THE BIGGEST success stories often begin with a series of heartbreaking moments.
For almost two decades, losing is a feeling the Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U) men’s volleyball team is all too familiar with.
CIT-U, which has been competing since the now-defunct Cebu Amateur Athletic Association, has yet to make some grounds in the Cesafi with their best finish in recent memory coming last season when it settled for fifth place with a 3-3 (win-loss) card.
But everything changed this year as the Wildcats finished with a 4-2 slate in the eliminations to clinch their first playoff berth – all thanks to the administration’s continuous support to the team, such as offering free bus rides to students who want to cheer for their school.
“We are motivated this season because of the support we are getting from the administration, faculty, students, parents and alumni. I would also like to credit my assistant coach Marlon Luces for being a big help of polishing the skills of our players,” said Wildcats head coach Armel Loon.
This move has definitely paid golden dividends for CIT-U as it not only tallied its highest winning total in a season but also registered its biggest victory in the process as it stunned the defending champions University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) last Sept. 10 for the first time in league history.
“After winning our game against [USJ-R], I already expected that we can make it to the semis because it was really a morale-boosting victory,” Loon said.
Loon knows that they are the underdogs when his team begins its campaign in the round robin semis this Saturday against the second-ranked
Southwestern University – Phinma team that beat his wards in the eliminations, but he is hoping they can put up a great fight.
“Hopefully, we can win at least a set. It’s one way that can motivate the players to increase their intensity inside the court.”