Letran welcomes postponement of milestone NCAA hosting

FILE – Logos of member schools during the NCAA Season 95 opening. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines–Letran was supposed to be celebrating its quadrennial this year with the hosting of NCAA. But just like everything else, the plan fizzled out as the coronavirus pandemic raged on.

But for Fr. Vic Calvo, NCAA Season 96’s management committee chair for the school, the disruption is a blessing in disguise as it would give the school more time to prepare for the league’s “Comeback Season.”

Letran was supposed to kick off its hosting of the NCAA this month but, like every other schedule ripped to shreds by the pandemic, it had to reschedule for next year.

“It would be all the more meaningful because hopefully by then the virus is contained and it would mark the NCAA’s return after a historic global crisis,” said Calvo.

Letran rector Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, the NCAA policy board chair, on Thursday penned a memorandum announcing the season’s start in “the early months of 2021.”

The statement also said that only four “mandatory sports” will be played namely volleyball, basketball, track and field, and swimming in the hope of making it more manageable for member schools affected by the pandemic.

Letran also stated that there are plans to integrate online chess and e-games in the next season considering that the sports thrived during the lockdown.

“But it will all depend on the government protocols,” said Calvo. “Even if a cure or vaccine is found, it’s all up to the government if we can start.”

Rules on student-athletes’ eligibility like age, enrollment, grade and playing years, will be “relaxed” in consideration of the disrupted calendar, said the statement.

“It remains the NCAA’s top priority to ensure safety and health,” it added. “The league’s objective of youth development through sports deserves our unequivocal support in order to continue and contribute to the future of our nation and the world.”