Pangasinan State University (PSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), and the North Luzon Philippines State College (NLPSC) to clinch the most coveted title is intensified by the 11-year supremacy of the host school, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).

After rigid and rigorous training, each school is prepared to fire up the sports arena with their unique tactics for the championship.

The Combatants' WeekFor a moment of togetherness and

unified spirit, an opening program shall declare the start of the three-day event at

Issue No.1 December 1, 2014 Batac City, Ilocos Norte

SCUAA-1 Meet kicks off

MMSU ready to host combat

SIRMATA, The Official Publication of MMSU students, in cooperation with the MMSU-Communication and Media Relations

2014-2015 SCUAA-1 Meet Special Coverage

Six SUCs. 3,000 delegates. 24 sporting events.

All the powerhouse athletic teams of the five State Colleges and Universities in the Ilocos Region are set to gather in a common field to battle head-to-head once again as the this year’s State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA-1) Meet opens today, Dec. 1.

With the theme “PASUC Sports Development towards ASEAN Integration,” this year’s tale of hunger of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU),

the MMSU Oval, 4:30pm after a parade.City of Batac Mayor Jeffrey Jubal

C. Nalupta and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos will extend the warmth of welcome and hospitality to the delegates. Meanwhile, Pasig City Representative Roman T. Romulo, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, will serve as guest of honor and speaker.

Participants and officials will attend the fellowship night at the Teatro Ilocandia for an atmosphere of solidarity and friendship right after the opening

After seven years, MMSU once again readily welcomes the five muscle-framed teams of warriors in this year’s combat -- the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA)-I Meet, Dec. 1-5.

“We would like our brothers and sisters from the five SUCs to enjoy their stay with us,” said Prof. Arsenio T. Gallego, PESSDO director.

The various working committees have set in place the materials and equipment, playing areas and the grounds to be used for the expected fiery battle between the five SUCs in the region.

Also, MMSU serves the convenience of the athletes by assuring that the college

buildings are ready to accommodate them. UNP is housed at the College of Health and Sciences while DMMMSU is at the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy. The High School and Elementary departments are also serving as PSU's quarters; the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development for the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College; and the College of Engineering for the NLPSC. MMSU, on the other hand, is placed at the LHS Science Building.

Aside from preparing the university’s physical facilities, Pres. Miriam E. Pascua also committed the university to readily answer the concerns of the delegates as regards security. She stressed that MMSU

turn to page 3

is keeping an eye to assure all participants are safe during their stay. The PPGSD also fenced the covered court to avoid intruders during the games.

by Rhona Ysabel Daoang and Lloyd Anicier Barba

The ceremonial turn-over of

the SCUAA-I flag to MMSU Vice President

for Academic Affairs, Dr.

Wilma C. Natividad, testifies the

whole-hearted acceptance of the

hosting duty.

SCUAA-1News2|

NAME EVENT1. Benjie A. Antonio Athletics2. Reylito B. Gonzales Swimming3. Sonny Rae I. Hernando Basketball (W)4. Vicente L. Trinidad Basketball (M)5. Romeo J. Domingo Jr. Baseball6. Marcial D. Gabriel Softball7. Reynario B. Riambon Volleyball (M)8. Madelyn Q. Quitoriano Volleyball (W)9. Raymond Paul L. Eclarin Chess10. Ryan Dean T. Eclarin Badminton11. Romeo A. Abucay Taekwando12. Ceasar C. Arevalo Lawn Tennis13. Edwin B. Rivera Sepak Takraw14. Tomas T. Que Soccer15. Reynaldo E. Andres Table Tennis16. Lee Carlo F. Simon Beach Volleyball17. Rowell C. Tagatac Dancesports/Mr.&Ms. SCUAA-I

Solon to inspire Ilocano athletesAn intense passion is the root of

all feats. Such is an asset of Pasig City

Congressman Roman Tecson Romulo, this year’s guest speaker in the SCUAA-1 Meet.

Romulo is set to inspire the Ilokano athletes in the regional meet by delving on this year’s theme, “PASUC’s Sports Development toward ASEAN Integration.”

Representative Romulo, the Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House of Representatives. Given this position, he is at the forefront in institutionalizing educational reform.

