In the Spirit of Comradeship: The Opening Program of USC Intramurals 2014

Streaks of yellow, gray, royal blue, green, maroon, violet and sky blue filled the bleachers of the Anselmo Bustos Gymnasium. The entry of Carolinians seemed unceasing despite the giant structure being almost full. The USC Symphonic Band entered with its regal march as the roar of the audience echoed within the walls of the gym. The reverberating shouts and cheers were of anticipation and excitement – a prologue to an epic week was about to begin.

As in the celebration of the same event in the previous years, the celebration of the opening program of the intramural activities of this academic year, in a joint commemoration of the 139^th anniversary of the founding of the Society of the Divine Word, was officially begun this day with the theme, “Cleaning the Education Slate: Testing, Launching and Piloting”.

The banners of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA), the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Education (COED), the College of Engineering (COE), the School of Business and Economics (SBE), the School of Healthcare Professions (SHCP) and the School of Law and Governance (SLG) were marched inside the court along with the band, officially opening the program. Afterward, the USC Dance Troupe and selected members of the cheer dance team of each college performed a routine as a prelude to the march of the athletes and representatives of Mr. and Ms. USC Intramurals 2014 of each college.

Next, the opening invocation was begun. The USC Symphonic Band then led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the USC Hymn.

University President Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD then welcomed everybody with a message about unity and sportsmanship. Fr. Miranda stated that despite the competitive nature of the intramural events, each one must remember that all these activities are meant to instill a sense of comradeship among Carolinians.

Following this was the raising of college colors participated by the Mr. and Ms. USC Intramurals 2014 of each college. Afterward, all athletes made the Oath of Sportsmanship, which was led by Keith Ashley Ocampo, gold medalist during the 2014 National PRISAA Games and member of the USC Varsity Swimming Champion Team. With that, Fr. Miranda officially declared the USC Intramurals 2014 open.

The contestants of Mr. and Ms. USC Intramurals 2014 then entered the court to introduce themselves while impressing both the audience and the board of judges at the same time. Mr. and Ms. USC Intramurals 2013 Alfredo de la Calzada and Denesse Ann Rebadomia, were also there to see for themselves the contenders for their crown and title.

To keep the fire of excitement from being extinguished, Cassandra Lomax Rodriguez and Jared Roble performed their number in Facets of Love: a rendition of Love is an Open Door from Walt Disney’s Frozen.

Then, after the deliberation of the board of judges, the announcement of the winners of the Mr. and Ms. USC Intramurals 2014 took place. The representatives of SBE were both hailed as the second runners-up of the contest. The first runner-up for Mr. USC Intramurals 2014 was from SHCP, and for Ms. USC Intramurals 2014 was from CAFA. Finally, de la Calzada and Rebadomia passed their crowns to the representatives from CAS, Rafael Baccus and Melody Hodgson, as Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2014.

Afterward, the excitement was kept up with the ceremonial toss done by Fr. Miranda together with the captains of the basketball teams of SHCP and SBE-A to officially begin the intramural sports activities.

With this, the Cheerdance Competition was also begun. One awe-inspiring cheerleading routine was presented to the audience after one another, with each performance showcasing a unique series of somersaults, jumps and stunts. After a dance showdown among the cheerleading teams of all colleges, the board of judges deemed CAS as the champion of the competition, with CAFA as the first runner-up and SBE as the second.

This victory of CAS in the Mr. and Ms. USC Intramurals 2014 and the Cheerdance Competition mirrored how SBE dominated these events in the opening program of the intramural activities in the previous academic year.

Overall, Fr. Miranda’s words in his opening remarks were exemplified by the Carolinians present in the momentous activity. All who were present in the stadium were united by a common vision: to see the teams they are rooting for snatch the crown of honor and victory.

With all of these being said, the opening program of the intramural activities for this academic year showed that in competition, everyone becomes one as a Carolinian community. It also showed that in rivalry, everyone shares a bond of friendship.

Be updated with the progress of this academic year’s intramural activities by liking and following the Facebook pages of Today’s Carolinian and USC All Access. Updates are also posted via Today’s Carolinian’s Twitter account, @todaysusc.