Wednesday, July 25, 2007 Don Bosco: Relying on athletes’ dedication
THE Don Bosco College Greywolves are aiming for a better finish when the 2007 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) season starts this August.
For starters, they are hoping for a better showing from their collegiate basketball team, which debuted last year and finished with only one win.
Fortunately, DBC, found success in the other events of the annual schools competition.
Its high school basketball squad made it to the second round, while the high school volleyball and chess teams landed fourth and third place, respectively.
As expected, their high school football squad won the crown.
“We are focusing on our training this year because we are hoping to have a better finish overall this season,” said DBC athletic coordinator Maxel Semblante.
This year, the school is considering putting entries in the badminton and table tennis events—but the idea is still under serious evaluation since the sport is new to the school.
But the Greywolves really isn’t setting a lofty goal—except in football—since unlike the rest, the school isn’t handing much incentives to their athletes.
Semblante revealed that none of the 80-strong members of their varsities receive scholarships or subsidies from the school.
“Except for the uniforms and apparels that the school is providing, our players have no allowances, scholarships or other benefits that is given by the school. Many of the parents were asking for some incentives, even just a discount on tuition fee but as of now, the school can’t give any,” said Semblante.
Training
The school, however, has instilled to the mind of the players and their parents that the training the athletes underwent as DBC players is the main benefit, aside from having the privilege of representing the school in athletic competitions.
The school also has no recruitment program either.
“We just relied on our talent scouting from our PE classes. We start from nothing and it is just unfortunate that when we already produce good players they are being recruited by other schools,” he said.
Though they may be scouts for potential players, the coaches have no absolute authority over their athletes.
“We can’t force our players to do their training, since we don’t have a scholarship program. The players really prioritize their studies. That is their main concern as well as their parents: Once there are projects or examinations coming, the players are free to skip training sessions even without the knowledge of their coaches. What we just relied on is their commitment to play for the team,” Semblante said.
The school and their coaches also do not lack in giving motivation to their players, in fact it is the thrust of the school for their student to join in more sporting events.
“It is our wish to produce the best students in the classroom who are excellent in sports as well. Probably now our sports program is not as good compared to the big colleges and universities in the city but we are trying to come up with our own program and hopefully we can offer scholarships to our athletes in the future,” Semblante said.
This year Don Bosco College Greywolves is eyeing a rise in their standings after improving their sports facilities and equipment.
They are hoping for a better showing in basketball and volleyball, while wishing to keep the high school football title. They are also looking to win their first chess title this season.
“We can assure that our players will play with their hearts and they are proud to represent Don Bosco College as varsities. The school is very supportive to the athletes and the parents are also involved. We are just hoping for a better year this season,” Semblante said.
(Editors note: Sun.Star will be running a series of feature on the Cesafi members in time for the new season’s opening on Aug. 4. Next: SWU’s comeback)