Heart for EducationRomulo devotes his service to

meeting the challenge on education in our country. As a legislator, he proposed various scholarship bills as well as the institutionalization of all government

scholarship programs for proper management, implementation, and monitoring. Under the “Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Higher and Technical Education (UniFAST) Act,” all government-funded scholarships, grants-in-aid program and student loan programs will merge under one body, the UniFAST Board.

In addition, he also proposed to grant discounts on basic services to underprivileged students. Moreover, qualified students shall be entitled to discounts on educational expenses.

On one hand, Romulo’s “Iskolar ng Bayan Act” aims to provide scholarship grants to top graduates of all public high schools enrolling in first year in various SUCs. Once this law takes effect, he will push for more funding to benefit more students with bigger budget. Also, Romulo seeks to expand access to higher education through the “Open Learning and Distance Education Act” which allows people to obtain master's and doctorate degrees and take their courses through computers. More so, the “Ladderized Education Act”

by Lloyd Anicier Barba

Romulo

is designed to encourage graduates of technical vocational program to eventually get a college diploma for more employment opportunities.

To the DevastatedOne of the biggest accomplish-

ments of Romulo was paving the way for the speedy availability of funds for the rehabilitation of many SUCs affected by calamities such as the typhoons Yolanda, Santi, Pablo; the Bohol earthquake; and the Zamboanga Siege. Malacañang authorized the Department of Budget and Management to release a total of P987.25M in favor of 35 SUCs due to Romulo’s appeal.

Meeting ASEAN 2015Meanwhile, with the ASEAN

Integration at hand, Romulo saw the need to equip graduates with knowledge and the necessary skills that would give them the edge over other foreign counterparts.

As a firm believer and advocate of quality assurance in education, Romulo’s devotion proves to be relevant in inspiring young athletes. Part of the students’ holistic development is the field of sports. Thus, the passion of Congressman Romulo is no different from the athletes who are always focused in meeting their goal. It is the drive that connects them together and the inspiration they give one another.

INFOPADList of Tournament Managers

NEWS HOTLINES: 09168870453/ 09084385894

SCUAA-1 News |3

ceremony.As the highlight of the five-day

event, the fiery clash of every school’s Goliaths shall commence tomorrow, Dec. 2. This will raze fires in the playing venues since all of the competing teams have committed to step up the challenge and to display better techniques and strategies this year.

Moreover, the dance sports competition will also showcase a spectacular showdown of grooves and moves on Dec 3 at the MMSU Function Hall.

In the evening of Dec. 4, loud cheers and shrieks will dominate the Teatro Ilocandia as the Adonis and Aphrodite of each school shall mesmerize the audience with their indubitable wit and exceptional beauty worthy for the crown Mr. and Ms. SCUAA 2014.

Extending the DynastyThe MMSU Stallions, the defending

champion, hopes to sustain a victorious supremacy through their goal-driven and highly competitive spirits.

“Being confident but not complacent, MMSU can make it again this time,” Prof. Arsenio T. Gallego, Physical Education, Sports and Socio-cultural Development Office director, stressed. Although other SUCs shall try to snatch the championship, MMSU assures a secured grip of the trophy away from their attempts.

From the PresidentPhilippine Association of State

Universities and Colleges-1 (PASUC-1) and MMSU president, Dr. Miriam E. Pascua stressed the importance of the meet to uplift camaraderie, sportsmanship and unity toward getting at par with counterparts not only in the country but in Southeast Asia as well.

She further said that the competitions shall not signify division but collaboration.

Awards will be reaped and victors will be given pride and honor on Dec 5, as the SCUAA Meet concludes at the MMSU Covered Court. Winners will then represent the region in the National SCUAA in Tuguegarao City on Feb 8-15 next year.

SCUAA-1...from page 1

MMSU cultural team is reg’l champ anew

Leaping to its barricade of many years of cultural supremacy in the region, MMSU once again copped top plums in this year’s PASUC-1 Socio-Cultural and Literary Festival, Oct. 28.

Earning 15 championship feats out of the 19 events, MMSU wove a total of 115 points, leaving behind PSU with 77 points; DMMSU, 73; UNP, 68; ISPSC, 48; and NLPSC, 38 points.

