MSU-GSC Sepak Takraw lauds to ‘supportive’ Community on hosting first-every tourney

SPORTS

BERJAN PAGADATAN

“Gusto naming ipakita na ang MSU - Gensan ay may malakas na Sports Development Office – sinisikap namin mas mabigyan ng importansya ang sports, lalo na ang sepak takraw.”

Expressed Prof. Christofferson Del Sol, together with the MSUGSC Sepak Takraw Club and Sports Development Office (SDO), after successfully organizing the 1st Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU – GSC) Sepak Takraw Open Tournament at the University Gymnasium on August 26.

A total of 25 teams participated in the open tournament, demonstrating their honed spikes and kicks from various Mindanao towns, municipalities, and cities.

Yet, among these teams, Holy Trinity College (HTC) – B emerged prevailing, led by Aldren Jimenez Reando’s impressive spikes and solid blocks, securing the gold by defeating their team A, 21-13, 21-14, and leaving HTC – A with the silver medal.

Reando, a former PRISAA and Palaro athlete, expressed his delight with the tournament. “Masarap sa pakiramdam lalo na’t unang beses kong maglaro rito. Patuloy lang nating tangkilikin ang sport na ating kinahihiligan,” he added.

In the meantime, the Exhibition displayed exceptional prowess as they swept OG in two sets, 21-17, 21-14, nabbing the bronze title and pushing OG to settle for 4th place.

Despite tougher and more experienced competitors, MSU’s Erron Rozz De Padua felt blessed to secure a top-eight finish.

“Masarap sa pakiramdam kasi maraming kang makakalabang malalakas, at matututo ka rin sa kanilang mga skills.” he shared. “Kailangan pa ng practice, kasi first time namin mag-meet magkakateammates kaya need talaga ng practice, communication, at trainings,” sharing his takeaway from the takraw open.

Even though MSU’s teams fell short of podium finishes, Prof. Del Sol was pleased with the success of the open tournament and the performance of the MSU Varsity team.

Prof. Del Sol was particularly pleased as the tournament marked MSU-GSC’s first and included participation from teams in Sarangani and South Cotabato. “Kahit na hindi kalakihan ang premyo, pero for the sake sa game, sumali pa rin sila para magsupport,” he added.

“Challenging ang gym lalo na’t ‘di pa siya nagamit for official tournament. Pero sa pagsisimula ng torneyo, nakita

nako na okay na, safe ang gym. Players kasi ang pinaka-top priority natin. At lalo naman yung ang paglalaruan nila. Siguro sa financial aspect rin, but nahahanapan naman ng paraan,” as he reminisced about the challenges they faced during the tournament.

He also commended the MSU Varsity team for their top-eight placement. Coach Del Sol observed the team’s dedication to training and efforts to provide an exciting match for the audience and fellow competitors.

Prof. Del Sol expressed gratitude for the support of fellow alumni. “Isa rin siguro sa support ng alumni. Lagi silang nand’yan para sumuporta, willing silang tumulong. Kasi kung ako lang, ‘di ko talaga kakayanin.”

“Mainam ito at magpatuloy lang lalo na’t papalapit na ang MSUSAA,” Prof. Del Sol noted. “Bahala matalo kami, basta makuha namin ang aming objective na makalahok, natural lang ‘yan.”

Currently, Prof. Del Sol and SDO Chairperson Prof. Sammielyn Lavente are eyeing to make the Sepak Takraw event an annual affair. They also have their sights set on gaining official accreditation and organizing regional training and coaching sessions.