WITH THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) returning for its 79th Season over the weekend, the Ateneo de Manila University hosted its annual cheer rally before the opening night, bringing the freshman batch together to experience the culture of collegiate athletics in an atmosphere of high energy at the Blue Eagle Gym on September 2, 2016.
Introducing both the various varsity teams and the latest additions to their arsenal of recruits to aid in the championship haul this season, the pep rally serves as a warm welcome for the newest members of the Ateneo community, teaching them not only war songs and battle cries but lighting the flame of school spirit as well.
“Pinakagusto ko sa kanya [Cheer Rally] na-expose yung mga freshies sa cheers. Sana maenganyo sila manood sa games (What I like most about the Cheer Rally is that it exposes the freshmen to the cheers. I hope they’ll be excited to watch the games),” said Jovi Sosito, captain of the Blue Babble Battalion. Through passion and pride, the tradition opens the doors of competition, turning students into devoted fans and giving everyone a role to play as athletes don the Blue and White in their year-long fight for glory.
The Cheer Rally is one of the few times all of the Ateneo’s athletes come together. With a new UAAP Season just around the corner, the Cheer Rally invites the student athletes as well to support one another. “My expectations are for us is to have fun, to watch other sports, to play for our school, to fight for our pride,” said lady spiker Team Captain Mitch Morente.
The coming season narrates different tales for the different teams as some Eagles look to maintain their titles as kings of the sky while others seek to spread their wings and soar into new frontiers. However, regardless of the sport, the Atenean athletic spirit reflects a deeper character that exists both on and off the playing field, according to Loyola Schools President Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J.
“They will be playing for something greater than themselves,” says Villarin, “They will be playing for the glory of Ateneo and for the greater glory of God.”
Inviting the students to be supporters more than spectators throughout the year, Villarin’s speech acknowledged both the humility and excellence that defines the Atenean, a quality of the athlete that impacts far beyond the referee’s whistle. With a new day dawning and the Eagles facing a fresh opportunity to strike gold, the most prominent aspect of the Blue Eagle on the court, pitch, or pool this season won’t be the color of his or her jersey but rather the higher purpose with which he or she plays.
