BUGSOK RETURNS: SSU Deers hails back home from first int'l feat

CATBALOGAN, Philippines – With pride and a championship trophy in tow, Samar State University (SSU) Deers Basketball Team came back home to the Philippines after their first international venture at the SIAS Intercontinental Collegiate Basketball Tournament (ICBT) in Zhengzhou, China, last September 17 to 22.

Accompanied by SSU dignitaries, faculty, staff, and students, the SSU community came together yesterday, September 16, to celebrate the athletes, upon their arrival, with an initial standing parade at the SSU Grounds and continued with a welcome-home program at the SSU Quadrangle, joined by representatives from accredited and re-accredited student organizations.

“I am certain that a team that is together and strong is a team that can execute, plays efficiently, communicate well, defend and win games. Ito po ang ipinakita ng SSU Basketball Team, the SSU Deers,”
said Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, Engr. Ma. Lourdes Amante, in her welcome message as she attested to the athletes’ skills and commended their outstanding performance during the ICBT.

Rogelio Tolipas, Jr. (Team Captain), Edrian Babalcon, Philip Keneth Ballena, Dixter Basilan, Ryan Sebas Millen Borja, Mark Latoja, Khian Radaza, Ric Janri Rodriguez, and Albert Joshua Tolipas, all members of the team, seized the opportunity to convey their gratitude to the individuals and groups who have made indispensable contributions to their success, including the supportive heads of various academic offices, their coaches, sponsors, and families.

Furthermore, they openly recounted their experiences, instilling a sense of pride in SSU as they enthusiastically shared their overall journey, challenges, and the novel experiences from their maiden international tournament. Further, the team also appealed for full backing in the upcoming EVCAA Meet.

Team SSU-PH was under the guidance of SSU International Affairs Director Dr. Irene and Coach/Sports Development, Culture and Arts Program (SDCAP) Director Randy Pacadaljen, as well as other significant officials, during their trip.

“Bilib ako sa mga atleta natin, the discipline, the humility, ‘yun ang pinaka-importante, with this group, wala kaming naging problema,”
Dr. Irene lauded the team in his message.

Additionally, Dr. Irene disclosed in his speech that there are potential upcoming opportunities for the SSU Deers, including discussions about invitations from the president of Linfield University in Oregon, USA, following their unplanned meeting in Zhengzhou.

Meanwhile, in his address, Dr. Randy Pacadaljen remarked, “Hopefully this achievement [will serve as a] motivation nga it usa nga bagay, di’ ta nakukuha hit inop… and I don’t believe that money makes things, there is always a process. If we [do not] sacrifice, we will not see the fruit of our labor.” He then detailed how they overcame the challenges they encountered and the tactics they employed during the game, despite the opposing teams’ taller players and apparent strength.

“Our undefeated champion, the remarkable dexterous Deers, congratulations! What an incredible journey it has been. Truly, this is a milestone for SSU, and as I have said, you are part of SSU’s history. Every dribble, every pass, and every shot executed with precision was a show to your unwavering commitment to excellence; a true spirit of champions,”
praised SSU President Marilyn Cardoso, acknowledging the impeccable 5-0 record of the exceptional athletes in the tournament.

Concurrently, medals and certificates were presented to both team members and coaches in recognition of their achievement.

As an extra tribute to the triumphant team, those in attendance at the program sang along, led by Hazel Adeline Marasigan, a BS Architecture student, creating an ambiance filled with pride in the SSU Quadrangle.