Continuing its winning tradition, MMSU snagged first place spots in essay writing, story telling, pagsulat ng sanaysay, dagliang talumpati, pagkukuwento, charcoal rendering, vocal solo, pop solo, vocal duet, instrumental solo, choir singing, philippine

folk dance, contemporary dance, hip hop dance and quiz bowl.

UNP dominated on-the-spot painting, while DMMMSU emerged champion in indigenous dance. Also, PSU’s bets for the Search for Mr. and Ms. PASUC-1 were hailed as region’s fairest.

Winners of the different events will represent the region in the upcoming PASUC National Socio-cultural and Literary Festival at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology in Cagayan de Oro City on Dec. 9-12. They will strive to defend Region 1’s feat being the defending champion in the national Olympics.

by John Lester Alos

EVENT DATE & TIME VENUEOpening Program Dec 1, 4:30-6pm OvalFellowship night Dec 1, 7:30-9:30pm Teatro Ilocandia

Games Dec 1-5, 7:30am-5pm Playing venuesDance sport Dec 3 Teatro Ilocandia

Mr. & Ms. SCUAA-I Dec 4, 7-9pm Teatro IlocandiaVictory Ceremonies & Closing Program

Dec 5 Covered Court

INFOPADSchedule of Events

SCUAA-1Editorial4|

iscussions on ASEAN Integration in almost all undertakings of educational

institutions signifies the imperative call for the country’s vigilance in meeting the demands of the ASEAN Economic Community emerging in 2015. Even the SCUAA-I Meet moves to relate the strengthening ties of participating higher education institutions towards international competitiveness.

How can sports competitions become an essential factor in securing the country’s rightful place in an integrated ASEAN? How can SUCs ensure their relevance towards this crucial development?

In the past years, each SUCs has shown not only the spirit of sportsmanship but the archetype of competitiveness matched with liberal perspectives. Competitions steer delegates to work hard not just to dominate but to bring pride and honor to their home institutions. Even if divisions are created at certain points, we have managed to move beyond our narrow interests. When this five-day sports event ends, we shall convene again and consider our initial opponents as teammates in achieving yet another bigger goal, to place higher in the National SCUAA Olympics.

We came to realize that similar to the once “too good to be true” aims of the ASEAN Integration in its early

years, we can actually attain something for greater good in a more feasible way – making the spirit of collaboration greater than the drive for competitions.

Herein, sports create an incredible atmosphere of determination to commit a goal and an overwhelming flow of resilience in difficult times. We cannot deny how it navigates the whole nation into a chant of unity despite its momentary problems and disheartening situations brought by catastrophes, when Filipino sports personalities compete in the international arena.

In the picture of ASEAN, let us remember how the member countries were once individual entities, aiming to outlast one another in every field. It is when they accepted that larger goals can be achieved through the strong bonds they can potentially create that they overcome selfishness and reclusiveness.

At the end of the day, the integration’s aim to have an equitable and sustainable development among its member-countries will effectively be targeted when the barriers in each country are finally eliminated. Despite alarming social issues like unsettled problems on rebel separatists, doubts on the efficiency of reformed educational system, unjust wages of workers, and nauseating political grandstanding, the Philippines seeing itself as viable counterpart of the ASEAN is imminent.

DIT IS YONDER

We can say it is yonder when we chant in unity like how we screamed “PUSO!” for Gilas Pilipinas and how we projected synergy when PacMan induced his gloves with Filipino resilience beating Algieri.

SIRMATA Editorial Team

MICHAEL NACARIOEditor-in-Chief

JHEIA LINDHELLE PANEDJOHN LESTER ALOS

Associate Editors

HERLEYSON BALDOZCirculation Manager

MA. JOREINA THERESE BLANCO, MA. RHONA YSABEL DAOANG, LLOYD

ANICIER BARBADesk Editors

ALJON TUGAOEN, PATRICK JOHN QUITORIANO, KAREN

DELA CRUZ, SWEETZEL ALYSSA VILLA, LINELL AGUSTIN, GEORGE

PASION, JHOANNA JACINTO, KATHRINA ANTONIO, JOHN LEY

LIGSAYProduction Assistants

RYAN ROI DOMINGOLayout Artist

JAY MARK PORNELLA JEFFREY COLOBONG

Illustrators

ALBERT REINER LUISJOHN REIWILLE SIMEON

Photojournalists

JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIOFLORECITA Q. CORTERO

Technical Advisers, Sirmata

Printing byCommunication and

Media Relations Office

In this issue

SCUAA-1 Opinion |5

#PULSONG SCUAA 2014“Umaasa akong mas mataas ang pwesto namin ngayon, because I think the rigid trainings we had are enough to improve the skills we need to win.” Jeffrey Fiesta, sepak takraw, UNP

