Soccsksargen tennis aims strong finish in Palaro 2015

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – No mercy.

Since 2008, the Central Visayas boys have dominated the tennis competition after they seal each Palarong Pambansa with overwhelming victories.

Year after another, they conquere their opponents and land at the top of the food chain at Palaro – the largest grassroots sporting event in the Philippines – which made everyone else think they were invincible.

But they weren’t.

Just last year, Soccsksargen faced one of the most devastating Palaro experiences as they went home to Mindanao, for the first time in 5 years, empty-handed.

“Last year kasi malakas naman pero puro power lang,” said newly-installed coach Rodelyn Chiu. “Ngayon agility at versatility na yung panglaban namin.”

(We were also strong last year but it was all about the power. This time around, we focused more on agility and versatility).

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Central Visayas is more than ready to claim the throne and add another page to their championship story.

Tradition of winning

The legacy started back in 2008 when Region VII was crowned champions in the boy’s tennis tourney. After that year, they were unstoppable.

They settled for second place in 2009 but claimed sweet revenge in 2010 when they grabbed the gold. After that year, the boys fell again to second seed but regained their momentum as they ended Palaro 2012 and 2013 as back to back champions.

And it shows why 2014 marked an unforgettable Palaro experience for them.

“Masakit at nakakalungkot kasi hindi kami nagchampion,” said veteran Jeric delos Santos despite bagging his first silver and bronze medals last year. “Pero ngayon sobrang gusto namin bumawi.”

(It hurts that we didn’t win the championship that’s why we want to bounce back this year).

Delos Santos, now on his fifth and last year, is hopeful Palaro 2015 will also be a memorable one but this time around, with a different angle.

“Gusto ko makuha yung gold,” said the General Santos city-native delos Santos who started in the league way back when he was in grade 3.

(I really want to win gold).

He [delos Santos] also shared tennis and being one of the delegates brought him to heights he didn’t know he would reach. That is why he is eager to bring back something to his hometown.

“Mahalaga ang tennis kasi ito ang nagpapaaral sa amin [magkakapatid] kaya naman gusto ko talaga manalo hindi lang para sa pamilya ko kung hindi para rin sa province namin,” he added.

(Tennis is important because we’re able to get our education through it that’s why I really want to win, not just for my family but also for the entire province).

Fresh start

New team, new coach. No problem.

Even with all the major changes in the squad, coach Chiu together with her team is secured  they will finish with a medal this year.

“Dalawa yung veterans at dalawa rin yung rookies,” explained coach Chiu. “Ngayon lang rin ako nag-coach ng boys kasi dati mga babae ang inaalagaan ko.”

(We have two veterans and also two rookies. This is my first time to coach in the boy’s division because I used to train girls).

According to coach Chiu, one key factor she teaches her players is the value of team work. More than the single events, she pushes the boys to rely on each other.

“Mas importante yung magwork sila as a team kasi mas malaki yung chances na magiging maganda yung standing nila,” quipped coach Chiu who also participated in the Palaro as a softball athlete. “Maganda rin kasi agile sila, kaya nila lahat ng events.”

The 40-year old coach Chiu also said  their team is at its strongest not because of her theoretical coaching. Instead, it is mainly because of the boys’ ability to think critically when playing inside the court.

“Nagbibigay ako ng game plan pero para sa akin yung strategies pa rin nila ang nagma-matter,” shared coach Chiu. “It is about the intelligence kung paano sila maglalaro.”

(I give game plans but for me, their strategies matter most. It is about how smart they play).

With this, both rookie players were equipped with the mindset to not only play hard but more importantly, play smart.

“Ine-expect namin na magagaling yung mga kalaban namin kaya kailangan namin mag-isip,” said Harry Karon who is playing for his first and last Palaro.

“Importante talaga ang team work kasi doon kami nakakapag-produce ng magandang strategy.”

(We expected our competitors will be good that’s why we really need to think. Team work is important because through it, we can come up with good strategies).

Another newbie also said the pressure of bringing home gold medals and winning the Palaro is on them since they are fresh meat.

“Nape-pressure kami kasi first time namin maglaro,” said grade 9 student Jarell Edannga. “Pero kailangan lang talaga namin magtiwala sa sarili.”

(We feel the pressure because this is our first time but we just really need to trust ourselves).

Almost everything might be brand new but still, the goal has not changed – the boys of Central Visayas offers no excuses not to win and bring back their championship reign. – Rappler.com