FEU men’s volleyball team draws strength, inspiration from injured CJ Cabatac

FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University men’s volleyball team is offering its UAAP Season 85 campaign to CJ Cabatac, who suffered a gruesome injury in the Tamaraws’ last game.

FEU on Tuesday said that Cabatac, who underwent surgery at FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation hospital, is “in high spirits and appreciates all of the well-wishes and support he has been getting.”

The young opposite spiker broke his right leg bone after attempting to block National University Bulldogs’ rookie Michaelo Buddin’s attack but accidentally stepped on his foot.

Stop posting and sharing the video that happened yesterday.❤️ Carl is fine na po and lets pray nalang sa mabilis niyang recovery.

We love you Carl!😍💚

We are praying din sa lahat ng players ng UAAP na wala na sanang mainjury.🙏#UAAPSeason85 #charge pic.twitter.com/Hemz8ZpFZ2

— Mark Calado (@Markcalado06) March 19, 2023

The Tamaraws leading scorer Mark Calado, though, implored fans to stop reposting the clip of Cabatac’s injury, which happened during the first set of their 20-25, 20-25, 16-25 loss to National University.

“Stop posting and sharing the video that happened yesterday. Carl is fine and let’s pray for his speedy recovery,” said Calado on Twitter. “We love you Carl! We are also praying for an injury-free UAAP.”

‘ONE WITH YOU’

FEU’s CJ Cabatac after suffering a leg injury. –UAAP PHOTO

FEU coach Rei Diaz shared that Cabatac’s goal this season was to contribute to the growth of Philippine men’s volleyball.

“One of the main goals is to bring out the best in our players. We want to develop the full potential of each of our 29 players. We asked each of them to create their vision statements aligned with the vision of FEU-MVT. CJ’s injury prompted us to revisit personal vision,” said Diaz.

“CJ has a clear vision of what he wants to be as an athlete and what he wants to contribute to the sport,” he added.

That’s why the Tamaraws are eager to achieve Cabatac’s vision and they are offering the remainder of the season to him.

“His injury will propel all of us, the entire FEU-MVT to help him make his vision a reality,” said Diaz. “We offer the entire Season 85 to CJ. He is an inspiration to all of us, coaches and players to continue to be desperate, hungry and thirsty to achieve our goals. CJ, we love you and always remember we are one, we are with you.”

FEU finished third in the first round with a 5-2 record.

Other men’s volleyball players also rallied behind Cabatac as La Salle’s Noel Kampton gave him a shoutout when he was interviewed as the Player of the Game last Sunday.