There’s something uplifting when young athletes try their earnest best playing for their schools.
This was evident in two playing fields this weekend. Two events were played out in a jam-packed coliseum while the other was played out in front of small pockets of generous supporters.
At Smart Araneta Coliseum last Saturday, the scramble for Final Four slots lived up to its billing as Ateneo came from behind to win in overtime against Far Eastern University and La Salle conquered National University.
Ateneo earned the No. 1 slot, a much-needed week’s rest and preparation as well as a twice-to-beat edge over a still undetermined opponent.
The picture should clear up this week. The interesting twist is that resurgent University of the East has created for itself a chance to barge into the Final Four party with a pair of recent wins. It needs one more win against University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday to forge a showdown against NU for the last ticket.
But speculative wins never really register well in college ball because as long as there are games, teams will try to win one for the Alma Mater. We can count on UST to go out slugging, whether it wins or loses in its final game.
There’s nothing like being the party pooper in basketball when one doesn’t get the invite to the playoff party. UE will have to bring its A-game to the UST battle and even to the remaining games it could possibly create.
There was, of course, the cheerdance competition on Sunday. There were no games to play but for the cheerdance teams this was their moment in time.
The TV cameras, the sportswriters and the supporters from the schools only had eyes for them as they finally performed the routines repeated endlessly in training and rehearsals. They had one shot at greatness and prayers for error and injury free performances were made unceasingly as well.
Then, away from all the limelight and attention was the UAAP table tennis competition at Blue Eagle Gym on Katipunan last Saturday.
The players and their handful of supporters braved the traffic caused by the removal of U-turns and the resurgence of traffic lights on the busy main road. But it didn’t matter to them. It was time for their event even if the bulk of their communities were at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ten tables filled with sprightly male and female players traded smashes and deftly angled shots. There were small groups dishing out loud cheers like the La Salle contingent that came complete with noisemakers. Teams that didn’t have that many friends or family in tow roared just as lustily with every point scored.
The players were constantly egging themselves on regardless of the score. Aside from being constantly concerned about sweat trickling down to their playing hands, the players switched adroitly from offense to defense in split seconds. There was a lot of fist-pumping and loud yelps of success with every exchange.
The table tennis tournament, the cheerdance and basketball competitions were examples of why school sports are indispensable in the formation of young lives. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a high-profile event or one played in front of only a handful. It doesn’t even have to be the UAAP or the NCAA.
The essential thing again is participating. It is the responsibility of the older generations to ensure that youthful play continues in fields of fair, spirited and joyful competition.