“As a preparation we had tune-up games against San Beda and Emilio Aguinaldo College of the NCAA. We also join various tournaments such as Philippine Collegiate Champions League where we learned lot of things and through these we can extend our 16-year supremacy in basketball.” Justine Soria, basketball coach, UNP

“Sa tingin ko aakyat ang place namin ngayon, lalo na sa racket games. Ito ang inaasahan kong magpapanalo sa amin. Kung sa ibang sports, hindi ko lang masigurado, mahirap na rin kaisng magsalita. Ang napansin ko lang dito sa lugar na na-assign samin

e kulang sa electrical socket, timba at tabo. Malayo-layo rin kasi ang CR kaya nahihirapan kami sa pagligo.” Dino Estepak, sports coordinator, DMMMSU

“As a national SCUAA player, I’m quite confident that I can reap the gold medal this year.” Efraim Iñigo, NLPSC

“My expectations this year is to beat MMSU.” Wilfredo Tabangin, ISPSC, soccer coach

"Kahit sino naman inaaaspire maging overall champion, depende na lang sa performance ng mga athletes.” Ron Boado, sports director, DMMMSU

“Last week, 8 hours a day ang naging training nila. I expect na maglalaban ang NLPSC at MMSU sa finals, pero kidding aside dapat gawin nila ang best nila.” John Paul Alasaas, soccer coach, NLPSC

“Gahol kami sa oras sa pagpractice,” Ceasario agusto Jr., soccer player, ISPSC

“Fearlessly, I say we can be the champion again.” Alyssa Marie Jacinto, table tennis player, MMSU

“Mas lumakas yung team namin. Paghahandaan na lang nila.” Serjay Sabado, DMMMSU Volleyball

“Be ready, kasi hindi naman po kami yung delegation na basta-basta lang magpapatalo. Syempre lalaban po kami.” Danilo Villuanueva, DMMMSU Badminton

“We are here not only to excel in our games but also to forge lasting friendships with everyone” Rene Cacho, PSU sports director

PERIPHERAL VIEWSMikoy Nacario

The terror writers get from staring at a blank page ten minutes before the deadline might be congruent to the feeling athletes get from trailing behind the opponents 30 seconds after the gun signaled the start of the race. Both struggle to cross a certain line, not for the sake of accomplishing the task but to ultimately finish it in the most remarkable way possible.

Three hours ago, an organized chaos busied the hallow portion of my brain supposedly reserved for filling this space. Fortunately, before dawn loses its ephemeral existence, something to share finally lingered. It is but fitting to write about the cinematic and multi-faceted views on sports. But then again, I am not into sports though I sometimes write sports stories.

Since I cannot afford to dismay the editorial board and my ego needs to be fed sometimes, I shall explain how writers and athletes from time to time share the same sentiments. Sometimes.

CROSSING THE LINE

Mental and physical exhaustion. We, writers do not just suffer from mental ‘suicides’ due to intellectual gymnastics, we also joggle with extreme physical exhaustion by staying up so late that swollen eyes look more frightening than pimples that magically appear during prom.

Unlike athletes who exhaust their strength for the sake of physically furthering potency, writers exert what is left of their energy to craft an article to fill a space craving for sensible thoughts clothed in aesthetic and poised letters and words. Unlike athletes who are automatically adored in spite of unfortunate game results, writers are oftentimes paid with derision and non-constructive criticisms.

Between impressing and expressing. When I was younger with an ego so bloated that I even checked thesaurus to get a better yet foreign version of a simple word, I had mistaken writing as a form of impressing others. However, as experiences served as pins that pop the balloons residing in my ego, I learned how writing should be more of an avenue to express than to impress.

Unlike athletes who get lifetime-bonus of 8-pack abs and Adonis-like physique that impress people, writers tend to get otherwise. In desperation to improve their work for self-expression, they overeat. But the one thing common between athletes’ strong aura of positive impression and writers’ fascinating sense of expression is their eminent power to influence people.

