Wednesday, October 03, 2007 WNC XI eyes repeat win in U19 prov'l finals By Henry C. Villalva
IF THE West Negros College booters who just captured their sixth NOPSSCEA (Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural and Educational Association) varsity crown in a span of seven years (2001-2007) were to make a choice, they would rather immediately plunge into the remainder of the NOFA (Negros Occidental Football Association) Under-19 Provincial Championship rather than wait for the resumption of the intermittent series.
"It's better to continue playing so that our physical conditioning will not go down. If we wait for the resumption of the tournament chances are we will have trouble getting in shape after the lull," said prolific midfielder Mark Ferrer when asked when they would like to resume playing for the U19 title where the Wesnecans are also the reigning champions.
The players were reacting to questions after they secured their convincing but hard-earned 1-0 championship victory over University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in the NOPSSCEA collegiate finals Monday at the Panaad Stadium pitch.
WNC took the first of its six titles under head coach Norman Fegidero, Jr. in 2001, a year after the ex-Air Force striker assumed the head coaching job at WNC.
University of St. La Salle took the title in 2002 and then it was a string of five wins since 2003 for WNC.
The Wesnecans missed the attacking savvy of midfielder Robert Cañedo who already played out his last playing year in the NOPSSCEA. Although to some of the players it was blessing in disguise as others stepped up in scoring.
Such was the case with laid back and underrated striker Siegfred Apurado who tallied the winning goal against UNOR.
To most of the members of the champion WNC, the bigger challenge lies in forthcoming events like the National University Games (UNIGAMES) and the NOFA men's open provincial championship.
But for the eight members of the NOPSSCEA champion squad who are also in the U19 lineup- Rhante Bayquin, Mark Ferrer, Vince Braga, Joven Bedic, Keith Miravalles, Ryan Lirio, Francisco Doniesa and Gino Palomo- the tune-up for the NOFA U19 championship is over. It's time to begin again.
