizers. The said event is sponsored by the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) headed by the BAP President Cong. Prospero Pichay.

It’s a déjà vu because it was in 1996 when the Cobras, then coached by Eddie Ybanez, defeated the UV Green Lancers who had Jerry Aratan at the bench calling the shots to win the National Inter- Collegiate title at the same venue.

In spite of these awards, wide criticisms regarding the university’s prestige in sports as not as remarkable as it was before continue. However, the players today are not as talented and competitive as to those several years ago.

Hon. Aznar, who has been the director for more than 1 year, dismisses these and says that the SWU Cobras team still continue to reap honors for the university. He attributes this to a number of factors. He single out stiff competition as a major factor. He says that most universities nowadays are taking advantage of their teams’ popularity to attract students. So, they concentrate more on their teams, and scout for skilled players all over the region. Winning becomes the important thing to gain. “But winning is not our primary purpose, though we would like to contribute our share in sports development,” Hon. Aznar said.


STRIKING OUT

When a player joins a varsity team, he gives his commitment to the team and to the university . Life becomes a constant struggle between school works and rigorous practices. Things do get tough. One gives way to little sacrifices. But the conditions become worse when the persons who are supposed to be on their side are on the other end of the rope.

Teachers should extend consideration when the circumstances call for it. But such things need to be in proper order. Diplomacy, for one, should not be abused.

Sports remain a driving force in our society, in universities for that matter. For that reason, we must take care of our athletes. There need not be any sacrifice. Excellence in the academe as well as in the sports can go together. Other schools can attest to that. How’s that for an excuse.

We must not dismiss the principle that education should hold the fundamental priority. Let us also keep in mind when these teams were formed, their intention was not merely to play but to win as well. Keep it up!