ISAA president de la Rosa, right, shakes hands with PATTS’ Valdez. Photo by Arnold Almacen/INQUIRER
Becoming like the UAAP and NCAA remains a dream, but not to worry.
With the theme, ‘‘Unstoppable’’, the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association will unfurl its 9th season amid the traditional pomp and pageantry Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Champion coach Luigi Trillo and rising basketball star Jeron Teng will headline the list of guests in the colorful opening ceremonies.
Title-favorite Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (PATTS) College of Aeronautics opens its campain in men’s basketball against rival La Consolacion College-Manila 10 a.m. after the 8:30 a.m.opening ceremonies which will be spiced by the selection of Ms. ISAA 2017.
The second game at 11:30 p.m. pits defending senior high titlist Manila Tytana Colleges against La Consolacion College-Manila.
Manila Tytana Colleges tackles Saint Dominic College of Asia 1 p.m in another men’s basketball match, while Manila Adventist College opens its campaign in senior high versus Saint Dominic College of Asia 2:30 p.m.
This year’s host is PATTS College of Aeronautics headed by its president and Chief Operating Officer Engr.Jose Eduardo S. Valdez.
ISAA president is Ruel R.Dela Rosa AVP and Director for Student Affairs of Manila Tytana Colleges.
Completing this year’s roster are FEATI, Philippine Women’s University, St. Dominic College of Asia, La Consolacion College-Manila and Manila Adventist Medical Center and Colleges.
While the UAAP and the NCAA continue to become the barometer of success for collegiate sports, ISAA’s longevity can be credited to the solid partnerships between the member school.
While promising to make the opening hoopla memorable, Valdez praised ISAA’s focus on academic excellence.
‘‘We joined ISAA three years ago to find new competitions for our sports programs but most importantly because this a league which has produced more graduates, ‘’ said Valdez. ‘‘ISAA has a strong academic history.’’
Valdez said ISAA’s vision is also synonymous with PATTS’ aim of promoting healthy minds and bodies.
‘‘We admit that in ISAA they are students first, and athletes second,’’ Valdez stressed during the signing of memorandum of agreement on PATTS’ hosting of this year’s season.
De la Rosa, who succeeded FEATI’s Melanie Florentino as president, thanked PATTS for hosting this year’s season.
He said that there is so much oppurtunity for ISAA and said the league will do its best and deliver its best effort to hurdle challenges.
‘‘Maybe someday, ISAA will become like the UAAP and NCAA,’’ said Dela Rosa, who stressed that ISAA athletes will continue to put premium on their studies.
‘‘We can’t be stopped by circumstances. We continue to move forward,’’ said Dela Rosa.
Like Dela Rosa, ISAA vice-president Andres ‘‘Andie’’Cristobal of La Consolacion College-Manila extended his warmest regards.
‘‘Season 9 will be a great success,’’ said Cristobal. ‘‘ISAA will continue to produce athletes with solid academic achievements. Winning in the league is secondary but it’s about playing the game fairly and with dignity.’’
The other officers are Antonio S.Giron of Manila Adventist(secretary). Melanie Florentino of FEATI ( treasurer) , Jonathan Sta. Ana of SDCA (auditor), Benjamin Hernandez of PATTS (PRO) and board members Marielle Benitez and Raul Santos of PWU, Josefa Dimalanta of SDCA and Rogelio delos Santos Jr. of MTC.
The host school will also defend its bowling and men’s volleyball titles, while traditional powerhouse Philippine Women’s University is favored to triumph in table tennis.
St. Dominic College of Asia will defend its chess diadem. Swimming, futsal and badminton competitions remain wide open as titleholder Philippine Merchant Marine School opted to take a leave of absence this season.