PERSISTENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY

USA Sports stays afloat amid pandemic

by Hector o. Cofreros

RISE OF A PRO. An Augustinian swimmer during the Intramurals 2019 propels himself to an extremely competitive level of swimming, hitting the water with indomitable spirit and will.

USA Pub Photo • Chito Cezar Batoon Jr.

Despite the limited sports competitions due to the ongoing health crisis, the Sports Program of the University of San Agustin continues to raise its flag higher with several wins in local and international sports competitions.

In an interview with The Augustinian, Eric Divinagracia, director of the Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO), gave an overview on the status of the university sports program including the training of the student athletes.

“The athletes will continue to do their practices and they will be supervised online by their coaches. There was a regimen that was prescribed to them there were some exercises that were prescribed to them so that they were able to remain fit. In that regard we also must maintain our coaches. So, that’s one.”

In addition to the whereabouts of the athletes, Divinagracia gave updates on the development of the Esports program of the University.

“Another opportunity is to strengthen our esports program. So last year, we were able to collaborate with the USA Student Government in introducing esports in our university events – San Agustin Feast Day, University Week, even UNIGAMES, and PRISAA. We had several students winning in esports and in karatedo. Those non-contact sports which observed social distancing or at-home performance they were allowed to compete in those particular games,” added Divinagracia.

Moreover, according to Demosthenes Toledo, coordinator of the University Sports Program, the University continues to support its athletes all throughout the limited sports events.

“The University through our USA President, Rev Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA and the rest of the Augustinian friars are very supportive and generous to our athletes by continuing the scholarship privileges enjoyed by our student-athletes despite that there is no actual competition,” said Toledo.

Meanwhile, Travis Gunnar Castro, a student-athlete and a member of the USA Taekwondo team who participated in international competitions held in China, Argentina, and Mexico, shared his experience in joining the competitions in these difficult times.

“On top of the competitions, I also had to worry about the exams. Training with the coach for a whole week, straight after the exams, was exhausting. Gaining love and support from my peers and coaches encouraged me. Overall, I enjoyed the training sessions and competing, despite the challenges I encountered,” shared Castro.

As of now, the University Sports Program emphasizes that it would maintain Esports presence and dominance though it is looking forward in the foreseeable future that it could organize non-contact sports if quarantine protocols are eased or when vaccination is introduced.

USA Pub photo. Rotsen Agreda