The University of San Jose Recoletos Baby Jaguars Boy’s Volleyball Team (USJ-R BVT) is in the final stage of preparation to represent Region VII for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2024.
This year’s Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) high school boy’s volleyball champions and Cebu Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) boy’s volleyball champions, the USJ-R BVT are determined to bring home the championship title for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Under the guidance of veteran head coach, Roldan Potot, the team has been rigorously training for months. Daily practice sessions, strategic planning, and intense physical conditioning have been the core of their preparation.
Coach Potot always reminds his players, “Every opponent is team to beat, wala mi nag prepare Manila, wala mi nag prepare ani na team. Ako jud always e remind na you respect sa tanang mga teams.” (Every opponent is a team to beat. We didn’t prepare for Manila; we didn’t prepare for this team. I always remind them to respect all teams.)
Additionally, coach Potot believe that the key to win the championship title of Palarong Pambansa is teamwork, “So ako always e remind nila na tinabangay lang sa usag-usa no, to work as a team, dili ingun nga kani siya akong captain ball ra ang mo lihok, siya ra usa ang mo lihok ana ba. Even though naa ka sa bench, be prepared,” he said. (So I always remind them to just help each other out, to work as a team, not just relying on the captain ball to do everything, not just having one person do all the work. Even though you’re on the bench, be prepared.)
Senior USJ-R BVT open spiker, Marc Lemuel Tangon highlighted the significance of the Palarong Pambansa to him and to his teammates, “Palaro is very important kay diri namo mpagawas ang tagsa-tagsang abilidad and among unsa jud makaya namo as a team. And isa sad ni sa exposure sa team.” (Palarong Pambansa is very important because this is where we showcase each one’s abilities and what we can really achieve as a team. And this is also an exposure opportunity for the team.)
Moreover, Tangon assures that he will not only score points for the team but also work to motivate and encourage his teammates.
The team’s preparation also involves participating in other leagues such as the invitational open league in Ormoc City. This opportunity helps them gain exposure, valuable experience, and confidence as a team.
The upcoming volleyball games at this year’s Palarong Pambansa will be hosted at the USJ-R Basak Campus, providing the Baby Jaguars with a significant home court advantage. This boost in confidence stems from the expectation of strong support from fans attending their matches.
With the Palarong Pambansa set to commence this July 9, 2024, the USJ-R Baby Jaguars BVT is in high spirits and ready to take on the challenge. Their journey to Palarong Pambansa is a testament to their hard work and determination.
“Ka nice lang, wala baya namo gi expect kay mga bakud baya ang kontra namo sa CVIRAA ha, mga kusgan. Mao to sya amo lang gi pakita among gi hardwork. It is an honor jud to represent ang Central Visayas Region VII sa Palaro” USJ-R Baby Jaguars BVT libero, Sydfil Terence Ompad shared. (It’s really nice. We didn’t expect it because our opponents in CVIRAA were tough and strong. That’s why we just showed our hard work. It is truly an honor to represent Central Visayas, Region VII, in the Palarong Pambansa.)
As the countdown to the opening of Palarong Pambansa begins, all eyes are on the USJ-R Baby Jaguars BVT, hoping they will bring pride and honor to Central Visayas Region VII.