Dirt on time is better than a gold after. Writers have an imperative sense of beating deadlines. Time lost is lost forever and the efforts exerted are inevitably put into waste. We want to make sense of the dirt so it could be golden when expressed to the readers. But clinching the gold is not always the goal. It is the satisfaction for delivering what is timely and getting the credit of passing the most important message for the day.

Athletes always thrive for gold. They train and live for the championship. Like writers, they deal with dirt, too, but do not settle for it.They polish rough edges, shedding blood and tears along the way.

There are still a lot to share but time is fleeting and the deadline is near. I am mentally and physically exhausted but I hope this dirt has expressed something that can be golden to you. By then I could say I have crossed the finish line...for now.

"...expression is their eminent power to

influence people. "

SCUAA-1Features6|Th

e ightyM ITRAT H R O W

Not many women are gifted with Herculean-like strength.

Even before the culture of the Greek Olympics was instilled in a young athlete’s mind, natural skill and strength have already emerged. Such was the gift bestowed on MMSU’s Fatima Altarejos Mitra. Endowed with an exceptional strength, she earned her way to promising throws at the annual National SCUAA Meet where she has reaped gold and silver medals.

Mitra started making significant imprints in her throwing event career upon entering MMSU. Very trainable, diligent

and promising, she had an auspicious beginning in her freshman year by bagging gold medals in SCUAA Nationals.

From the good kick-off, Mitra had her way in waving again the banner of MMSU in the 2012 SCUAA Nationals where she reaped gold in shotput and bronze in discus throw. This achievement outbreak was graciously followed by a gold and silver in shotput in the 2013 SCUAA Nationals.

Further, she was nationally recognized even much better when she set a record of 9.53 meters in discuss throw.

Throwing by the arm has been deeply rooted to Mitra’s heart. As a child, she already showed the potentials in being a good athlete. Having undergone rigid trainings, she garnered eight gold medals in a span of three years at the Ilocos Region Athletic Association Meet, leading her throws at the Palarong

Pambansa. According to Mitra, it is an

overwhelming and humbling experience to be blessed and be favored by the things she really likes doing. “I believe that my best throw is realizing that this is a life I love doing and it is a love giving me life,” she further stressed.Indeed, the Mighty Mitra is one athlete whom SCUAA-1 Meet participants should watch out and anticipate for -- someone many should emulate because amid the hot rays of the sun that hinders this champion's performance, her burning passion and blazing heart translate to stunning shots.

by Rhona Ysabel Daoang and Jheia Lindhelle Paned

A sizzling extravaganza of Ilocos Norte’s rich culture and heritage come together annually in the prestigious stage of Tan-ok ni Ilocano: Festival of Festivals.

The event brings together 21 municipalities and two cities in a spectacular showdown of festival dances. These extravagant presentations depict their own town’s unique heritage-culture and tradition, history, products, livelihood, and faith.

Each year, the contingents prepare a variety of spectrum in depicting a creative storyline zooming into the unique characteristics of their festivals. The groups fill the stage with ultra-talented dancers in spellbinding costumes and props contained in a majestic set design.

Just last Saturday, Nov 29, the fourth edition of Tan-ok ni Ilocano lit up the Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium and congregated spectators from all over the province, and even local and foreign tourists.

The defending champion, Laoag City’s Pamulinawen Festival, notched the championship trophy for

the third time. Meanwhile, Currimao’s Dinaklisan Festival landed as the second placer followed by the Tadek Festival of Nueva Era, the third placer.

Moreover, this year’s edition of Tan-ok ni Ilokano was a huge turning point as the Ilocos Norte Cultural Communities levelled up in portraying the indigenous cultures of Ilocos Norte allowing them

to land places in the top 8 (Nueva Era, 2nd; Adams, 5th; Dumalneg- 6th) and to be recognized as an honorable mention (Carasi).

In consonance with the promotion of the tourism industry in the province, indeed, the Tan-ok ni Ilkano: Festival of Festivals is significantly answering the demands

of the local constituents and the foreign visitors while mirroring the

Ilokano greatness.Most of the dancers and

choreographers are from MMSU.Now, friends, join us in

anticipating yet another blazing and fiery jamboree of festival performances, the Tan-ok 2015.

