Ryan Costelo holds the torch to open the NCAA Season 93. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
NCAA Season 93 started out with a bang as host school San Sebastian delivered a show to remember and gave a nod to the past.
The league honored notable alumni from all 10 teams even as San Sebastian paid tribute to basketball great Rommel Adducul, coach Egay Macaraya, and Alfonso “Boy” Mora, a member of the Golden Stags’ first NCAA champion team.
Also feted in the opening ceremonies were JRU’s Philip Cezar and coach Vergel Meneses, Letran’s Kerby Raymundo and Raymond Almazan, Mapua’s Chito Victolero and coach Atoy Co, Arellano’s Jio Jalalon and Nard Pinto, St. Benilde’s Sunday Salvacion and Jonathan Grey, Lyceum’s Gary David, and EAC’s Christ Mejos and coach Ariel Sison.
Businessman James Tan Sy of San Beda, board topnotcher Dr. Karl Emmanuel Mercader and military general Rosendo Moro Dial of Perpetual, and disc jockey DJ Jhai Ho of Lyceum were also given recognition.
“The purpose of this is to acknowledge the fruit of the NCAA. These are coming from the NCAA schools and we did not have one person talking, a guest that will give a message to the student,” said NCAA president Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR. “This time, we invited the icons of their institution because their presence is more than the words to be given by a certain visitor. Also, we also recognized their contributions to their fields.”
Ryan Costelo led the Oath of Sportsmanship in the event, before Tolentino declared the games open.
The Recto-based school trotted out a festival-like performance to kick off the new collegiate year, with Morisette Amon singing in the middle of the throngs of San Sebastian students.
Muses from all 10 member schools ushered in their respective pep squads and mascots, converging in a party-like atmosphere to delight the crowd, before the traditional parade of players.