Up-and-coming league puts focus on academics, admires UAAP, NCAA

ISAA at PSA Forum.

They want to make the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association like the UAAP and NCAA someday, but will always put premium on academics.

“What sets us apart from other league is our strict adherence to our eligibility rules and when it comes to academics our athletes are average or above average,” said ISAA president Melanie Florentino of FEATI University. “We don’t allow athletes to play if they fail 40 percent of their academic load.”

READ: PATTS joins ISAA for league’s 7th season

Florentino said ISAA is hopeful that it will reach the stature of the UAAP and NCAA but admits it will take a lot of years to achieve.

“The ISAA has withstand the test of time,” said Florentino. ‘We are thankful that we survived. There’s no way to go but up. It’s not easy to keep an association like the ISAA. But the member schools have proven their camaraderie and ability to resolve issues fair and square. We even have a choral festival during Christmas to strengthen our fellowship.”

The league will open its 7th season on August 19 at the Cuneta Astrodome. PBA Hall of Famer Ronnie Magsanoc will lead the guest list.

Florentino and other ISAA officers guested in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum last Tuesday at Shakey’s Malate.

Engineer Marlon Asuque of host Philippine Merchant Marine School said the league is growing. He also promised that PMMS, three-time champion in men’s basketball, will put up an opening colorful show courtesy of performers from the Customs Administration.

This year, ISAA was able to lure Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (PATTS) College of Aeronautics to its fold.

PATTS’s representative Benjie Hernandez said the Seahorses joined the league because of its solid relations and sound athletics programs.

“We’re looking forward to this season and hopefully, we can be fortunate with our chances,” said Hernandez.

PATTS battles Philippine Women’s University in the third game of a triple bill. In an early clash between two strong teams, PMMS Mariners tackle St. Dominic College of Asia Red Pikes, followed by the La Consolacion College-Manila Blue Royals-Manila Tytana Colleges tiff.

The Mariners ably-coached by former amateur standout and ex-pro Aldrin Morante beat the Blue Royals in last year’s finals. Handling LaCo-Manila is Bong dela Cruz, head coach of the UST Tigers in the UAAP.

Aaide from men’s baskeball, ISAA will also feature men and women’s volleyball, table tennis, swimming and badminton.

League secretary Raul Santos of PWU they also added futsal in the sports calendar. During its 5th season, ISAA, due to Florentino’s prodding, added dragonboat racing to its calendar.

“We understand that basketball is not just the sport. We are open to adding new sports to our calendar,’’ said Florentino. ‘‘But we are happy with our present lineup.”

Also present during the Forum were Manila Tytana’s Rogelio delos Santos, representing PRO Ruel dela Rosa, vice-president Jonathan Sta. Ana and board member Josie Dimalanta of St. Dominic.

Spicing up the opening ceremonies which will start 9 p.m. isthe highly-anticipated contest for Ms. ISAA among the muses of the competing schools.