THE ECHOING sound of dozens of ping pong balls fill the practice area of the Ateneo Men’s Table Tennis Team, players hard at work: training in proper form, gripping their rackets, ready to strike the ball without compromising their strokes in hitting harder and faster.
The Blue Paddlers are ready for this year’s UAAP season. Their summer was highlighted by a Milo Table Tennis Summer Clinic where they spent many hours working on their game.
Coach Floyd Lubaton, head of Ateneo Table Tennis for 10 years said, “Matindi ang paghanda namin para sa dadating na season, ang problema lang namin eh walang bagong recruits. (We have prepared hard for the coming season, the only problem we have is the lack of new recruits).”
According to Coach Lubaton, none of the prospects were able to pass the entrance tests, putting the Paddlers in an unfortunate situation in terms of rebuilding and attaining a solid batch of players for longevity.
Majority of this year’s players are juniors and seniors. Coach Lubaton believes this to be an advantage for the team since they are all seasoned players.
Also a former Philippine team coach, Coach Lubaton’s philosophy revolves around discipline, commitment and perseverance.
Along with a good working relationship he has with his players, he lightens up the spirits of his players and boosts their morale with his well-known humor that draws coach and player together in a special bond.
“Sa akin lang, malakas man o hindi, work hard lagi! (To me, whether one’s strong or not, he should always work hard!)” the coach said.
Training to be a Blue Paddler is a daunting challenge and a huge commitment.
To increase their stamina and endurance, they have daily runs from 5:30 to 6:30 in the morning wherein they run thrice around the campus, equivalent to 9 kilometers.
They meet again later in the day for practice at the table tennis area in the Blue Eagle Gym from 5pm until 9pm.
Their only rest day is Monday as their Sundays are usually dedicated to tune up games or more practice.
“I think what makes our team special and different compared to others is that we train hard and are also one big family. Our coaches do their best to train us,” said junior and team captain, Pierre Jacinto.
“Winning, however, isn’t everything in our team; for us it’s all about knowing that we came out and truly did our best,” he adds.
Despite FEU and UST being one of the top bets this year, the Paddlers remain hopeful and confident of their chances.
This year’s lineup is composed of Hail Crisostomo, Percival Elfan, Justin Lagsaca, John Villalon, Paolo Carlos, Sean Co, Raymond Cheng and Pierre Jacinto, team captain, with team manager, Jenica Dizon and Head Coach Lubaton.
Editor’s Note: The UAAP Men’s Table Tennis season kicks off this October.