ILOCANDIA at itsBest

by Jheia Lindhelle Paned

SCUAA-1 Entertainment |7

Best

Don Stallion en Prensby Herleyson BaldozSa kahila-hilagahan ng Unang Rehiyon

Sa kahila-hilagahan ng Islang LuzonMatatagpuan ang luntiang rantsoNa pinalamutian ng mga ginto;

Sa lupang sa laki’y nag-aala-mansyonKalabaw ang peg ni Don Stallion

Itong ginoo’y abala sa pagsugpongSa mga dumi’t damong nagkalat noonKung kaya’t hugot dito, hugot doonSigaw ng damdamin, hugot pa more!

Mga friends niya sa region ay daratingPara sa taunang reunion na maituturingDoo’y mga laro ang kanilang bonding

At ang panalo’y sa Tuguegarao makararating;Salitan sila ng pamumuno ng paanyaya

Lumipas ang five years, siya ulit ang bangkaKaya ngayon, kayod dito, kayod doon

Doble ang pagod ng ating DonNang sa mga minamahal niyang kalupon

Mainit, malutong ang kanyang pagsalubong

Puspusang-puspusan ang paghahandaEffort kung effort ang isinasagawa“Push ko to, kayang-kayang-kaya”Sa sarili’y paulit-ulit na dinadramaMapalakas lamang ang loob niya

Bumaluktot, tumihaya at tumagilidSa pag-eensayo, siya ay namilipitAkala’y di na niya kaya ang sakitIyon pala’y isa lamang panaginip

Handa pala siya sa anumang sasapit

Nilinis ang mga kwarto pati mga kubetaNang hindi ma-badtrip ang mga bisita

Inilatag ang paraphernalia na bentang-bentaAng ambiance ay pinagmistulang fiesta

Welcome na welcome na nga sila!

Magkakaibigang milya-milya ang agwatPag-aagawan ang tropeyong hawak

Ni Don Stallion na sobrang nagagalakSa mahabang panahon niyang pagpadyak

Nginig ang hatid, mga ngipin ni Don SharkNakapupulbos ang madiin niyang kagatKakila-kilabot naman ang tingin ni Don

TigerPag nakangisi’y kalurkee ang mga pangil

Mahapdi pa sa butlig, sipsip ni Don StingerPara lang utot na astang-silent killer

Talas ng sungay, panlaban ni Don BuffaloTinutusok ang kalaban, tagos sa puso

Malakas man ang dating ni Don KnightSi Don Stallion ay di niya partner in crime

Magkakaiba ang bangis at bagsik na dalaLahat gustong makuha ang gantimpala

Huwag naman sanang sumobraBaka ang proseso ng laro di umubra

Ang mga Don ay maghaharap-harap

Madagundong ang mga hiyaw at palakpakNakabibingi ang lahat kung kaya’t

Mga tao’y mapapasigaw, “Shut the frog up!”Kanya-kanyang lakas at angas, ipamamalasLahat, handang-handang magpakitang-gilas

Pawis, pagod, at panghi ay mapapawiMga calories na nagamit ay mababawi

Sa lahat ng araw hanggang sa pagtataposMga pagsisikap ay di mae-echosPagkat ito ay laban for a cause

Ano man ang natamo, win or lose

Sa nasabing barkada’y normal ang asaranPataasan ng pride at mga payabangan

Ngunit ang mga iyon ay katuwaan lamangSa pagtatapos ng araw, nagdadamayanWalang malulungkot, walang masisisi

Walang malulumbay, walang magi-guiltyWalang mabibwisit, walang magbibigti

PSU, UNP, o ISPSCMMSU, DMMMSU, o NLPSC

Sa simula ng pambihirang kompetisyonIsa’t isa lamang, mangingibabaw na tanong

Sino ang tatanghaling kampeon?

Ngunit ang panalo ng isa ay panalo ng lahatHindi mahalaga kung sino ang aangat

Lulutang parin ang karapat-dapatDahil ang diwa nito'y hindi palamangan

Kundi pagkakaisa ng isang samahanNa kung sinuman ang mapararangalan

Ay kakatawan sa bonggang pagkakaibigan.

by Jeffrey Colobong

by Jay Mark Pornella

SPORTSThe FAST TRACK Dec. 1, 2014 *Issue No.1

SCUAA-I through the years: A Saga of ExcellenceThis is pushing beyond the

limits.In the journey of sieving the best

among the best, SCUAA-I Meet again spreads its wings to challenge Ilocos Region's toughest and the strongest athletes will create a powerful team for the National SCUAA.

