By Jovill Malecdan
“Good things come to those who wait.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
Nothing worthwhile is achieved the easy way, and so before the team rose to the top, we had to transcend above demanding challenges – challenges that almost halted the team from moving forward.
The MPSPC Baseball Team is composed of students from Tadian and Bontoc Campus. Because of the distance between the two campuses, one of the challenges for the team is to arrange schedules to make way for regular practices. Despite this hurdle, we managed to meet every weekend and have our training. The players were not always available every weekend because of personal obligations so we decided to manage our time and had warm up or short practices during our vacant time on weekdays. There was never a time that practice had all members playing on the field.
Another obstacle was the inclement weather. Every time the weather was bad, it lessened our days or time for practice. Because of these challenges, we didn't expect to be the champions for this year’s CARASUC Athletic Meet. However, we did not lose hope. “To be on top” was not only the team’s priority, but also the coaches’ and the college’s. In order for us to achieve this dream or goal, we did our best in our trainings and pushed ourselves to the limit. We trained not only our bodies but also our minds.
We added respect, determination, discipline and humility to the mix. We became believers and positive thinkers and turned our rough roads and challenges into strength-WE BECAME WARRIORS in the field as well as being respectful and disciplined college students outside the diamond.
Another important ingredient was UNITY – a very big word. With the obstacles we were facing, things seemed hopeless but we had one goal as a team and we decided to work as one towards that goal. We had a dream to grab and “surrender” was not in our vocabulary. We selected a Team Captain to help the coaches and the trainers prepare the dream team and keep the team in line.
The coaching staff for the MPSPC Baseball Team added a new member whose presence we never regretted. We welcomed him in our baseball family and respected him not as a brother but as a father. We are very blessed to have three fathers but we would also have welcomed a mother in our team for the added feminine touch and mothering.
How else did we prepare?
Just after arriving at our quarters in Lagangilang, Abra (ASIST Main Campus), we quickly proceeded to the ground to have our practice and get a “feel” of the place. Despite being tired from the long travel, we never complained because we still lacked team coordination and we had to work on this flaw.
On our first night in our quarters, we had a meeting to plan for our game against ASIST. We discussed strategies and gave reminders on how to apply defense and offense – a tradition of the team.
How did we become champions?
First game: MPSPC vs ASIST (Abra)
We won the game via regulation game with the score of 15-0.
Our secret? After every game, we reviewed the events and discussed the strengths and weaknesses of our game. Since our target is to become the champion, we carefully planned for succeeding games, step by step. This assessment after every game has become a tradition for the team and usually lasts more than hour.
2nd game: MPSPC vs. BSU
YES, warriors can also be defeated but they never surrender. We lost the epic game with the Score 4 -3. It was a close fight and we learned many lessons in the game.
Another team secret is that we never blame our loss on someone. Baseball is a team game and not an individual game; thus, one player's mistake is the team’s mistake.
3rd game: MPSPC vs. Apayao (CLIMBING THE LADDER)
The weather was not cooperating with us. It was a rainy morning but the game had to go on, rain or shine. With the best of our ability, we beat the opposing team with the score 16-1.
Lesson: The weather is brainless and beyond our control. The team should be the one to adjust.
4th game: MPSPC vs. BSU
Aside from formidable opponents, the odds were against us in the form of slippery baseball balls and muddy and slippery playing ground. Still, we were not dissuaded and we tried our best to focus on the game. At this moment, baseball was everything to us. We never retreated and we never surrendered. We claimed the game as ours.
BECAUSE of positivity plus the will to win, we eliminated the BSU Baseball Team and created history with a Score of 13-0! In all the years that CARASUC Athletic Meets were held, this was the FIRST time that the BSU Baseball Team was eliminated! WHAT A FEAT FOR THE MPSPC BASEBALL TEAM! It was a job well done that rendered the team members teary – eyed.
Lesson: We should always learn from our mistakes.
5th game: MPSPC vs. IFSU (twice to beat)
It was our third game of the day. Our uniforms were dripping wet and dirty, some were torn. Our hands were numb, our feet had blisters, we ached from head to feet and we were very tired. Unimaginable, right? But we knew that we were much closer to the goal so we kept the fire burning with in us. We won the game with the Score 15-5.
6th game: MPSPC vs. IFSU (Final Battle)
There was pain on all the players’ faces and a look of pity on the faces of the people supporting us. We could barely see the ball and swing the bat. But there we were! Despite exhaustion, we stood firm and defended the bases. It was the championship battle after all! We painstakingly climbed the ladder to this long – awaited event and we could not and we would not give up. We boosted one another’s morale. We tapped each of our brothers’ backs and said "Last game et, kaya tako na (This is the last game, we can do this.)."
Finally, the last “out” was called and we nearly collapsed because of physical exhaustion combined with mixed emotions. The game was over. WE WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! THE WHOLE MPSPC DELEGATION WON!
TEARS of joy ran down the faces of the players, the coaches and supporters. The achievement was worth all the pain and sacrifices. The Dear LORD heard our prayers. We kept the faith and we never stopped believing till the very last pitch. Brothers, congratulations to all of us!
The team made history that fateful afternoon of November 28. First, that all wins were from regulation; second, that MPSPC was the team to beat BSU in all its years playing in CARASUC; and finally, that we are now the team to beat in SUCs for baseball.
Now, there is nothing but further determination and gratitude in our hearts. we thank the Almighty God for His guidance and bountiful blessings. Without Him, this victory would not have been possible.
To our coaches and trainer, we salute you sirs, for your constant presence and unending support and guidance. We would not have made history without your efforts and sacrifices. We dedicate this achievement to you. To the college officials, we are blessed that we are part of the institution and we are very grateful for your strong and amazing support. We are all part of the team and we carried the name of MPSPC from the start till the end of the game.
Input Note: In the interview with the team where they were asked how the institution could help its athletic force, they shared how two pairs of uniform could be instrumental in winning their games. During the whole stay in Abra, they have NOT washed their uniforms because of the unpredictable scheduling of their games. They humbly requested if it may be possible that they be provided a second set of uniform (even if it’s just the t-shirt) to alternate their uniforms with. Also shared by other athletes would be the provision of quality equipment for training and for actual games. This article was edited by Ms. Joan Canisi.
