Franz’ decision on Animo Night

La Salle coach Franz Pumaren will likely announce his decision whether or not he’s staying to call the shots for the Archers seniors basketball team in the next University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Animo Night in Greenhills this Friday.

No less than La Salle president Bro. Armin Luistro has asked Pumaren to reconsider his earlier decision to leave the Archers after leading the varsity to the UAAP crown this season.

Pumaren said he has nothing left to prove to his detractors who called for his ouster before the season began. The critics circled around Pumaren like vultures after he failed to lead La Salle to the title the previous two years.

"I think I spoiled them," chuckled Pumaren who arrived from a US vacation this weekend. "They got used to La Salle winning championships. We won four in a row then we began our rebuilding program. It was the shortest rebuilding program I’ve ever seen because after two years, we were back as champions. Five titles in seven years–that’s not too bad."

The La Sallian community has appealed to Pumaren to let bygones be bygones.

It’s not certain if Pumaren will change his mind. But he has forgiven his worst critics who are now singing a different tune. So the way seems to be clear for a reconciliation.

If Pumaren decides to heed his players’ clamor for "one more year," he’ll break the news on the green, green grass of home.

Animo Night will salute the members of La Salle’s various champion sports teams. Aside from the cagers, the honorees are the back-to-back champion women’s volleyball team that was unbeaten this season, the men’s chess team that won a sixth straight UAAP crown and the women’s table tennis team.

La Salle is in hot contention to capture the UAAP general championship this year.

Animo Night will also launch the La Salle Athletic Endowment Fund whose long-term goal is to raise P300 Million to finance the scholarships of deserving athletes. The championship issue of Animo Magazine, featuring the inside story of La Salle’s ascent to the throne, will be unveiled that night. And a three-disc DVD set reliving the

Archers’ unforgettable season will be introduced.

The Greenhills campus will be the site for the first-ever inter-La Sallian event. The program starts at 6 p.m. with a Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine of the Divine Child. Then, a sit-down dinner will be served at the St. Benilde Gym. Entertainment will be provided by La Salle’s showbiz celebrities like Gary Valenciano and Rannie Raymundo. Edu Manzano and Mike Enriquez will host the affair. A bonus attraction is a performance by the hard-working unsung heroes, the La Salle Pep Squad.

According to La Salle Alumni Association president Lito Tanjuatco, the cost of tuition and other fees for each student-athlete is P100,000 a year. With 300 student-athletes, the budget amounts to P30 Million. But less than half of La Salle’s student-athletes receive scholarships and even less receive financial assistance for books, dormitories and meals.

"Until these costs are fully endowed, La Salle must rely on annual cash contributions to support and augment the athletic fund," said Tanjuatco. "La Salle has made a commitment to excellence in each of the 26 UAAP sports. We will need the Animo Fund to ensure La Salle’s leadership in academics and athletics for years to come."

The idea of the Animo Night was hatched by the La Salle high school class of ’64 headed by Carlos (Bobong) Velez. The ’64 classmates initially thought of organizing an intimate testimonial dinner for the basketball team. But when word of the plan got around, more and more alumni wanted to pitch in for a bigger affair with a bigger goal.

Velez was eventually named Animo Night’s overall chair with Jay Gervasio as deputy chair. Others in the organizing committee are Nonong Calanog, Tanjuatco, Bro. Bernie Oca, Benjie Uichico, Tony Atayde, Cesar Larrazabal, Adie Pena, Andy Reyes, Sonny Alvarez and Manny Salgado.

Velez’ classmates Ricky Ysmael, Teddy Villanueva, Gil Vasquez, Henry Zabarte, Ricky Zaide and Jimmy Zenarosa formed the nucleus of the ’64 group.

"This is a major step in our goal of creating ‘One La Salle,’" said Atayde. "We’re gathering La Sallians of all ages and all places, including schools in Taft, Greenhills, Zobel, Bacolod, Lipa, Iligan and other parts of the country. Animo Night is the mother of all La Salle parties. We as La Sallians have trooped to every game, cheered every shot, and celebrated every win. This is the time for us to show our true green colors. It’s our team and our turn to make a difference."

Velez said all La Salle supporters are welcome to party on Animo Night. Only 1,500 tickets will be sold at P1,000 each.

"This historic event cannot and should not be missed by any green-blooded La Sallian," said Velez.Animo Night is the start of a new beginning in the history of La Salle sports.