Learning never stops

“Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.” - William Arthur Ward. This quotation was presented by Coach Jong Uichico in an ongoing MWF online forum and served as a timely and “clutch” reminder of a message for not only those of us in sports, but everyone in general. In these trying times, these resonate so much more than ever, and we pray that we’re all board on this. Let’s accept as fact that things may never be the same again.

For those of us in the sports world, one may think that everything has suddenly stopped. Right? Wrong! Think ahead of the game. Be two steps ahead of the competition. Have foresight. Aside from staying home, staying safe and doing our part, we can continue to remain active in sports. If sayings such as “Basketball never stops” filled the atmosphere at practice, this remains true for today, albeit in a different way. This is where the MWF series of online talks entitled “GAIN Insights. SEEK Wisdom. CREATE a Plan of Action” has served as an excellent way to keep moving forward and more importantly sharpen oneself. The talks –which are for free- have gotten bigger every week and its unique format has allowed participants to not only listen and learn, but to also share and learn. It is my wish that stakeholders of Cebu Sports use this time wisely to grow, instead of staying flat and stagnant while we go on a “sabbatical” from actual sports practices and competitions.

Last week’s speakers were Oliver Almadro, head coach of the Ateneo de Manila Women’s Volleyball team (Life as a Coach); University of Sto. Tomas women’s basketball team coach Haydee Ong (Charting a Coaching Philosophy); and Vince Santos, football program director of Far Eastern University (Building a Team). My biggest take-away from Coach O’s talk was how he didn’t get to where he is now overnight. He had spent many years as an assistant of La Salle’s Ramil de Jesus and worked in small schools here and there. The wealth of experience has made him who he is today. To the younger coaches in attendance, I hope they realize that one has to go through the process before reaching the top. Coach Haydee’s talk and that of Belay Fernando and Ada Milby (as reactor) the previous week made me realize how much sports wealth there is in women’s sports, and how we aren’t giving it the attention it deserves. Moreover, Ong’s presentation of the need for teams to have a “growth” vs. a flat mindset is a current/real time/as-in-now experience that we’re all going through with COVID-19. Are we going to just sit back and bum around all day? Or are we going to use our time wisely to “sharpen the saw?” Vince Santos narrated his story as a young football executive with the national team and now with FEU and Aspire Academy. And providing insights were Topex Robinson, Gang Badoy, Anto Gonzales and Owen Southgate (from Sweden). The common message? Develop the athletes as persons and not for ultimate goal of winning medals and trophies.

The bottom line is how there is a need to always review the “why” of coaching and sports over-all. Meeting all the “kindred” souls in sports online easily boosts one’s love and passion. For the first time, we are getting to meet an all-star cast of individuals who are amazing. How often will one get the chance to talk and listen to the likes of Jong Uichico, Topex Robinson, Oliver Almadro, Haybee Ong, Anto Gonzales, Vince Santos, Mark Solano, Ada Milby and more? For free pa gyud! (Please don’t charge us Coach Noli Ayo). Have you heard Gang Badoy and Atty Vic Africa talk? They’re not pro coaches or players, but do they make tons of sense!

This week will bring something new. We’re having three guests from abroad in a series called “Building Bridges Through Sports.” Vietnam-based Johnny Harris is the guest tomorrow on “Safeguarding Measures in Sports.” March Dagenais of Canada will talk about “Stages of Team Development” on Wednesday and Keti Murusidze of Georgia (the country) is up on Friday for “Sports for Peace Initiatives.”  And while I’m at it, I must recognize our regular “classmates” from Cebu who have taken time out to attend the online talks. Jean Marie Cando of CITU, Armel Loon (CITU), Britt Reroma (San Beda and Bulacan), Apol Bariñan (USC), Raya Tolentino (SHS-Ateneo football player), Ryan Betia (Blackwater and FEU), Coach Carz (NU), and coaches of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu. Sorry if missed some names.

What is your MWF routine looking like these days? The MWF online forum is up 10am-12noon. It’s for free and there’s no need to dress up. Bring your own cup of coffee, pen and paper, an open mind, and be willing to share your story. Staying home and working from home couldn’t get any better.