NCRAA king ready to jump to NCAA

Arellano University, the back-to-back National Capital Region Athletic Association champion, is ready to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Val Cayco, Arellano’s vice president for marketing who has personally handled the school’s athletic program, said yesterday they are equipped in meeting all the requirements needed to become the eighth member of the country’s oldest varsity league next year.

“We’re ready,” said Cayco.

The Chiefs have been dominating the field not only in the NCRAA but also in Fr. Martin Cup, which they topped the last three years. The Chiefs are also the Division II Cup title-holder.

The Leo Isaac-mentored Chiefs walloped UAAP team Far Eastern University, 64-56, last week to reign in the Fr. Martin Cup for the third straight year.

Bannering the squad are Orlando Daroya, Adrian Celada, Ice Ciriacruz, Jordan Melano, Leonard Anquillo, Jerome Agustin and Rommel del Rosario.

“All we want is respect. I’m sure they’ve started to notice us now,” said Isaac, a former Brgy. Ginebra star who also coaches the Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA.

Arellano’s junior team is also the back-to-back champion in the Fr. Martin Cup and the NCRAA’s high school division.

“We hope our recent victory will make people realize that we can compete with the best,” said Isaac.

The Philippine Christian U took an indefinite leave of absence, leaving the eighth slot open for next year’s NCAA. The league will expand to 10 teams in 2010.