A new UAAP season will begin once again for the De La Salle Taekwondo (DELTA) team. Combining both continuous training and relentless determination, the DELTA team is a force to be reckoned with this Season 82. The LaSallian sits down with team captains Angelica Gaw, Kyle Arsenal, and Shannelle Romuar to discuss the plans and preparations they made for their respective squads this season.
The DELTA Kyorugi team will showcase new faces to represent the Green-and-White for this season. On the other hand, the DELTA Poomsae team will bank on their championship experience to defend the title they’ve reclaimed last season.
Go for gold, again
With the coveted championship title momentarily slipping out of the hands of DELTA Poomsae in Season 80, the team is aiming to sustain their winning momentum for back-to-back crowns this Season 82 after reclaiming the title last season.
The departure of Rinna Babanto, who has proven her talent in international games, leaves a huge void in the current roster as they strive to match her performance from the previous season. However, Gaw trusts that her team will surpass expectations, “We believe that discipline and hard work really [pay] off.”
As part of the national taekwondo team, Gaw shares her experiences to her teammates in the hopes of inspiring them to overcome any of the challenges that they might encounter this season. She especially hopes to set an example for the rookies who might be overwhelmed by the pressuring atmosphere of the UAAP.
Despite the added pressure by virtue of being the defending champions, Gaw reminds her team to focus on their goals—to defend their championship title and to enjoy the moments that strengthen their bond as teammates and friends on and off the mats.
As they step on the mat with thoughts of reaping the fruits of their hard work, the DELTA Poomsae team remains humbled to represent the Green-and-White, “We always perform for the greater glory of God and also for our beloved De La Salle University.”
Rejuvenated squad
After earning a spot on the podium last season, the DELTA Kyorugi Women’s team seeks to regain their confidence for the upcoming season as they eye the championship title. On the other hand, the DELTA Kyorugi Men’s team failed to notch a podium finish last year, finishing at fifth place.
Team captain Arsenal shares that the coaching staff has been giving the team pep talks to boost their morale this season, “Ito ‘yung pinaka-confident kong year. Iba’t iba ‘yung lineup namin. Nakakuha kami ng mga rookies na ‘di na [kailangan turuan].”
(This is the year where I’m most confident about our chances. Our lineup is different. We were able to get rookies that don’t need to be taught.)
The DELTA Kyorugi Women’s team had to endure extra training during their preparation, especially since their team has five rookies representing the Green-and-White for the season. “Our team trains from Monday to Friday [at] 6 am and the women’s team also trains at 5:30 in the afternoon,” Romuar shares.
Leading a team has never been easy. Romuar looks forward to passing on the trust and courage former team captain Lovely Avancena gave the team, “Whenever we are training and I see that they are having a hard time, I try to help them and advise them [on] what they can do to make [their] technique better.” Romuar encourages her teammates to become the best version of themselves inside and outside the sport. Arsenal shares the same sentiments as Romuar, “Last year ko na. Tapos ‘yung coach ko parang sinasabihan ako palagi na ‘uy dalhin mo yung team’.”
(It’s my last year. Also, my coach always tells me, “You should take the team with you to greater heights.”)
In any combat sport, injuries are common, and Romuar mentions that the team is no stranger to injuries, “We are all prone to injuries because we all had past injuries that may come back during the tournament.” However, this does not stop the Kyorugi Women’s team from getting back up after every setback no matter the odds, “We get injured, [but] we have to fight till the end and endure the pain for the team,” Romuar shares.
As both squads enter the season, Romuar points out that they will have to face each opponent with equal respect, “All the teams have prepared and it will not be easy to win, but we will still do our best and fight until the very end of the season.”
