Molding champions, shaping futures

CEBU, Philippines — For the University of Cebu community, you cannot spell success without UC.

This proved true for the UC Webmasters college basketball team.

For four straight years, they made it to the Finals of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

That is quite a feat already for the UCnian hardcourt warriors.

But what coach Kenneth Kernn Sesante is most proud of is transforming student-athletes into champions, not only in sports but also in life.

With Sesante at the helm, the Webmasters have produced licensed mechanical engineers in John Emmanuel Bautista and Kyle Fritz Ordeniza and full-fledged criminologists in Luigi Gabisan and Kendall Limana.

Just recently, eight UC varsity players successfully completed their college education.

They are Jhiey Paraldo and Jasper Pacaña (BS Business Administration Major in Management Marketing),

McSteven Ursal (BS Electrical Engineering), Luther Gabriel Leonard (BS Information Technology), Niño Jeff “NJ” Atunay BS Customs Administration), Michael Diaz (BS Marine Transportation), Regie Dajab (BS Civil Engineering), and Zareygel Rosano (BS Hospitality Management).

Teodore Josephus “TJ” Matchete, their academic coordinator, is now also a degree holder (BS Customs Administration).

The likes of Garciano Puerto, Richard Villegas, Clint Suelto, Filvenson Culango, Joven Tagudin, John Jabello, Justine Dacalos, Peter Codilla, Joseph Mayol, Alex Nazareno, Ariel Dinglasan and Paul Galinato also earned their college diploma as varsity scholars of UC.

Helping his players create harmony between their academic responsibilities and athletic ambitions entails a lot of challenge for Sesante and the rest of the coaching staff.

It’s a tough balancing act.

But everything works perfectly well for the Webmasters with a program that is centered on molding champions and shaping futures.

“The UC sports program aims for both athletic and academic excellence. That is really the desire of our founder Atty. Gus Go, for the student-athletes to use their talents in sports to earn a college degree,” said Sesante, himself a role model student-athlete during his time as team captain of the Webmasters.

After his playing years, Sesante made his alma mater proud when he placed 2nd nationwide in the 2006 Customs Broker Licensure Examination before becoming a lawyer in 2012.

“Each time we pay him a courtesy visit, Atty. Go always mentions that he will be happy if our team wins, but he will be happier if they finish their studies and pass the board exam if there’s any,” Sesante continued. “We take his directive to heart with the help of our UC Athletic Director Jessica-Jawad Honoridez.”

That is why in guiding his team, Sesante is committed not only in the overall development of his players but also in giving them future opportunities. A life-changer, he makes it a mission to develop resilient individuals ready for the challenges of life, both on and off the field.

More than winning a trophy, Sesante said seeing their athletes succeed beyond the playing field is their biggest accomplishment - the crown jewel of UC’s sports program they can be truly proud of.