As the Palawan State University (PSU) Bearcats are defending champions from the previous Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Colleges and Universities (STRASUC) Bubble Competition at the South Luzon University in Lucban, Quezon, the delegation is yet again to compete for the said olympics from December 4-8, 2022–this time, in Indang Cavite at the Cavite State University.
In an exclusive interview with the Athletic Manager of the PSU Bearcats, Prof. Vincent Esguerra, said that in terms of their preparation in the previous STRASUC Bubble Competition, they were well-organized and have smoothly prepared for it, making them at ease that they could really finish the competition victorious and champions.
“Last STRASUC Bubble Competition, in terms of preparation, very organized kami last time–very smooth ang preparation. We [really] expected na magcchampion kami, and then nagchampion kami,” said Esguerra.
On a side note, he recalled that there was once an instance when a player suffered from a hand injury, but it still did not hinder them from being champions.
In a question about the university funding for the sporting event, Esguerra declared that they have been very generous in giving a complete set of uniforms for what they thought was just a one-time event this year.
“In terms of funding, sagana sa funding, kasi nga during that time, we only expect na yung sa STRASUC Competition ay yun na lang [one-time competition for this year], so isa lang siyang major sporting activity for STRASUC. In terms of budget, enough yung budget–we have complete uniforms for each player, as well as the coaches. May jacket, may jogging pants, then may jersey–playing uniform, and yung allowance nila ay talagang malaki,” Esguerra further recalled.
The actual competition started on Sunday, December 4, at the Cavite State University, whereas the first batch of the PSU Bearcats departed last December 2, while the remaining delegates also left the city on the same day of the opening program.
Esguerra recalled that after they learned that there will be another STRASUC Competition, they prepared as early as possible, approximately, 2-3 months before the actual December competition.
“Right after we learned that there will be another STRASUC, we prepared earlier as far as the selection of athletes are concerned. Then, 2-3 months ang preparation namin, and those players [that are] selected from external [PSU] campuses, we advised and we require them to be here [PSU Main Campus] as early as November 5,” the Athletic Manager said.
Unlike in the STRASUC Bubble Competition held last April that only catered to limited numbers of participants, now, about 200+ student athletes were allowed for each South Luzon city and provinces to compete for titles.
Further into talking about the bubble competition, Esguerra said that this Olympics already included team sports, which will make it more “legit” if they actually won this time’s competition again.
“During the [STRASUC] bubble competition, limited lang ang participants ng event at most of the sporting events were individual and dual only. This time, it includes team sports that were not included in the bubble [last April]. Mas marami ngayon, mas complete, and mas legit if we will be declared as champions [again] kasi the last time, it was [a] bubble,” Esguerra enthusiastically said.
At present, PSU Bearcats hold 10 gold medals from the previous STRASUC Bubble Competition held in Lucban Quezon.
In this December Olympics, there are about 24 PSU Delegation Officials who will be coming with the student athletes, 39 PSU Coaches, including their Assistant Coaches and Trainers, and 206 student athletes who will all compete for the same goal–victory.
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