DLSU holds Animo Rally as UAAP season draws near

With less than two weeks remaining before UAAP Season 77 finally opens, things began at a lighter side earlier today at the annual Animo Rally. Themed “Green Runs Deep”, the pep rally was held at the Enrique Razon Sports Complex, instead of the usual open venues due to inclement weather.  This year, former courtside reporters Ina Ongsiako and Billie Capistrano hosted the event.

All Lasallian athletes from various teams were present to partake in this yearly festivity aimed at introducing the rookies and the new team captains for the school year.  In addition to this, the Lasallian community was also given a glimpse of what the different teams can offer in their respective campaigns.

The rally started with a parade of athletes, hyped up by the Animo Squad drummers.  After the athletes were introduced, the Animo Squad put up a drum line exhibition to pump up the large crowd that came to witness the event.  Br. Michael Broughton FSC officially opened the event with an invocation and an opening message which centered on fraternity-related violence.

After the opening, members of the judo, badminton, volleyball, tennis, athletics, and swimming teams each presented their own unique performances.  Former Green Archer Renren Ritualo also gave a motivational message after this first set of performances. Ritualo, who is one of the four legendary Lasallian athletes to have a retired jersey, emphasized the magic of school spirit and the importance of the fans and supporters of every squad. Concluding the performances were the Green Jins, with their own Taekwondo-inspired dance demo.

Team captains were then called for the oath taking, which was led by the new captain of the Green Archers, Jeron Teng.  Afterwards, the captains then wowed the crowd with a surprise dance number.  Another motivational speech was given by the Green Archers head coach, Juno Sauler.  Centering on the importance of everyday efforts, Sauler commended the hard work of all the other athletes. He also encouraged the crowd to support other sports besides basketball.

The program was wrapped up by a cheerdance performance from the Animo Squad, impressing the crowd with flashy moves and daring stunts. Office of Sports Development (OSD) Director Emmanuel Calanog then gave his concluding remarks in which he talked about the pressures of defending the General Championship, which was won by La Salle for the last two campaigns.  Finally, as in every Lasallian assembly, the crowd, along with the athletes, showed their school spirit by singing the Alma mater hymn with pride.

Watch out for the DLSU athletes as they defend the overall title this coming UAAP Season 77, which officially kicks off on July 12, 12 nn at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The UAAP opening ceremonies will be followed by double-header men’s basketball match-ups between UE and UP at 2 pm, and the Green Archers and FEU at 4 pm.