WITH THE painful memory of bottom four finishes in their last University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) campaign still fresh in their minds, and fueled by the desire to prove themselves as worthy competitors, the Blue and Lady Paddlers carry a certain mindset as they approach Season 77: Change.
The Paddlers have taken steps in order to minimize the possibility of a repeat of last year’s disaster, which both the teams and the Ateneo community still find difficult to forget. This year, the recruitment of the most decorated and talented rookies in the Metro, as well as the reinforcement of a winning outlook, prepare them for the first test of their mettle.
The sudden death of Floyd Lobaton, longtime head of the school’s table tennis program and beloved coach of the men’s and women’s teams, was an emotional blow to the Paddlers. His loss likely contributed to the unsuccessful run of the Paddlers last season. Blue Paddlers Co-captain David Dayao says in a mix of English and Filipino, “I guess one of the factors [of last year’s loss] was, since we lost our true coach in the team, we had a new coach, so the players had to adjust quickly to the new coaching style.”
However, adjustment to a new system was not the only problem that spelled midseason trouble for the teams. In the case of the Lady Paddlers, a shortage of players resulted in a greater shortage of gold. “Aside from the given that the other teams were strong, we really lacked players the entire season because we didn’t have an extra two,” says Team Captain Alyssa Balanzat in a mix of English and Filipino. “If someone is tired, other people can play, but it was only those six who could compete.”
Additionally, the Paddlers struggled to maintain some key recruits from across the country due to Ateneo’s rigorous academic life. The lack of recruits affected the Blue and White. Matching the level of talent displayed by rival universities was a roadblock for Ateneo. The boundaries set by high academic standards in the school played a crucial role in the eighth and sixth place finishes of the Blue and Lady Paddlers, respectively, during Season 76.
Despite everything, last season was undoubtedly a learning experience. Growth means change, and after their far from ideal finishes, the Paddlers are looking to bounce back and hit hard in Season 77.
“Na-experience po namin ang mga nagkakamali, so kinukuha ko ‘yung mga program na tutok lang talaga sa mga kamalian nila (We experienced mistakes, so I used the programs related to fixing them),” explains Coach Mario. “‘Yung mga mistake, ‘yung mga error, inaaral ko ‘yan at in-improve, at ‘yun ang mga pinapraktis ko sa kanila para pagdating ng game, handa na sila (The mistakes and errors, I studied them and improved on them, and that is what I had them practice, so they’re ready when the time comes).”
The road to victory is a long and tough one, and the first step for the Paddlers is to increase their firepower, which means scouting the country for the most promising talents that the educational system has to offer. This led to the addition of rookies Jolo Matias, the winner of the Mandaluyong Cup from Gideon Academy, Paolo Rosete, the Most Outstanding Athlete of the Milo Little Olympics from Claret, and Kathrina Cruz, a St. Paul College Pasig product and victor of the Pasig Private Schools Association, to the lineup. The three could be the edge that the teams did not have last year, and will definitely add much needed youth and experience to a squad seeking to satisfy its hunger for athletic glory.
With Season 76 behind them and an arsenal of youthful stalwarts ready to impress, the Paddlers look set to make a bigger and more positive splash than ever before. A championship is not going to be easy to come by for the Blue and Lady Paddlers, but despite the previous season’s setbacks and the daunting prospect of challenge, the team is aiming higher than ever before.
They are going to do whatever it takes to make it all the way with the school in full support. “You have to look at the same goal, and in your heart, you have to want to win, not just for yourself, but you have to always think that it’s for the team, and it’s for everyone exerting effort,” says Balanzat in a mix of English and Filipino. “It’s not just you who gets tired after training, it’s everyone, so the effort is required for everyone.”
“I always tell my teammates to play well, train hard and put your heart in the game,” she continues, “because no matter what happens, even if we lose, as long as you’re giving your best, it’s fine with everyone.”
