WE SEE them in school every day. The aloof student who sits in the back of the class, half listening to the teacher, appearing to already have one foot out the door. We silently pass judgment on them when we get a glimpse of their test results, or when they are slow to answer during graded recitations. We think that they have it easy, that they breeze through the day then practice late in the afternoon; that they show up to their game, win, and repeat the process all over again.
For these student-athletes, it seems the amount of criticism they receive off the court is just the same amount they receive on it.
The student-athlete
“It’s unfair when people generalize all athletes as lazy or dumb,” Gianna Banzon, Lady Batter and junior Communication major says.
Contrary to popular belief, athletes don’t get an easy pass to academics. “Like any other student in Ateneo, we have to maintain a certain QPI,” Angeline Gervacio of the Lady Spikers says.
The epitome of student-athlete already has a poster-boy we are all familiar with, Chris Tiu – a double major graduate of Management Engineering and Mathematical Finance, National team member, honor student and TV personality. In simple terms he seems to be the embodiment of the Ateneo way. However, perspectives have been spoiled by this single image that others worthy of recognition are not acknowledged.
Blue Tanker gold medalist, Mike Contreras, says, “Some [of my] friends are surprised that my interest extend further than my sport.”
Although the BS Management swimmer admits the inevitability of athletes getting stereotyped, saying that one can pick out an athlete in a crowd due to their exuding confidence he says, “I honestly feel that this stereotype has somewhat died down in the recent years.”
“A lot of our student-athletes have excelled in both the athletic and academic fields,” he adds.
These athletes, however, are pigeonholed and are not granted equal recognition when they defy the condescending jock stereotype. Gervacio says, “Just because there’s this jock stereotype doesn’t mean we’re all like that.”
Breaking stereotypes
Jai Reyes, for instance, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Technology Management and simultaneously ran his own stall in the John Gokongwei Student Enterprise Center. Three time hurdles medalist, Mike Mendoza completed the rigorous BS Biology program and is now pursuing further studies in the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. Oping Sumalinog was recognized on the Dean’s List in the first semester of 2009-2010 and Nico Salva accomplished the same feat in the second semester.
At times, this very stereotype is a boon to athletes. “Nakakairita, but at the same time, nakakatuwa kasi napro-prove namin na kaya namin talbugan yung iba (It’s irritating, but at that the same time, it’s funny because it allows us to prove that we can be better),” Jem Ferrer of the Lady Spikers says.
Tonino Gonzaga of the Blue Eagles says “[the stereotype] gives us the opportunity to surprise people when we stand out from the crowd, not only on the court, but also in school.”
On any given day, you will probably see three or four Ateneo athletes sprinkled around campus. They are not difficult to spot, with their built frames and toned legs; they seem to bring the same uniform they wear on the court off it, basketball shorts, and a sports shirt. They may be daydreaming their way through the day mindlessly walking from class to class, oftentimes late. Indeed, they may not seem to be the brightest of Ateneans. They may not usually be the best of students; however, don’t even for a second think that they are lazy.
If an athlete can be measured by numbers, these are some telling ones.
