CUSA to unravel eighth season at the Big Dome

The Colleges and Universities Sports Association (CUSA) will kick off its eighth season on Aug. 29 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Six matches are on tap in the opening day with defending champion University of Assumption-Pampanga taking on Technological Institute of the Philippines in the featured match.

Other games pit host Central Colleges of the Philippines against Trinity College, De La Salle-Araneta University Foundation against Saint Jude Colleges, De Ocampo Memorial College against Philippine Maritime Institute, Manuel L. Quezon University against Metro Manila College and Philippine College of Criminology against Las Piñas College. PATTS College of Criminology takes a bye.

This year’s theme is "Youth Sports 2002: Build and Beyond."

In keeping with the league’s desire to promote other sports, CUSA president Crispino Reyes said they will introduce football in the sports calendar.

"Football is one sport where I think Filipinos can excel. Beginning this year, football will now be part of the competitions," said Reyes.

Apart from men’s and women’s basketball and football, other sports on tap are men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s table tennis, men’s and women’s badminton, chess and swimming.

Elaborate opening ceremonies will be held at 8 a.m. on Aug. 29, highlighted by a cheerleading contest among member schools.

Celebrity star Regine Tolentino and Nelson Bracamonte have been tapped to head the board of judges.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain has been invited to be the guest of honor and speaker. He will also toss the ceremonial ball assisted by Reyes and other league officials.

CUSA is composed of 12 schools with a combined student population of 85,000.