Dumanjug hosts VISSA swimfest today

CEBU, Philippines - Some of the country’s top swimmers will once again plunge into action via the 7th Visayas Swimming Association (VISSA) Inter-School Swim Competition this weekend at the Olympic-size pool in the municipality of Dumanjug.

What makes the competition tougher and more exciting is the entry of some Manila squads including that of the team of Olympian Susan Papa bannered by top tankers from Southridge and Kennedy Schools in Alabang.

San Beda College of coach Gavino Roxas Jr., whose collegiate team bagged the championship of this year’s PRISAA National Finals, will also be fielding in entries including its high school and elementary mainstays

who swept the NCAA titles.

University of Sto. Tomas (UST) will be spearheaded by Palarong Pambansa gold medallist Gian Daniel Berino and the Ateneo-bound Dunn Clarke Vinluan. They will be joined by other swimmers from Maris Catholic School in Marikina under coach Joey Andaya.

Given that star-studded cast of entries, the Cebuanos face a gargantuan mission of defending their turf.

The Cebu bets will be bannered by secondary defending champion University of San Carlos (USC) of coach Tito Bonilla composed of Loren Dale Echavez, Jesse Arriola Jr., Jebb Cane and Edgar Allan Jarina. The likes of John Solon and Decs Rowan Fernandez will spearhead Cebu’s title campaign in the tertiary division.

In the elementary level, University of Bohol of coach Vincent Indig will bank on Nathalie Fredensborg, Ian Docabo and the Lopena siblings as they defend their throne against Ma. Montessori International School of coach Bas Ceballos .

Others taking part in the two-day tilt are the University of San Jose-Recoletos, Talisay City manned by Palaro medallists Cynthjune Gooden of Asian College of Technology and Fritz Tamara of Mohon Elementary School, St. Theresa’s College, Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, Abellana National School, Bohol Institute of Technology International College, St. Paul University of Dumaguete, and host Dumanjug district.

The 7th VISSA Inter-School Swim Competition is supported by the local government of Dumanjug under the leadership of Mayor Cesar “Sarsi” Baricuatro. - THE FREEMAN