Members of the Sepak-Takraw National Team and CPU Golden Lions Sepak Takraw Coach pose with VP for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Student Affairs Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, and Atty. Alejandro Somo, CPU Sports Office Director.
Who does not want to see an exhibition game of “Sepak Takraw” by the Philippine Team? Who would not get excited with the “friendly match” between the Philippine Team and the CPU Golden Lions?
On Friday, July 21, 2017, the CPU Golden Lions Team had their “dream match” as they played against Sepak Takraw Philippine Team at the CPU covered Gym. In the warm-ups and preliminary game, the national team showed off what it can do to win medals for the country. Some members of the team were in France to participate in a European tournament. The first regu of the Philippine is considered as among the Top 5 in the world.
Members of the Sepak Takraw National Team pose for posterity in front of the CPU Administration Building.
The match brought so much thrill and excitement to the students, coaches and spectators at the covered gym. With “no guts and no glory” in mind, the CPU Golden Lions roared. They did their best to make the most out of the spectacular chance to play a “friendly game” with the Philippine Sepak Takraw Team. In the 3 sets that were played, the Philippine Team bested the CPU Golden Lions team with a score of 8-21, 19-21, and 13-21. CPU Coach, Pastor Keith Dune Gallos, tried to put his best Regu in the second set in order to win a game. It was a close match. Much to the delight of the crowd, the CPU Sepak Takraw team led by 17-15. But eventually, they Philippine Team won the game. But it only shows that the CPU Sepak Takraw team, the 2017 National PRISAA games champion, can go toe to toe with national team.
Weekly Centralian Link Publication Team led by Director Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on watches the game from a side bench of the covered gym.
In an interview earlier at the CPU Administration Conference Room, Pastor Gallos, Coach of the CPU Golden Lions Team excitedly said that “the game is a big booster to the CPU team, and that the Philippine Team is willing to extend training and technical assistance to the CPU Golden Lions Sepak Takraw Team.”
Another tournament with the CPU Golden Lions will be held on October, according to the team. The Philippine Team coach is a Centralian — Hector Memarion, AB Political Science Batch ’96. After the game, Coach Memarion told Coach Gallos that the CPU team have great talents and is strong in the spiker and setter, but has to practice double time in the tekong. He hopes that their training in Iloilo can help them get a Gold in next month’s competition in Thailand. The Philippine Team had previously won Silver at the SEA Games in Singapore.
An exciting offense and defense actions by the National Team.
During the meeting, Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, area representative of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) took the opportunity of distribute Gideon’s Bible and motivational materials to the national players. He also encouraged the Philippine Team to link up with FCA so that they avail of the programs and spiritual guidance that this organization offers.
Spiker makes a winning hit for the Sepak Takraw National Team.
Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs received a couple of Chinlone Sepak Takraw balls made in Myanmar from the Philippine Team during the courtesy call at the CPU Administration Conference Room.
Blue vs. Yellow – Centralian blocks spike in a game against the Philippine team.
There are, at present, 12 members of the CPU Golden Lions Team who are studying in CPU with a scholarship provided by the University, according to Atty. Alejandro S. Somo, Director of the Sports Office. It is great to note that former varsity players of CPU later became members of the national team.
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