Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Cesafi lets players compete in Gov. Garcia Unity Cup
WORRIED volleyball coaches can now heave a sigh of relief as the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. answered questions about permitting collegiate players to join in the recently-opened Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup.
Some coaches expressed concern over the possibility that some of their players could not play in the GUV Cup because the Cesafi might not allow it.
“We are worried that if we let them play in the GUV Cup, then we could no longer let them play for Cesafi. Out of respect, we want our players to play in the GUV Cup because after all it is through the Guv Cup that we discovered them,” said Southwestern University head coach Janeth Ponte.
The GUV Cup, a province-wide competition, paved the way for four players from different provinces to reach the collegiate volleyball. Ponte has four players from the GUV cup.
Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy yesterday said that these players are allowed to join. “They can join because it is not in conflict with the Cesafi games. Once Cesafi volleyball starts then we have to let them focus on Cesafi,” said Tiukinhoy.
Grades
Meanwhile, the auxiliary events of the Cesafi will open on Nov. 17. Tiukinhoy said that this year, they will be basing their screening on the athletes’ grades in the first semester of this year and the second semester of last school year.
Previously, the Cesafi used the first and second semesters of the previous school year to determine whether an athlete is qualified to play or not.
Tiukinhoy added that they are doing this to prevent schools from fielding in athletes who have not enrolled in the current school year or who already graduated.
“Last year, we found out that a team still let players compete even if they have graduated already,” said Tiukinhoy.
The other events of Cesafi include volleyball, tennis, football, swimming and athletics among others. Tournament managers of the other events and those from the academic and cultural competitions will be meeting this Thursday. (MCB)
