THE ULTIMATE CATCH FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

With the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association regional meet concluded recently, our student-athletes are now back inside their classrooms, ready to endure weeks of cramming missed activities and long exams. While some are still fresh from their wins in sporting events, I am here with a quick reminder for them: never ever forget your studies. Representing our university in the regional scene gives a feeling of euphoria that cannot be contained. This was further amplifi ed for juniors and sophomores who have waited for two long years to be able to set foot in the big stage. To some, participating in sports activities may just be a hobby – a way for them to relax and be able to enjoy life free from academic stress, but to others, this is an avenue for them to become professional athletes, which gives me more reason to give them a wake-up call. All our college journeys begin with the same story: passing the college freshmen admission test. The CFAT serves as a ticket for us to study in the university, and therefore being a student of the university qualifi es us to represent the school in diff erent sporting events should we be the ones that are chosen. While some universities such as Philippine Normal University off ers an “Admit to Play End to Teach Program” that allows student-athletes with exceptional performances to be admitted directly into their university, MMSU does not have such a program, leaving the CFAT as the only qualifi cation for students to be able to represent our university. I know that balancing your academic and athletic performances can be a tough path to walk. I myself have experienced such tribulation. When I was in the 9th grade, I was chosen to compete in the city meet chess tournament for my school. While the tournament itself is only a low-level division when comparing it to events such as the SCUAA or even the Palarong Pambansa, I have experienced that it is diffi cult to manage my time between studying IUPAC naming and analyzing diff erent openings that can be used in chess. However, as training went on, I unknowingly prioritized my academic performance, citing it as the reason that I have the opportunity to compete in the fi rst place. While it is unfair to compare an event meant for high school students to an event dedicated for college students, the trajectory seems to be completely the same, if not worse for college athletes. It is understandably more diffi cult to compete in a higher level competition, and I applaud our athletes for giving it their all, but it shouldn’t be a reason to disregard their academic responsibilities. They are called student-athletes for a reason. Being a student must come fi rst, as it is the reason that we are able to qualify for college sports competition. We must all realize that we are able to display our athletic prowess and quick-witted minds because of our standings inside the walls of our classrooms. I am not here to discourage everyone from joining sporting activities. In fact, it is one of the most fun and exciting extra-curricular activities available to us in our college journeys. To our athletes, I know that after SCUAA, you will still carry that passion inside your heart - that is, to play your game of choice with much desire. This was just to remind you to never forget the foundation of why you are here competing for our university in the fi rst place.