by Dr. Helmer B. Montejo
USPF DIRECTOR-INFORMATION AND MARKETING
They lacked practice time because of various commitments which is a big no-no in almost every field of endeavor especially in sports.
But Edmar Bonono and Edward Ybañez of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation never lacked the heart and the determination to defend their national Nestea Beach Volleyball crown in their final year as a team.
And so the formidable tandem headed to the pristine beaches of Boracay Island last week armed only with the resolve to make their final appearance in the country’s premier beach volley tourney something they would cherish for the rest of their lives.
And the power spiking, acrobatic digging duo did not disappoint.
Bucking lack of preparation and record-setting temparatures in Boracay, Bonono and Ybañez brought their College of Saint Benilde rivals to a neat beach volley clinic in the final, emphatically winning the men’s crown in straight sets, 21-17, 21-19.
St. Benilde’s Johnvic de Guzman and Marjun Alingasa are the reigning NCAA kings, but were relegated to mere paupers in the sandy courts by the multi-titled Panthers.
If any, the Cebuanos’ only major challenge came in the semifinal round where they repulsed the hard-fighting tandem from the University of Sto. Tomas, Mark Gil Alfafara and Kris Boy Guzman in three sets, 21-11- 18-21, 15-10.
The champion pair and their coach Cecil Jotojot, went home to the rabid adulation of their USP-F family – the administration, faculty members, staff, and students.
While most students choose a university for its academic performance, another key factor in their decision is the recreational sports programs and facilities. And USP-F has these bases fully covered.
Recreational sports is an important component to the students’ quality of life on campus and to a university’s recruitment and retention of students.
At USP-F, sports and social activities are just as important as classes and libraries and should receive equal financial support. Because the school believes that sports is a vital factor in a student’s mental and physical health.