FEU Cheering Squad hates to miss this time

MANILA, Philippines — Taking notes from their dismal showing from last year, where they landed behind eventual champs CCP Bobcats, FEU is again ready to aim and fire- and, for a change, not miss.

The squad, despite being pencilled as the favorites for last year’s NCC crown for its smoothly-executed basic elements and pyramids, was penalized with 13 points—a deduction that played heavily in the outcome as they were deprived of a 323-point finish. The Bobcats won the event with 322.5 points.

Stunts coach Francis Fulgencio, though, emphasizes the squad’s maturity, saying it has and will continue to be one of their strengths.
‘‘In every competition, I believe each team learns a share of lesson,” Fulgencio said. “We try to learn from our inadequacies–in both wins and losses.”

But the Morayta-based squad may have to deal with another form of adversity as the injury bug and academic hurdles didn’t spare them—sidelining three of their key members Bryan Bumbales, Xavier Tan and Jansen Magadiong.

The three are still tentative for clearance in March’s NCC skirmish. They are at the moment listed as reserves.

Meanwhile, Eryka de Roxas, who rose from the ranks as the squad’s captain, said that FEU will draw its brilliance through Karl Bugtai, Annievi Perez, Mae Zuñiga, Giovanni Perturbos, Lester Buluran and Feradille Salcedo.

Bugtai, Buluran and Perez were members of the 2009 squad that ruled the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

De Roxas notes that they are currently putting premium on technicalities and audience impact.

‘‘We’re trying to up our ante of our showmanship,” she said. “I think that’s where we lack sorely.”

According to FEU’s 10-time coach Jacqueline Alolor-Alota, the squad’s greatest opponents are themselves.

‘‘We’ll try to bring perfect execution,” she added. “Lessons learned–we’ll be more focused and we’ll try to finally achieve higher–all through performing with a Tamaraw heart!’