Saturday, March 17, 2007 SWU force-of-3 earns respect
SOUTHWESTERN University’s lean but mean arnis team drew high regard from school officials yesterday for its feat in the recently concluded 4th Invitational Arnis Tournament that drew teams from in and outside the country.
The team only had three fighters but their stars shone the brightest, as all three plucked the top honors in their respective divisions.
“We and the entire SWU community are very proud of their accomplishments. They managed to stand out even if it is just the three of them,” said SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar.
Cesario Perez, Edgardo Bontuyan and Louiemie Tano all went home with gold medals tucked in their belts for dominating their respective events.
Perez brought in an additional silver medal for placing second in the double stick forms event.
With the feat, not only had they earned respect but it had also solidified SWU’s support to the team.
“The athletic department was not mistaken for backing these three players up,” said Aznar.
Tipped to be future international standouts, the three, financially unhinged, is also being supported by World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation chairman emeritus Dionisio Cañete.
After seen training at the Doce Pares headquarters gym, the three caught the attention of Cañete and had since supported them.
“Grand Master Cañete feels that the three needs support so that they won’t have to think of other things except go to school and train because they have what it takes to become future world champions,” said Cañete’s spokesperson.
Doce Pares maintains a scholarship program that helps arnisadors, especially the needy and aspiring stick artists go to school.
Doce Pares USA dean of instructors is another backer of the three as he also gives them assistance.
The three will be competing in future tournaments and are hoping to snag slots to the national team competing in the next world championships, which will be held next year here in Cebu. (MCB)
