In the midst of rigid training and workouts in preparation for the Private Schools Athletics Association (Prisaa) national finals, the University of San Carlos (USC) swimming team has revealed a development that could affect its performance in the annual meet in Iba, Zambales on April 22 to 29.
The Warriors divulged that they are set to miss the services of their key tankers in the men’s division in Keith Ocampo and John Beltran, who already finished their college degrees this year.
Ocampo and Beltran played a major role in the Warriors’ championship run last year when they plucked five and two gold medals, respectively, in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
Asked to assess his team without the two, USC swimming coach Ronald Manlosa still remains confident of their chances.
“(The) two swimmers who played great last year already graduated but my gut feel tells me that we can win,” he said. “ We are working really hard so hopefully, we can get the title.”
Manlosa also hopes that the addition of University of Cebu’s Michael Ichiro Kong, University of the Visayas’ Shane Pacabis and tankers from Bohol will brighten their chances of winning in the medal-rich event.
The Warriors men’s team is comprised of Antonne Villahermosa, Ruliben Deligero, Lorenzo Abello, Cynthjune Goden, Bryan Inamarga, Joshua Beltran and Myles Chi; while the women’s team who finished second last year will be headed by Prisaa 2016 Most Outstanding swimmer Razel Cabajar, Pia Cardinal, Aira Facto, Kimberly Ilustry, April Goden, Masey Chi and Kimberly Ocampo.