CEBU, Philippines - Standing tall and proud - literally and figuratively, the University of San Carlos Warriors basked in the glow of their historic championship in Cebu cagedom during a simple, yet memorable victory bash at the Big Hotel the other night.
Under the behest of well-rounded coach Britt Carlo Reroma, the Warriors upstaged the University of the Visayas Green Lancers in the deciding match of their epic best-five finals series to snare the collegiate basketball plum of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. season last October 20 at the Cebu Coliseum.
It was USC's first title in 57 years.
"You are the stars. You will tell this story again and again. Tonight, this is a celebration you made possible," said USC President Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD in his inspirational message, even as he also thanked all their well-wishers who stood by them from the very beginning until the end of their CESAFI journey this year.
The momentous event, which was preceded by a motorcade and Thanksgiving mass earlier in the day, also became a reunion of sort for the older generation and present crop of the Gold and Green Warriors.
Beyond question, the most notable figure among USC's alumni is Julian Macoy. He is one of the few living remnants of the Warriors squad that won their first and only basketball crown way back in 1958 when the league was still known as the CCAA or the Cebu Collegiate Athletic Association.
Interestingly during that season, the Dumanjug, Cebu-native Macoy registered a Cebu all-time record for most points scored in a single game with 126.
Once their chief bench tactician, the Cebuano hoop legend is now their team consulant, but his mere presence is more than enough a source of inspiration for the new set of fighting Warriors.
After faltering in their pursuit of crowning glory three times in 2006 and 2007 against UV and against the Southwestern University Cobras last year, the Warriors nailed it this time in style, conquering a formidable foe in 10-time champion UV Lancers.
Shooster Olago, USC's tower of power from Cameeroon, also etched his name in stone as the first foreign player to have been chosen the MVP.
Others who shared their shining moment were noted Warriors' patrons in Bogo City Mayor Celestino 'Junnie' Martinez, Jr. and real estate tycoon Jose Soberano. They both extended their congratulations to the Warriors along with a pledge of their long-term commitment for the team.
Some low-profile benefactors of USC were also present namely Rady Abarintos, the Chief of the Cash Division of the Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu, and Jojo Aquino, son of the late Juan "Dodong" Aquino, Sr. who coached the Warriors to their first championship nearly six decades ago. (FREEMAN)