Getting back student-athletes to training: CESAFI coaches, athletic directors won’t take risk

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) commissioner Felix “Boy” O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. yesterday said he will leave the decision to the league’s member schools on whether or not they will let their student-athletes get back to their training amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Tiukinhoy made the statement after presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Monday that athletes belonging to collegiate athletic associations all over the country may now continue training in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ.

Roque made it clear that such activities will still be subject to guidelines set to be issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) later on.

In response, Tiukinhoy said it is really up to the school to allow their teams to practice or play.

“That is their choice of taking the risks,” Tiukinhoy said.  “As far as the CESAFI is concerned, this season is cancelled so we have no control of the school teams on what they want to do. CESAFI will only come in once the Board approves to start of new season.”

At this point of time though, some coaches and athletic directors of Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league have expressed reluctance in recalling their athletes for training restart, citing health concerns given the current situation wherein the deadly virus is still wreaking havoc around the world.

“The government may allow training, however, our primordial concern is the safety of the student-athletes. The virus is still around no matter what quarantine status is. We don’t have plan yet in the immediate future for trainings,” said University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Director for Student Affairs Atty. Jesus ‘Boyet’ D. Velez.

Athletic directors Jessica Jawad-Honoridez of the University of Cebu (UC) and Pio Gerardo Solon of Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma shared the same sentiments of Velez.

“There’s eagerness on the part of the athletes knowing that they can now go back to training,” Honoridez shared. “But they need guidance for their welfare. As for me, I will not take the risk. Everything remains uncertain for now so we cannot guarantee their safety. If they really want to train, they have to do it on their own but it’s not mandatory. We will leave it up to the parents.”

“While waiting for more comprehensive guidelines, we will consult with our management and coaches on the best possible course of action that prioritizes the health, welfare and academic performance of our student-athletes,” Solon chimed in.

SWU-Phinma Cobras head coach Mike Reyes said returning to practice is easy but ensuring the safety of the players is a completely different story.

“Going back to practice is easy,” said Reyes. “What I am concerned most is yung pag-stay nila sa dorm. Kasi siyempre pag nasa dorm na ang players, mahirap i-monitor ang kanilang mga lakad like yung players from Cebu uuwi sa mga bahay nila. Safety ng athletes ang first priority,” said Reyes, who steered Southwestern U to its first CESAFI title in five years last season.

University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers coach Gary Cortes has a salient point on the matter.

“Well, it’s a welcome development for all the athletes who are eager to go back into action,” said Cortes.”But what’s the use of the training and practices in the absence of a tournament?”

“Besides, almost all of our players are in their respective hometowns and having a hard time finding ways on what to ride going back to Cebu. But if ever the UV management tells us that we should get back to practice, then we are happy for it. We will then review the guidelines mandated once it’s already in place,” Cortes ended.