We all realize that there is much more to be desired of the athletic situation on campus. The La Sallian, on a number of occasions, has brought to the attention of the authorities concerned the need for improving our athletes’ lot, not because such is a matter of right but that such is a matter of propriety and justice.
We have echoed the athletes’ sentiments in the past for we know what it is to be an athlete. We know how it is to be given third-class attention since “there are other more important things with which to be concerned.” We have experienced that feeling of neglect while at the same time seeing our fellow athletes from rival schools, though not being pampered and “spoiled,” being made to feel that their services were deeply appreciated and recognized. We have seen our fellow athletes who fought hard and won since they knew that the whole school—from the tiniest grade school tot to the biggest man on campus—was rooting for them.
The Bomber Athlete
It is in this light that it is considered timely that a view be given of how our NCAA opponents are being treated by their respective schools and what incentives are being given to them.
Over at Jose Rizal College, we were surprised to find out that free tuition is being given to all players of all sports. Mind you, it is not just one single sport but all sports. Aside from this substantial aid, the athlete is given a canteen allowance of P1.50 per day. Furthermore, if (in the case of basketball) the team is in contention by the second game of the second round, the whole team is quartered and given free board and lodging.
Taking a look at such a treatment, we can see that the Bomber athlete is indeed being given attention. Moreover, he is given the chance to use an existing talent to “finance” his way to college. Indeed, what can be more gladdening than to use one’s talents as a means for achieving a noble and worthy end of educating oneself?
Over at Loyola
Going over to our so-called perennial ‘enemies’ at Loyola, we notice that the picture is not as clear and conclusive as what we would want it to be. According to Fr. Martin, there are four basketball players who are under full scholarship. Aside from this benefit, they are also entitled to free books, allowance, board, and lodging for the whole season. All these are financed by the alumni. According to the players themselves, however, four are under full scholarships plus free board and lodging, and that all of them—not just four—have free board and lodging.
We do not know which information is accurate, but the point is at least four have full scholarships and free board and lodging. In this situation, at least some players are getting incentives.
Perhaps of all the basketball teams, we can say that the Letran Knights get the most substantial benefits. Aside from free tuition, the Muralla boys get free board and lodging (whether in contention or not) plus a canteen allowance.
But if you have seen that for the Knights, here’s some food for thought about the Mapua Cardinals. The Mapua dribblers get free tuition and an allowance of P5 per practice and P10 per game—something which would put some of our MICAA teams to shame.
Surprised Bedan
San Beda College, now in the process of a massive sports development program, has the following for its benefits to the basketball team: free tuition, and if the team is in contention, free board and lodging. The football eleven of the Red Lions offers a 100 percent cut (or free tuition) for those who cannot afford to pay and 50 percent (cut on the tuition) for those who can afford to pay. It is worthwhile to note that this same football eleven captured the 1968-1969 football crown at La Salle’s expense. As an added comment, it would be well to know that at least five mainstays of this team either went to San Beda immediately after graduating from La Salle High School or studied at La Salle for at least five years. What is ironic about the situation is that Mr. Jose Mari Ganuza, former rector of San Beda College, once stated that at one time the Bedans wanted to pattern their scholarship and sports development programs after La Salle. Ganuza was a very surprised man when he found out that the alleged programs never existed.
Should We Follow?
Going over to our own backyard, we see that except for certificates and an athlete’s “dinner” (merienda would be a more accurate term) given at the end of each academic year, the athlete does not really have much to “induce” him. If the La Salle athlete then is to be seen fighting his heart out to win a game or play creditably, you can be sure it is more of personal pride and the innate desire to win than anything else.
The question now thrown to us is should we follow simply because other schools have their own programs? Is it right to say that these activities are purely voluntary and therefore our athletes should not be given “more than their dues”? Does it follow then that once the athletes are given these benefits, all the other activities should receive the same? Is it right to say that a school exists not for sports but for “purely academic reasons” or for educational (a more encompassing term) end as well?
We say that we do not follow suit simply because other schools have their own programs. The idea is that we are doing this out of our own accord—if we want to do well, then we should put our energies and concentrate our resources on seeing to it that our teams do not come sixth in a field of six. More than ever, we say that aside from “how you play the game that counts,” there is also such a thing as prestige and pride at stake. If the whole idea of sports would be reduced to the notion of “how you play that counts,” then let us get any Tom, Dick, or Harry no matter how he plays, even if he cannot distinguish between a basketball from a football, as long as he plays fairly and goes down fighting.
The Ticklish Question
As for the question of whether the athletes should be given “more than their due,” it is a known fact that a majority of our present athletes are not asking for scholarships. They are not asking for free books or free tuition, or free board and lodging, or game and practice allowances. One even went to the point of saying that all these things play a part in diminishing the fun that goes with participating in a particular sport. The athletes are not asking for the moon or the stars—they are not asking to be paid like professional athletes. The athletes are asking for things which can be acquired if we would only put our heart and soul into it. All they are asking for are the basic necessities like food or canteen allowance.
Should the other activities then receive these same benefits once the athletes succeed in doing so? Ideally, we would like to see all voluntary activities have such a treatment. But first, we must start somewhere with a group which is willing to fight for what they want.
As for the last question, it is obvious that a school exists to impart a certain amount of knowledge and certain attitudes considered meaningful. Some of these attitudes can be developed in the playing arena—values like fairness, determination, and discipline.
Does it take participation in the NCAA or extramural activities to inculcate such values? The answer is of course no, but even on this score, the school is lagging, as can be evidenced by the equipment that we have. Besides, the question is: can we operate or conduct our athletic activities under the present context? To add or subtract from such a situation is to speak of an entirely different matter.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s Archives 2024 special. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSArchivesSpecial2024.
