NC admits AU, EAC as probies

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U and Emilio Aguinaldo College will no longer play as “guest teams” in the NCAA Season 86.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has elevated the status of the Chiefs and the Generals to probationary membership effective in the coming 2010-2011 NCAA season.

Val Cayco, the Legarda-based school marketing chief who also oversees the athletic department, said it’s an honor to be part of the NCAA family.

“It’s a welcome news for the whole Arellano University community because it’s really our dream to be part of a league as huge as the NCAA,” said Cayco.

Cayco said the league has already congratulated Arellano U for a job well done.

“In behalf of the members of the Policy Board of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, I wish to formally convey to you the admission of the Arellano U as a regular member of the league on a probationary status starting Season 86,” said NCAA Policy Board chair Rev. Fr. Mateo de Jesus in a letter.

“The decision was arrived at during the Policy Board meeting held last Jan. 20 at San Beda College.

“We in the Policy Board congratulate AU in this momentous occasion and we look forward to your active participation in the years ahead,” he added.

De Jesus said the terms and conditions would be announced soon.

“The terms and conditions that will govern our acceptance will be sent in a separate communication,” he said.

Reports said EAC has also received a letter and showed excitement over the prospect of showing its wares again in Season 86.

The Chiefs and the Generals along with the Angeles U Foundation Great Danes saw action in the NCAA Season 85 as guest teams.

In basketball, Arellano proved it could compete with the big boys by finishing a strong fifth place while EAC showed flashes of brilliance with wins over highly-touted members.