THERE IS a wondrous feel upon entering the Ateneo chess room. The ticks and tocks of the game timers and the laughter of the team pleasantly craft an atmosphere of curious ease.
However, behind the relaxed demeanor of Ateneo Chess, sits the cunning and skill which have garnered not only collegiate honor, but national and international prestige.
The Past
As decorated as its players may be, the UAAP-bound Men’s team, otherwise known as the Woodpushers, received an intense blow when they finished last during the Season 72 games.
According to Coach Idel Datu, the Men’s team suffered a great loss in their lineup―generally comprised of four players, with two reserves―when veteran Ronald Tong graduated.
Finishing last is something Ateneo rarely does, and to do so in a sport based on mental cunning is a far cry from what one would expect from a school which claims to recruit the cream of the intellectual crop.
Ever the strategist, Datu has reformed the team’s training regiment, which now includes lectures and strategic seminars geared towards enhancing the team’s overall performance.
“You need perseverance to keep on working on your game especially when faced with losses or seemingly difficult opponents,” says the Ateneo mentor.
“You especially need to have a fighting spirit or heart―it’s a little more than just wanting to win a game,” he adds.
The Present
Along with reforming the training regiment, the coaching staff has also implemented significant changes in the lineup.
Most significant of which is the induction of one Alcon Datu, who on top of being ranked as the number one Under-16 chess player in the country, is also Coach Datu’s little brother.
The younger Datu has won medals in Turkey and Vietnam, and is placed highly in ASEAN rankings.
The inclusion of this wunderkind completely rehashes the scene of competition, placing Ateneo at a position to not only take home gold, but to do so in impressive fashion.
Alcon not only brings his own talents into Ateneo Chess, but also presents an opportunity for current team members to grow from his experience and skill set.
Though Datu is an impressive tactician, and most definitely a force to be reckoned with in collegiate chess, another player effortlessly steals the spotlight.
Lady Woodpusher Cheradee Camacho has received prestigious accolades such as the Women’s International Masters Norm, Most Valuable Player in the most recent UAAP, and has earned the rank of number one female player in the country.
Unable to hold back praise, Coach Datu states, “She has participated in various international competitions, won or placed in several, and currently holds a Woman International Master title from FIDE (World Chess Federation).”
Camacho, who took home gold in last year’s UAAP, carried the Women’s team to an impressive second place finish in Season 72.
It doesn’t end there though, as she has been touted by many as one of the country’s main bets to be the Philippine’s first Woman Grandmaster.
The Future
Housing new talent and improved veterans, Team Ateneo enters this year’s UAAP season, a dark horse.
With players such as Alcon Datu and Cheradee Camacho in the mix, Ateneo promises to become a formidable force this season.
However, talent and training alone do not comprise the entire formula for success.
In the words of Coach Idel Datu: “Having heart makes the difference between a real athlete and a hobby player.”
In the case of the Blue and Lady Woodpushers, heart is something they have plenty of.
