By Giane Hyacinth Bagotchay |
January 6, 2023 — Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (AdDU-SHS) commenced the AdDU Knights Athlete Selection Program, after two years of online learning, by conducting tryouts for several sports and events in preparation for the upcoming Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Diocesan Games.
The Pulsong Atenista Student Government (PASG), with the help of the sports office, club moderators, and coaches, organized tryouts for eight sports: Basketball Men’s and Women's, Volleyball Men’s and Women's, Taekwondo Men’s and Women's, Futsal Women's, Chess and Table Tennis, Cheer Dance & Gymnastics, and Dancesport.
Each event has a scheduled time and designated location. Eliminations for all physical sports are held at the gym, while participants for Chess are in Room 104, Building B. Necessary tools and equipment such as mats, hoops, nets, and other protective gear were prepared and installed beforehand to ensure a great experience for the aspirants.
The athletes had similar sentiments as they took part in the event. Francesca Nicole Lapined, a Futsal participant, enjoyed it since she got to do the sport she loves. She expressed how her teammates and significant other supported and motivated her to join and be the best that she could be.
All participants had their reasons as to why they joined the auditions. Ramiro Nathaniel Castro shared that being a part of the Volleyball team has been an interest of his since, unlike the others, he did not start playing at a young age, “But once I got a taste, I wanted to try and experience more," he added.
Basketball Women's player Andrea Medrano said she was nervous, but because the sport has been her hobby as a kid, this gave her the opportunity to play in an official team. An aspirant for the Basketball Men’s, Alfonso Joaquin Arreglo, had similar feelings, saying he wanted to show his full potential in this sport without regret.
Another participant, Elleanna Kaye Mangubat, joined the Cheerdance & Gymnastics because of her passion for dancing. "The tryouts now are harder than before because we didn't have to memorize a routine on the spot, but now we have to," she explained.
Sir Brian Constantino, the Sports Coordinator, revealed that due to the limited time at hand, preparing for DACS has been quite challenging. “But then again, the coaches, club moderators, and the sports office will help the student-athletes with what to do in preparation for the Diocesan Games," he added.
Mr. Constantino stated that having ample time to condition is very important to at least give the student-athletes the proper adjustment for their physical and mental preparation. From the player's perspective, adequate training is needed to balance out a healthy mind and body, in line with the motto of the sports office.
When asked what steps they took to ensure the health and safety of the student-athletes, he replied, "The clinic, Red Cross Youth (RCY), and the school, in general, gave their full support and are always ready to be there for our athletes. The medical forms and parents' consent are continually monitored to follow the health protocols and ensure the health and safety of the players." In addition, a first aid station is located near the gym to assist the athletes in case of an emergency. Lunch and snacks were also provided to the club moderators and coaches, and water dispensers for the participants.
AdDU-SHS is determined to lead its athletes to victory in the Diocesan Games. With the institution's full support, student-athletes and coaches are more than ready to show their full potential.
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