UAAP season 74 opens in wet rites

Manila, Philippines - Athletes from the 15 sports in the UAAP calendar basked in the limelight and enjoyed equal space with the more popular basketball players as the league kicked off its Season 74 amid heavy rains at the Marikina Sports Park.

A total of 3,700 student-athletes from the eight member universities, holding umbrellas signifying their respective school colors, still went about their parade with high spirits despite the downpour.

“Maganda kasi welcome lahat ng athletes, hindi lang focus sa basketball,” said University of Santo Tomas’ judo bet Alexis Albor, one of the 627 athletes that the 38-time general champion Tigers sent to the two-hour ceremonies.

“Mas masaya sana kung di umuulan. Pero enjoy na rin, first time sumali ng lahat sa opening,” added Albor, who wore a “tiger hat” just like the rest of the UST delegation that paraded.

Elma Parohinog of softball champion Adamson, a member of the Phl Blu Girls team that competed in the Guangzhou Asian Games, was happy for her teammates. “Maganda kasi bagong experience ito para sa mga freshman namin.”

One by one, bets from the eight member schools made their way around the oval: UP, National U, UST, FEU, UE, AdU, DLSU, and host Ateneo, which was headed by towering flag-bearer Greg Slaughter and the four-peat-seeking basketball squad.

Students spread out the UAAP schools’ colors on the soggy field of the Marikina Sports Park in ceremonies opening the league’s 74th season. OEY MENDOZA

Former PBA star Olsen Racela, one of the most popular Blue Eagles alumni, did the honors of carrying the UAAP flame in a torch that travelled from one member school to another. Racela was lifted to the 20-foot high cauldron on a conveyor and lit the flame as UAAP Season 74 president Ricky Palou declared the games open.

“The theme of the games says it all – All Out, All Heart – which means this is not just a simple tournament, games are not just games. It’s not just a matter of physical prowess or bodily strength but a matter of heart,” said Ateneo president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ.

“We know the greatest enemy we have is not our opponents but somewhere from within our very selves. It’s our hope and prayers that the UAAP makes us stronger and braver to face our enemies, especially from within,” he added.