NCAA family stays intact

MANILA, Philippines — All 10 NCAA member schools were unanimous in saying they remain in the league and that there will be Season 96.

As to when the season starts, however, remains to be seen.

“Everyone is committed to joining the NCAA mandatory events,” said NCAA management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, of Season 96 host Letran yesterday.

Basketball, volleyball, track and field and swimming were the mandatory events Calvo, Letran’s athletic moderator, referred to.

The show of unanimity by the board members quashed rumors of a team or two thinking of filing a temporary leave of absence this season, including Lyceum of the Philippines University.

“LPU will never leave the NCAA, temporarily by way of a leave of absence, or permanently, by any way,” said LPU representative Hercules Callanta.

“We will not let rumors cast doubt on the sincerity and resiliency of the LPU as a bona fide member of the NCAA, but also misjudged the NCAA as an organization of sports men who hold in highest regard altruism and goodwill in the interest of allowing member schools to participate in the midst of the present challenges,” he added.

Naturally, all public and private establishments have felt the impact of the global health malady. It will be understandable for everyone, NCAA and UAAP member schools included, to make cost-cutting moves to stay afloat.

The Philippine Sports Commission, the government agency for sports, in fact, has sliced the monthly stipend of the national athletes and coaches to half starting this month.

“There are office budget cuts and moratorium on new recruits but we will be there in NCAA Season 96,” said Dax Castellano of St. Benilde.