CVIRAA 2006: Niños eye pool dominance

Members of the Cebu City Niños swimming team is confident they can still dominate the pool even with the strong threat of the other competing teams in the 2006 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet in Tagbilaran City this week.

A total of 38 swimmers combined from the elementary and secondary division will be representing the Queen City of the South in the swimming competition set at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex Aquatic Center.

Out of the 38 swimmers, 14 of which come from the coach Rolando Alvarez of the Cebu Blue Marlins. Most of Alvarez's bets are under the secondary level.

Although it is not a solid Blue Marlins line-up, Alvarez is expecting the full cooperation of the other coaches and the parents.

Alvarez was identified by the Cebu City division to spearhead the secondary level while City Central School's Rene Ferolino will be manning the elementary division.

Unlike in the previous staging, this year's battle will follow a point system just like the Palarong Pambansa, thus, each of the athletes' placing will matter.

The Freeman learned that in swimming, the top six will be given corresponding points and it will be multiplied by two for relays.

For the secondary level, top swimmers to watch from the Niños include Jeffrey Yana, Noel Cañeda, Michael David Vega, Matteus Ceasar Galo from the Blue Marlins as well as coach Benjoe Jimenez's ward John Solon.

In the distaff side, the multi-titled Diane Cañeda is still the top bet for the Niños.

Alvarez also adds Sacred Heart School-Jesuits' Jethro Ko and Heisler Entote as strong contenders in the elementary boys.

Alvarez is anticipating another tough action ahead against the Oriental Negros swimmers and the Cebu Province with Loren Dale Echavez the strongest in the elementary girls to look for.

The Bol-anons are also considered a darkhorse in this competition as being the host. They are also preparing to win some medals in this medal-rich sport for their overall championship bid.

There will be a total of 56 events in swimming, broken down to 14 events for the boys and girls' division both in the elementary and secondary level.