THE University of the Cordilleras Jaguars will try to unseat defending champion University of Baguio Cardinals when the 30th season of the Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) formally opens on October 15.
But winning the overall championship crown comes with various challenges as early as now, said UC athletic director Danilo Cong-o.
"Medyo problema ang preparation ng players natin kasi wala kaming sapat na training venue," Cong-o said.
The athletic director added the university gymnasium is being utilized for Physical Education (PE) classes and being used by the Senior High School in some of their activities.
"Gabi nalang talaga pwedeng gamitin yung gym and with all the events we have, hindi kasya," Cong-o said.
The university gym for the week will be closed as it will cater for a graduation ceremony on Sunday. It will also be closed in the coming weeks for the sports fest of the colleges.
Due to this, the athletic director explained their trainings as programmed are not executed.
But still, Cong-o is praying for the best this coming season as it engaged UB in a tight battle in the race to the over-all championship last season with only 13 points separating UC against the overall champion last season.
Cong-o said there is no alternate venue for the training of athletes inside UC but they are trying to look outside for possible although they are being restricted upon consideration of the safety of the students.
"I believe the different BBEAL member schools are doing their best to improve their performance last year. Everyone also aims to outperform the other so I advice the players to be passionate in their training, thus, to become, it should be accompanied with dedication, discipline and determination," Cong-o ended.