Trouble brews in Prisaa nationals

SOUTHWESTERN University (SWU) athletic director Ryan Aznar said there is a possibility the national finals of the Private Schools Amateur Athletic Association (Prisaa) will be moved to a later date after one member-school threatened to boycott the games.

“There were talks that the games will have to be moved to April because of this brewing faction. There might be a meeting within the week,” said Aznar.

Aznar said one school has been recruiting him and other schools to join them in boycotting the games later this month.

“A group has been asking me to join them. But I refused. I am not beholden to anyone. We have prepared for the games and we want them to push through,” said Aznar.

SWU is the VP for Region 7. The team met last week to discuss the details of the preparation for the Prisaa games.

The games were supposed to be on Feb. 20-26 in Manila. Originally, these were supposed to be held here in Cebu but the poor state of the oval at the Cebu City Sports Center forced them to give up the hosting rights.

Aznar said the faction wants the games moved in April and may boycott the February game because there was no election of officers.

“They claim that there was no election and all officials are appointees. But in the region, we had an election at Casino Español last year,” said Aznar.

“SWU can’t compromise the exposure of its athletes for the personal issues of some. That is why SWU did not sign the manifesto that is being circulated by some groups,” said Aznar.

SWU will be representing the region in the women’s volleyball in the national finals.

“If it will be moved, we can no longer represent the region because we will be competing in the Shakey’s V-League,” said Aznar.

Fr. Vic Uy, the regional president, could not be reached for comment as of press time last night.