Even without cesafi consent: UV Lancers, 3 other schools set to join 2nd VAAA caging

With or without the consent of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. Board, four CESAFI member schools led by seven-time champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers will join the second season of the Visayas Amateur Athletic Association (VAAA) men’s basketball which will kick off on November 18 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The CESAFI Board, in its Resolution No.01s.2007 adopted last October 26, prohibited its member schools from participating in any sports tournament without its approval.

But in yesterday’s launching of the 2nd VAAA season at Yayoy’s Grill and Resto Bar, UV through its head coach Elmer “Boy” Cabahug has confirmed its entry, even as Southwestern University (SWU), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), and University of San Carlos (USC) also signified their intent to take part in the Visayas-wide cage league.

So firm with their respective stands that they are ready to face whatever sanction the CESAFI Board will slap upon them in relation to their VAAA participation.

“We are here to support. We are not here to compete (with other leagues). Our focus here is how to develop our younger generation for upcoming international competitions,” said Cabahug.

“We’re allowed by Sir Eddie and Sir Didi Gullas to accept the invitation of coach Yayoy. It’s now the off-season of CESAFI so we have the prerogative as to which league we would like to participate. Depriving us to which league we’re joining is a very un-democratic act,” added Cabahug.

Cabahug clarified though that they’re still a member of CESAFI and is committed to support all its programs. “It’s just the CESAFI season is now over and we have to find other league to give our players further exposure.”

USC chief strategist Mike Reyes echoed Cabahug’s sentiment.

“In our case, we have yet to talk things over with our school president, Fr. Rod Salazar. But my stand ever since is that we’re going to participate in VAAA. If they (CESAFI) suspend us, so be it. I’m just wondering why they’re doing that now when there was no such thing like that when we joined VAAA last year,” blurted out Reyes.

USJ-R assistant athletic moderator Dioscoro Himotas and SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar said they also have to confer first with their school heads although they’re both inclined to see action in VAAA anew. Last year, USJ-R swept SWU in their best-of-three finals to clinch the league’s inaugural championship.

“I have the same stand with USC. If I am to decide, I will join VAAA. But I’m just part of USJ-R and I have to consult first with our school heads,” said Himotas.

“We’ll work things out with or without CESAFI’s support or consent,” said Aznar although he can’t confirm yet their entry.

VAAA founder and multi-titled coach Raul “Yayoy” D. Alcoseba just hope that everybody would unite and work hand in hand for sports development not only in basketball but also in other athletic fields.

“We are not trying to compete with anybody. Our main goal here is sports development. I really can’t understand why there are some quarters who are not cooperative with this kind of project and tend to put us down,” said Alcoseba. “As a sports leader, we should be even happy and thankful if there are more programs. If you’re a true sportsman, you support all sports programs and not close your door on it.”  

CESAFI commissioner Felix “Boy” O. Tiukinhoy, Jr., for his part, declined to comment on what sanction the league will impose on thee schools that defy its order. “I can’t comment on that without authority from the CESAFI Board because it’s beyond my power. Let the Board decide on that matter.”—EBV