A-League of our own

One hundred thirty-two players … Nine Teams … One School … One League ... This is the A-League of Ateneo de Naga University.

Last April 22, 2005, a motorcade around the Naga City downtown area announced the start of the Ateneo A-League basketball tournament. It was the first time for many Ateneo basketball enthusiasts from different generations to come together under one roof as friends before the hard-court battle began. Free beers from the opening party held at Chili Peppers added spice to the revelry.

The concept behind the league was to combine the love for basketball with school involvement, much like the Alumni league of Ateneo de Manila. Graduates who are busy with work and with family usually find involvement in Ateneo-based projects possible only if they are able to find the time and interest. However, given a chance to meet with old friends on a weekly basis and play basketball, returning to the Ateneo becomes something the players of the A-League eagerly look forward to, especially with tournament perks such as a free case of beer for nightly winners. The Ateneo A-League is a “gentleman’s league” reinforcing the fact that all the participants are Ateneans coming together to play a sport they love, where sportsmanship and Ignatian values are paramount.

The pioneer season drew players as young as 16 to as “young” as 56 years old. The teams were mostly formed according to school batches (high school or college). However, some teams came together because of work while others came together to form their own versions of an “all-star” team, drawing talent from different batches and from different Ateneo schools (Manila and Davao) since the A-League is open to all Ateneans. Games were held in the evening at the Ateneo de Naga University covered courts on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) and weekends, to accommodate the various work and school hours.

The nine teams involved in this year’s tournament are the following:

Team Arrupe: Led by Hon. Jesse Robredo. His team consists of Ateneans who are working in Naga City Hall.

Team Bello: Led by Albert Fante of High School Batch 1999. Most of his teammates are his batch mates in both high school and college.

Team Bonoan: Led by Dato Arroyo of College Batch 1998. Most of his teammates are either his batch mates in college or a year younger.

Team Burns: Led by Yay Penolio who is currently enrolled in Ateneo college. Most of his teammates are also currently enrolled college students.

Team Dolan: Led by Jun Santiago of High School Batch 1998 and is currently the High School Registrar. Most of his teammates are his brothers and friends from the Ateneo High School Batches 92 and 93.

Team Fernando: Led by Jec Claro of College Batch 2002. His teammates are his friends and ex-varsity players of Ateneo between the years 1996 and 2002

Team Moran: Led by Nathaniel Nerva of the Four Pillars Multi Purpose Cooperative (FMPC). His team consists of his co-workers in the FMPC, the services and personnel arm of the University.

Team O’Brien: Led by Jesus Apolonio of High School Batch 1994. His team is a combination of currently enrolled college students and Ateneo employees who all like to hang out in the O’Brien building.

Team Santos: Led by Antonio Macaraig who is currently enrolled in Ateneo college. His teammates are mostly currently enrolled nursing college students.

The Ateneo A-League pioneer season was a joint cooperation between the Ateneo Athletics Office and the Ateneo Center for Higher International Communications. The Tournament Commissioner is Mr. Aik Albao, the Director of the Athletics Office and a college graduate of Ateneo de Naga, Batch 1986. The Tournament Manager is Mr. Jonjon Tuason, a language trainer for the Ateneo CHIC office and a high school and college graduate of Ateneo de Manila, Batches 1993 and 1997, respectively. The Tournament Marketing Officer is Mr. Jec Claro, a businessman and a college graduate of Ateneo de Naga, Batch 2002. The Tournament Statistics Manager is Mr. Noli Ayo, the Director of the CHIC Office and a high school graduate of Ateneo de Naga, Batch 1995. The Tournament Liaison Officer is Mr. James Hortillas, a high school graduate of Ateneo de Manila, Batch 2001 and a currently enrolled college student of Ateneo de Naga.

This year’s organizers are hoping that the A-League will continue to draw more participation from the Ateneo Community through donations or through participation in this sports endeavor. They are also looking forward to getting the involvement of the Alumnae group by organizing a badminton tournament on the next season of the A-League.

The Ateneo A-League was made possible by the support of it’s major sponsors most especially to CHILI PEPPERS for making their fine dining restaurant the official home of the Ateneo A-League’s pioneer season. The other major sponsors include Bastis Health and Mineral Water, Bombay Blues, Faday Ads, Magic Splash Resort, San Miguel Beer, Soleil restaurant, and the Naga City Government.