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Sports

The GUIDON August 2014

A COLLECTIVE IDENTITY. Team Ateneo goes beyond the student-athlete community. PHOTO BY FRANCINE A. BHARWANI

Inside "Team Ateneo" By Raizza P. Bello and Faith R. Decangchon A LARGE variety of ideas come to mind when Ateneo sports is discussed. Not only does it pertain to the several teams in the university, but it also extends to the individual athletes, coaching staffs, managers and fans inside and outside of campus. The expansion of the Ateneo sports community has created a new realm. It has been molded and solidified with two words, simple, yet striking: Team Ateneo. But in this fast-growing and evolving world of Ateneo sports, and the many factors and people involved in its shaping, we are led to ask: What exactly is Team Ateneo? For the love of sports

Different supporters have varied ways of showing how much they have invested in their teams. One of which is how far they’re willing to go to get tickets, such as in junior communication major KD Montenegro’s case. She shares, “I was a freshman back then, and it was the championship game [against the University of Santo Tomas], so I waited outside the Ateneo at [2:00 AM] even though my Math 11 (Modern Mathematics I) test was at [8:oo AM]. I got my ticket at around 7:15 AM. I didn’t get to study anymore, but I passed the

subject and I witnessed the Ateneo in sweet [five-peat] victory.” This clamor for tickets is even more evident with its rise in the black market. Scalpers have been actively taking advantage of the highly sought-after games, as they get a handful of tickets from the outlet stores and sell them at a price far more than their actual value. The scalpers’ visibility has increased in Facebook groups such as the Ateneo Book Market, Ateneo Trade and other student-run batch pages. Ticket prices can go as high as P2,000. They are also being offered as a bid to see who is willing to pay the highest. Claire Lim, a senior communications technology management major, can attest to this issue. She bought an Ateneo-La Salle game ticket from a scalper in September 2012. The P75 ticket was sold to her at P800. She reveals in a mix of English and Filipino, “At first, I didn’t know the prices of UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) tickets...but, of course, I couldn’t do anything because I already bought [it], so I just enjoyed the game.” She shares that it was an experience not worth repeating: “I’d never buy a ticket that expensive ever again.” Given the amount of sacrifice involving money, time and emotions, one is led to ask why one would give so much effort to be part of Team Ateneo. Karl Cruz, a senior from Barangka National High School who became part

of Ateneo’s Alay ni Ignacio program, offers an answer: Personal inspiration. At a young age, Cruz was encouraged by his sister to watch the games of the UAAP. This began his fascination with the Ateneo players’ delivery in games and his strong dedication in supporting the teams. “Nadala talaga ako sa laro ng Ateneo, particularly sa volleyball team. Iba ang laro nila compared sa ibang university (I was really fascinated by Ateneo’s gameplay, particularly the volleyball team’s. The way they played was different compared to other universities),” he exclaims. Mentioning the Lady Eagles’ come-from-behind feat against National University and De La Salle University last season, Cruz adds that the team became an inspiration for him as a student.

is being built in a different space: The virtual arena. This is mostly true for popular teams like the Women’s Volleyball team, the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Fans of the group created a Twitter account, @ADMU_WVT, with almost

through proliferation of merchandise. GetBlued, a company started in 2008 by Kirk Damasco (BS MGT ‘08) and Andrew Sy (BS MGT ‘08), has been producing shirts with different graphics and statements stating the Blue and White spirit.

Team Ateneo takes good care not only [of] my athletics life but my whole being as well. It is not only an institution but also a family that guides me along my way.

Building the mold

Aside from the teams, athletes, supporters, social media and the popularity of Ateneo merchandise have affected the perspective and reach of Team Ateneo. The games do not end on the actual court, as fans always express their dismay or delight on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Before and after momentous matches, one can see either a rift between opposing teams’ supporters or reinforcement of fans’ belief in their respective teams. Team spirit, then, is no longer limited to presence in games, whether live or on television, but

— SPENCER GALIT Blue Fencer, Ateneo Fencing Team

90,000 followers as of writing. Tweets range from recruitment and match updates, to personal shout outs to their idols. Social media has also become a tool to connect with the athletes, as seen in the huge Twitter following of three of the more known Ateneo players: Kiefer Ravena, Alyssa Valdez and Dennise Lazaro. With this increase in fan involvement, part of identifying with Team Ateneo has been

As stated in their Facebook account: “GetBlued is for everyone who is proud, bold and one with the community that shouts Go Ateneo, One Big Fight!” Their products—endorsed by Ateneo athletes—have become available not only in the Loyola Schools Bookstore but also in other Ateneo campuses, thus making it one of the most successful merchandising companies tied to Ateneo throughout the years.

Athlete’s eye

For the subjects directly attributed to Team Ateneo, the term goes beyond the ﬁeld of sports. Veteran Blue Fencer Spencer Galit reveals, “Team Ateneo takes good care not only [of] my athletics life but my whole being as well. It is not only an institution but also a family that guides me along my way.” He adds that the support Team Ateneo gives to his academic and non-academic commitments—such as providing a study hall and a suitable training area—allow him to strive harder every year, pushing him to do better in all that he does. Team Ateneo is not merely a label given to athletic teams and their supporters, but a collective identity that supports the Ateneo sports community. It is the patience and effort in finding tickets for a game. It is the constant watching of the teams’ journey throughout the season. It is the tweets and online posts, and even the wearing of shirts that shout “One Big Fight! Go Ateneo!” It is the athletes’ development, not just in the sport, but also in other aspects of his or her life. Team Ateneo is a celebration of belongingness and shared meaning to a community that takes pride in its efforts and successes. It is a testament that sportsmen and fans alike can come together to achieve a common endeavor—to take pride, win or lose, in the Blue and White.

SOCIAL MEDIA CRAZE. Teams like the Ateneo Lady Eagles have more than 90,000 followers on social media.

REINFORCEMENTS. Training facilities and an overwhelming support system serves as Ateneo’s backbone.

GUIDANCE UNDER THE FAMILY. Team Ateneo athletes have facilities like the study hall to help them in areas other than competitions.

PHOTO BY RYAN Y. RACCA

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA L. HUANG