TITLE-HUNGRY Southern Mindanao is seeking to lure it over the field when he 2010 Commission on Higher Education (Ched) National Games unfolds at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on February 22 to 28.
Southern Mindanao delegation executive director Joaquin "Boy" Sarabia said it won't be that easy but maintained they want nothing but the top spot in the week-long event.
"We are aiming for No. 1. We have been third in past national games. But we are going to Manila to compete for the top spot. We won't go there if that wouldn't be our goal," Sarabia said during the regular Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum Thursday at the Tower Inn.
But, whatever the outcome of the event, Sarabia said the region's athletes will have to stand proud of their accomplishment.
"We are ready for NCR (National Capital Region). We have faced them in many finals matches in the last National Prisaa (Private Schools Athletic Association) Games. We are ready to avenge in a few of our losses to them," Sarabia said.
The athletes have been into rigid training since the Ched Regional Meet concluded at the University of Mindanao (UM) in Davao City two weeks ago.
Sarabia cited the athletics, swimming, table tennis, chess and boxing teams to lead in the gold medal haul for the region.
"Our basketball, softball and baseball teams are going all out this year. We are also pinning our hopes on them," Sarabia said.
The athletics squad will rely mainly on Ernesto Alsa, Joselito Dugos, Jonash Melchor and Philip Ocon for the men's side while Emily Avergonzado, Jean Lou Dasok and Nichiren Panerio will lead the women's team.
The Southern Mindanao delegation is composed of athletes from UM Davao, UM Tagum, Brokenshire College, Holy Cross of Davao College, Cor Jesu College of Digos, UM Panabo, UM Digos, Ateneo de Davao University, Jose Maria College, San Pedro College, Spamast, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, University of the Immaculate Conception, University of the Philippines Mindanao and Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines.