Arellano's program big plus in NCAA bid

After dominating the league the past two years, Arellano University is back on top of the 2008 National Capital Region Athletic Association senior basketball tournament.

The school’s success is anchored not just on a strong college basketball program but an impressive high school system that incorporates not just basketball but the whole athletics program as well.

“We have a big high school population that we use as our base in identifying talents not just in sports but in the academics as well,” said Arellano board chair Francisco P.V. Cayco, referring to their satellite branches in Mandaluyong, Pasay and Malabon.

The Chiefs are banking on their high school team, which won an NCRAA and Fr. Martin Cup titles, as one of many strengths they bank on to apply for membership in the prestigious National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“While we can meet the other requirements, we feel our biggest strength lies in our high school,” said Arellano marketing chief Val Cayco, who also oversees the school’s athletic affairs with coach Leo Isaac.

Aside from its high school base, the other musts are the payment of the entrance fee amounting to around P7 million and compulsory participation in all of the league’s 10 sports in its first three seasons.

The 74-year-old league is currently searching for  an eighth member for next year after Philippine Christian U took an indefinite leave of absence and two more in 2010.

“We’re ready to meet all those requirements,” said Cayco, whose school is also strong in taekwondo, judo and other contact sports.