Finally Back in the Game: Intramural Meet Reopens After a Two-Year Hiatus

by Blossom Pearl O. Villorente

But, are these accomplishments, trophies, and certificates already enough to recognize their efforts? Indeed, no. Looking past the facade of every athlete's victory, one can see their overnight practices, sweats, and mountains of homework as university students, and that should never be overlooked.

When asked about their preparation, Keinth Villacastin, a studentathlete from the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), said, "My preparation for the intramural match is that I have to managemytimeefficientlyforpracticeand rehearsal for pageantryandsports…as well as a fourth-year college student, I have my tasks in FS and at home.”

The loud beat of drums and lyres, colorful banners representing every department, flaglets on every side of the road, attempting to wave on their own as they were blown by the wind, fun chants signifying victory, lighting of the flame of sportsmanship, raising of the university color, and who would forget the long walk fromtheCornerStonetotheReviewStand, and the unity dance despite the muddy terrain caused by an overnight rain shower these were how Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus enthusiastically welcomed the 2022 Palarong Pampaaralan after a two-year breakdue tothe inconspicuous adversary.

Dr. Rodyard B. Madiclum, the Campus Administrator of CAPSU Burias, used a well-known English proverb in his welcome remarks that said, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy." As a response, CAPSU Burias' players showed no reluctance to prove that they are not "Jack," but rather, stood on their own and played in a friendly yet competitive manner, continually bringing the names of their their departments withthem.

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With the theme “Embracing Sports, Culture, and the Arts beyond the New Normal”, this event has sparked a desire among students to demonstrate the art of winning, teamwork, and most importantly, losing.Witheverykick,everyoneaimedfor a win; with every serve, someone hoped that it will bring the opposing team's score down; with every strong smash, the team hoped that it will not outsmart them; with everysprint,theplayerhopedthattheywill reachthefinishline;andwitheverybounce of the ball, they hoped to make a 3-pointer shot.

In the cards, the daring Mentors Team of the College of Education (COE) baggedtheoverallchampiontitle,followed by the D’Champs Team of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF); third, the Bankerz Team of the College of Management (CM); fourth, the ABEngers of the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering (DABE); and fifth, the SMASHERS TEAM of the LaboratoryHigh School (LHS).

Withoutadoubt,playershavebeen up all night preparing for this re-opening. Bettingoncoins,each onehad beenitching to connect with one another after being stuck intheir own homes.

Mayrel Joy Arroyo, one of the players for Sepak Takraw, added, "We did practice all day and exerted efforts into our game, and indeed, it tested our time managementskillsbecauseweneedtohave time for ourselves, especially in our academics,but inthe end,we tell ourselves that it doesn't matter whether we win or lose,as longas we have fun."

Ultimately, the intramural competitionisavenuethathasevolvedinto a realm for fostering camaraderie, enhancing brotherhood and sisterhood, utilizing one's skills, recognizing one's potential, and providing opportunities for individuals to compete in regional competitions.We'llneverknow;maybeone of these hundreds of athletes will one day represent CAPSU Burias in the national competition. Let us keep the possibilities open.