Passion is not Enough

Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) has long been regarded as a cradle of academic excellence, producing outstanding graduates. It’s an institution that advocates for affordable education without compromising on quality. Naturally, students are drawn to become esteemed MSUans. Not only for the academic-centered individuals but so as the athletic prospects thinking that the institution also has robust support for their varsity program — or so they thought.

Varsity Captain Nissy Kyle Duarte expressed dismay about the lack of support that the Futsal team received. “I know that not all (players) on our team are financially privileged,” stated the AB Filipino athlete. “It gives us a hard time coping up especially in every event that we tend to join.” She added, while retracing the recent T’nalak Festival’s Futsal Tournament last July 2, where they felt the inequality in opportunities despite representing MSU’s pride, lacking a coach, and covering expenses from their own pockets.

Another football varsity player, Niel Zsun John Vega, also voiced his concerns about the insufficient equipment they experience. “We are struggling especially on training because of the lack of equipment that are essential to us athletes,” asserted Vega. “During tune up games, it is observable that our opponents, which have all the equipment needed in their school, are far better in terms of conditioning,” the freshman footballer expressed.

During the Hinabi Sports and Cultural Encounter last April 26, the MSU Basketball Varsity team had to wear their own college sports uniforms due to the absence of university jerseys. Brix Jerzyl De wla Cruz of the Varsity team brooded when they looked like Christmas decors during the encounter. “Seeing other teams wearing their school jerseys was really a slap in our faces,” proclaimed Dela Cruz.

Despite financial hurdles, the varsity players persist with the passion they hold for their beloved sports. However, passion alone is not enough. Enacting training was a challenge as the varsity players had limited access to proper equipment. “We lack will during training since we never really had it properly,” stated Duarte. Even with talented prospects joining the institution, their ability to reach their full potential is hindered.

“Investing in something that is beneficial to others isn’t wasted money. Given that we live in a world surrounded by sports, why should we not prioritize sports?,” remarked Vega. It would be valuable for the institution to express support for the sports varsity community, motivating athletes to succeed by honing their skills. It’s time to break the perception of MSU solely as an academic-centered institution and explore possibilities of our athletes excelling and bringing pride to the university in the sports field.

Amidst the disappointment experienced by the varsity community, they find solace in the gradual change taking place.

“An example to that (change) is the upcoming basketball tournament in the campus, wherein alumni will be playing the current varsity team,” Dela Cruz remarked in satisfaction. The visible support from Chancellor Usman Aragasi, who promotes sporting events throughout the academic year, instills gratitude among the athletes, which the sophomore athlete was glad about, as it boosts the players’ morale and attracts future athletes knowing the institution provides support to its athletes.

Financial support remains lacking, leaving gaps in our athletic landscape that dampen the condition, motivation, and will power of our athletes in which the university could bridge. Fortunately, Chancellor Aragasi is gradually recognizing the potential of MSUans in the field of sports. While the athletes appreciate the ongoing changes, it’s not yet enough. The athletes deserve appreciation, as passion alone is sometimes not enough to strive, the university must also do its part.

MSU-Gensan 1st Chancellor’s 7-aside Football Festival itinampok; 38 na koponan, nakiwili

“Camaraderie and Friendship in all of Mindanao.”

Ito ang mga katagang ipinunto ni Mindanao State University (MSU) - Gensan Chancellor Usman Aragasi sa pagsasakatuparan ng kauna-unahang Chancellor’s 7-aside Football Festival na inorganisa ni Director of the Office of Student Affairs Jerry Dela Cruz sa University Open Field, Abril 1.

Sumatotal na 38 na koponan mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng Mindanao ang lumahok sa pampublikong kaganapan, nahati ito sa apat na kategorya: 40-Up Men’s, 30-Up Men’s, Men’s Open, at Ladies’ Open.

Pagkakaibigan ng nasa Trenta

Bitbit ang solidong gameplay ng Tropang Zolid, akay-akay nilang inabot ang trono ng 30-Up Men’s Category, at inuwi ang ginto.

Nabigo naman ang RMFC DPU na napatid sa pilak matapos magapi via penalty shoot-out, samantala nakuntento naman sa tanso ang Tupi FC.

Hilaan sa Kalalakihan

Hindi sapat ang tug-of-war game style ng MSU Aggie 2 upang maalpasan ang RMMC, dahilan upang kapusin sila sa penalty shoot-outs, 2-0, pabor sa RMMC, at napatid sa pilak, habang napasakamay naman ng dayo ang ginto sa Men’s Open Category.

Tansong medalya naman ang iuuwi ng Kalamansig FC matapos itong magwagi sa kanilang 2nd Round Match.

Nangyupi ang Tupi

Sapat naman ang galaw at sikap ng Tupi FC nang tiklupin nila ang kanilang mga katunggali sa Ladies’ Open Category at tanghaling kampeon via round robin format.

Nakamit naman ng Charger FC at MSU ang ikalawa at ikatlong pwesto, ayon sa pagkasunod sunod.

Hasa ang ika-Kwarenta

Patunay na kalabaw lamang ang tumatanda, ibinandera ng RMFC ang kagila-gilalas nilang passing abilities matapos matuhog ang korona sa 40-Up Men’s Category.

Ikalawang pwesto naman ang sinelyo ng Club X, samantalang ikatlo naman ang iniuwi ng koponan ng Sultan FC.

“Nagalak kami dahil may ganitong kaganapan sa MSU,” ayon kay Abdullah Charlie Bolivar, isang manlalaro mula sa RMFC, kampeon ng 40 Up Men’s Category.

Ani pa nito na, “Syempre, lahat ng mga manlalaro ay pupunta rito, natuwa rin kami dahil naisagawa ito nang maayos.”

Para sa mga Atletang MSUan

Lubos naman ang kagalakan ni Chancellor Aragasi sa dami ng nakilahok sa aktibidad.

“I’m very thankful for the people behind who organized this. This is part of the goal of the University, as a way of bonding through camaraderie and friendship with all the people of Mindanao,” saad ni Aragasi.

Samantala, nagpahayag din si Chancellor ng kanyang hangarin na magsagawa ng mas marami pang sports festival sa iba’t ibang larangan ng pampalakasan para sa mga student-athletes.

“As of now, we’re trying to have an engagement collaboration with a group who have expertise in particular sports,” mungkahi pa nito.

Dagdag nito na, “We want to come up with a way to level up these students without sacrificing their academics.”