When the National University Pep Squad entered the blue mats for Sunday afternoon’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition, everyone knew that they were in it to win it.
Unfortunately though, after the dust has settled, the seventh UAAP title will have to wait for the squad from Jhocson.
But despite their failed bid at a three-peat, their long-time head coach Ghicka Bernabe was just beyond proud of what the team has done in that three-minute jampacked performance.
“My assessment as their coach, I think my team did really well,” the 11-year mentor said. “If there was a wobble dun sa segment ng stunts, I don’t think it will affect the routine if I am just being honest.
“Being in this industry for ilang taon na rin. I don’t want to question the result but I believe my team did well.”
In that same span of 11 years, the NU Pep Squad soared from being underdogs to top dogs of the league, setting the bar higher in terms of skills that they themselves set.
“Hindi binitawan ng NU Pep Squad ‘yung expectations ng supporters namin especially the level of difficulty, with a breathtaking performance. I’m still amazed, they still did great.”
Despite going for some high-level stunts that give them points, the coaching staff still provide a premium on their athletes’ safety, and having an injury-free run is still the best run a squad can give back and show to their supporters.
And for Bernabe, it was what the NU Pep Squad did this afternoon.
“Ang pinag-pray ko lang naman is regardless of the result, we prayed for a smooth and safe performance, and yun yung nangyari. As long as wala pong student na na-injure, I’m very happy. Up to this moment, I’m so proud of my team. Alam ko na marami pa rin kaming supporters,” she said.
“Mas emotional ako kanina nung nagawa ng team ko yung routine than ngayon na hindi kami, unfortunately, nag-champion.”
That fulfillment stemmed from a need to adjust three days into the competition, where one of its members could not comply with the documentary requirements of the league.
“Meron talaga kaming ginawang adjustments especially yung tao namin sa loob, and yung isang pyramid in-adjust din namin. And despite the adjustment, naniniwala pa rin akong magaling yung team ko.”
Moving forward, Bernabe and the NU Pep Squad knew that they are back to the drawing board.
“Maybe next plan is, the first step is, analyze our routine and let’s see yung naging bago sa UAAP sa CDC. And saan talaga tayo dapat, sa risky kahit may wobbles o sa basta tatayo, or dun tayo sa fast-paced na routine o dun tayo sa medyo deliberate.”
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