After years of building its edifice of excellence, SCUAA I crafted tales of sports and cultural dominance with its seven competitive and spirited participating schools: the MMSU Stallions, PSU Buffalos, DMMMSU Stingers, ISPSC Knights, UNP Sharks and NLPSC Tigers.

Feats and Figures for the last Five Years

UNP. With their dorsal fins of will power and sharp teeth of resistance, the UNP Sharks on their early years in the SCUAA-I never missed the ball and always ended the game heaving it nested on their predatory basket. Their skills do not pass on beyond the Basketball court. Their cartilaginous spikes drowned their opponents on the grimy volleyball field in 2011 and 2014, Men Division. Moreover, their strategic defense and offenses were thorough enough to get rebound victories on taekwondo (2011), men's badminton (2009-2010), women's badminton (2010), women's athletics (2010-2011), and women's table tennis (2011 & 2014), table tennis men (2014). They also snatched the crown in Soccer from the PSU Buffalos in 2013. They won the championship in Dance Sport last year.

DMMMSU. From an infantry of gallant warriors, they attack with their artillery of fortitude to bring dominion over t h e i r rivals. The DMMMSU Knights on t h e i r noble cause o f

securing their dominion had their knacks as sharp as two-edged swords piercing their opponents’ tactics. These made them kick for a back-to-back feat in men's lawn tennis (2009-2010), men's chess (2010-2011), and men's taekwondo (2010-2013). They were also queens of the basketball courts in 2010 and 2013. Furthermore, they have armors of flair that made their name glitter in men's volleyball (2009) and men's table tennis (2013). Previously, they were victors in men division of athletics, badminton, and beach volleyball.

PSU. With the newly sharpened horns of the then called Warriors, PSU Buffalos have been fiercely tearing their opponents apart in the battlefield. They had been continually proving their what-seemed-to-be unending dynasty in Soccer for years now, except in 2013 after their dramatic loss to UNP Sharks. They were back-to-back champion in men's table tennis (2010-2011), men's badminton (2011 & 2013) and men's chess (2013-2014). In 2009, they outlasted their rivals in table tennis, badminton and basketball, all in women division. Buffalos proved their unprecedented tactics in women's chess (2013) and men's taekwondo (2014). Last year, they ended MMSU Stallion’s dynasty in sepak takraw.

ISPSC. Roaring with dominance and valor as they encounter giant foes, the ISPSC Knights bring shimmering spirit

of dynamism in the SCUAA-I Meet. Their dexterity has been of fleeting progress as they mustered awards in the field of men's athletics in 2013. Their innate guts make

t h e m

run and wrap up the marathon ahead of others, jump above and avoid complacency.

NLPSC. The youngest of the competing SUCs, NLPSC Tigers, surprised everyone by securing the championship tilt in men's athletics during their first ever entry to the athletic association meet in 2011.

MMSU. Riding on a cavalry through a perilous odyssey has always brought them through their victorious end. Through the years, they have spelled dominance in swimming, athletics, allied games, baseball, softball, cultural events and the like.

The MMSU Stallions, on its paramount effort for a pilgrimage to perpetual sovereignty, has made its name the foremost hard core of the SCUAA-I for winning 11 consecutive times in overall ranking. Having confined the championship within its grounds, the Stallions are galloping valiantly to defend its titles and to lead Region 1 to overcome mediocrity.

SCUAA 2014-2015?Through the years, the different

SUCs have forged a strong bond creating a more dynamic SCUAA-I Meet. With their minds on the ball and their hearts on the game, the drive to lift the flag of Ilocos Region in the National SCUAA-I Meet.

This year’s SCUAA I Meet is kept ablaze an upward curve of choosing the best athletes who will epitomize the valor of the Ilocanos and Pangasinenses in maintaining their legacy of greatness. The legendary battle among its six members will again etch remarkable mark in the league history. Expect a twist in the sports events this season. Expect greatness from the different SUCs. Expect excellence not as a cliche but as a reality.

by Sweetzel Alyssa Villa, Karen dela Cruz, and Linell Agustin