Lancers of old to relive golden days for a noble cause

CEBU, Philippines - Former players of the celebrated University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers will walk down memory lane today in a simple get-together not only to relit the flames of their old, glory days and renew friendship but also to start the ball rolling for a noble project aimed at helping some of their former comrades who are less in life.

The whole-day affair starts at 9 am at the UV gymnasium.

Erstwhile Lancers Terry Bolo and Mitchel “Danny” Duran paid a courtesy call on UV Executive Vice President Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas yesterday to inform their former team manager of their intent.

“There are a lot for former Lancers who did not have medical care, some of them did not even finish school,” said the Hawaii-based Bolo, a retired officer of the elite United States (US) Army. “This is the reason why we are getting together the former and present Lancers so we can find ways to help those who are in need of help.”

Such idea, Bolo said, is the brainchild of ex-UV stars Eddie “Boy” Mendoza and Ponky Alolor, who are also now based in the US.

“We have the resources in the US and want to tap them in providing assistance to former Lancers who are less fortunate,” said Bolo.

Gullas, for his part, gladly welcomed such gesture of magnanimity by his former cagers. “That the true spirit of a Visayanian. We can be together on that because that a very laudable project. I would be happy to support you're noble cause.”

For Bolo, who hails from Pooc, Talisay City, paying Gullas a visit is a “great honor.”

“I could never forget Sir Dodong Gullas. He's a one-of-a-kind team manager who is always ahead of us. I could still vividly recall that every practice, he's already at the gym very early in the morning while some of us are still sleeping,” Bolo fondly recalled.

“I am forever grateful because the values of hardwork and discipline we learned from the Gullas family  greatly helped us what we have become now,” he added.

Bolo and Duran formed part of the UV Lancers that won the National Inter-Collegiate Championship for two years. They beat the La Salle Green Archers in 1974 and the vanquished the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in 1976. Under the guidance of coach Judy Violango, their other teammates at that time include Paul Velasco, Hermes Sumalinog, Melecio Seno and Delfin “Jun” Pepito, present the head coach of the UV Baby Lancers.

To make the event livelier and more memorable, Duran is calling on all Lancers of the past and present to grace the event and extend help to the need ones in whatever way they possibly could. (FREEMAN)