CEBU, Philippines — The student-athletes of Green Rose Centre for Academe, Inc. (GRCA) were a dominant force on all fronts to come out as overall champions in the recently concluded Compostela Division Meet 2023.
In high school basketball, the GRCA cagers under the guidance of coaches Keith John Solon and Philo Gene Santillan grabbed the crown behind the efforts of Alex Glenn Panon, Alexander Montes, Christian Dave Invento, Daniel Wagas, EJ Baran, Francis Luke Mag-asin, James Andoc, Jian Pepito, Jhilmhar Angtud, Lance Joseph Toong, Nino Joseph Bantilan, and Gerard Abelo.
In the elementary division, they placed third. The team is composed of Alexander Gabriel Panon, Blake James Bulahan, Jude Kobe Pepito, Khyle Andrei Benabente, Waynee Raye Medalle, Paltraqlus Pareja, Paul Jade Mag-asin, Shiroh Asoque, Zarjohn Kirk Logronio, Jade Ian Rosete, and Ian Xedrick Dolorosa.
In 3x3 action, GRCA finished second runner-up in both categories, with Bert Tabora, Daniel Johns Alkuino, Iver Abohan, and Ni o Mathew A. Solon leading the charge in high school and Alexander Gabriel Panon, Blake James Bulahan, Jade Ian Rosete, and Khyle Andrei Benabente in the elementary level.
In taekwondo handled by Fatima Butaya as teacher coach and Rulphfael-Lucas Butaya as trainer, Ry Estose and Joshwe Martinez were the top performers in the men's category 3 and 4, respectively, of the sparring competition.
In the distaff side, Arianne Rose Cuyos and Zhaira Thea lleno reigned supreme in category 2 and 3, while Kim Sacedon, Kaye Valdenor, and DC Rose Caballes stamped their class in poomsae (forms) event.
In badminton, Jahpheth So lord it over in the boys singles, while Keith Martin Amor and Ethan John Son wound up second in doubles.
Not to be outdone, GRCA's boys volleyball team of coach Calvin Cempron lifted the champion's trophy, thanks to the remarkable performance of Charlie Espinosa, Timfred Estraves, Ken Casag, Kurt Sanico, Ronnie Patalinghug, Miles Venice Medalle, Ken Benedict Tundag, Nico Jhay Cinco, Jimmel Lagudas, Rhaine Gian Calvo, Ranzel Garbo, Ivan Jayme, James Glinogo, James Wilbert Bahala, Josh Alvarado, and Arch Yuson.
They were first runner-up in girls volleyball manned by Jielah Khu Meca, Ella Legaspi, Mecaela Cadelenia, Ania Paola Alejandrino, Arriane Urmeneta, Syra Ne a Tigbao, Sophia Corrine Santillan, Sheamur Tacocong, Danielle Mae Pigte, Angel Tanjay, Cheska Quimay, Diana Rondina, and Maaike Toledo.
In lawn tennis of coach Hanna Mae Bataluna, Beau Arceo and Roxanne Can~ete claimed the girls doubles title, with Crisha Nyl Batulan placing second in girls singles A, and Neil Christian Sabas the best performer in boys singles A.
In chess of coach Rhoda Avila, Franz Hendrick Vasquez and Rafael Morales emerged as the overall champions in boys class while in billiards, John Benedict Talingting bagged the top honors under the tutelage of Edward Solon.
"Blessings come in many ways....and GRCA is overflowing with God's abundant blessings because he did not just gave us winners but also champions," an ecstatic GRCA founder and directress Dr. Maria Greenville A. Solon wrote on her Facebook page. "You wear our color, you have lifted our spirits to new heights...You are not just athletes...You are the beating heart of Green Rose Center for Academe's sportsmanship and pride!"
"May you carry this experience as a cherished memory and a stepping stone to even greater achievements in the future. Here's to many more victories, amazing records and moments of glory! Keep running! Keep soaring! Keep dreaming!," Solon ended.