In college basketball, it is customary for teams to face their crowd of supporters whenever they sing their alma mater song after the game. But for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers last Wednesday, they seemed like they only had one supporter to face.
Standing in the lower box section, a student clad in his uniform remained to sing the UST Hymn with the disheartened Growling Tigers after they had absorbed their 11th loss.
His name is Isaac Coloma, a 4th year BS Entrepreneurship student.
Minutes after, student-athletes Marvin Lee, Steve Akomo, and Jordan Sta. Ana took to social media to express their gratitude for Coloma’s unwavering support.
It was already overwhelming seeing all the reactions yesterday but it made me shed a tear when I saw messages from the Tigers themselves. ?? pic.twitter.com/aRkuNM3nEA
— I.J. (@ColomaIsaacJeff) October 26, 2017
Saludo ako sayo. ✋Di man ito ang season na para samin pero magsisilbi itong gabay sa matagumpay na susunod na season namin.Maraming salamat! pic.twitter.com/f3XvYWuYaD
— Jordan Sta. Ana (@17Jjstaana) October 26, 2017
With UST struggling to pick up a win this season, the team’s supporters that troop to game venues and cheer “Go USTe” have dwindled as the season progresses.
Last Wednesday, in their game against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in the Mall of Asia Arena, only a handful of fans were present to witness the Growling Tigers almost snatch their first win. However, in the dying minutes they collapsed and absorbed yet another loss.
Coloma, an avid supporter of several Thomasian varsity teams, shared that it has always been his childhood dream to cheer for UST. Now that he is nearing graduation, he wants to make the most out of his senior year. He shared that despite a dismal season, he still saves up his weekly allowance just so he can buy tickets and cheer for his beloved team.
“Some have asked me, ‘Bakit nanunuod ka padin? Sayang effort, talo naman.’
“The thing is, I know Thomasian athletes have given more effort than I have given just cheering for them, no effort would ever be wasted if it makes you happy. Imagine having to balance your studies and giving glory to your Alma Mater’s name, that’s no joke,” Coloma said on Facebook.
Interestingly, he rooted his motivation from UST’s first-ever loss of the season.
“UST lost 11 times this season, I’ve seen seven of those live. After that first game vs UP wherein [Paul] Desiderio scored that dagger three-pointer that led to our first loss, I knew I had a bigger mission,” he shared to Tiebreaker Times.
“Since then, I promised myself to be there for the Tigers until they get their first win — no matter what.”
And with three games left, the passionate fan rallies behind fellow Thomasians to express their support for the team.
“I know that it’s heartbreaking to see our team lose, but it’s more heartbreaking to see our team sing our University Hymn in front of nearly no crowd. The Tigers need us more than ever, they need us even if they’re at the losing end because I know the cheers we would give them would give them the confidence they’ll need and maybe finally result to a win,” he expressed.
This season has been very difficult for the Growling Tigers. With every loss, they have started to lose heart, but maybe a crowd of supporters that could share the load of the burden can help. Maybe, filling up the yellow gallery with Go USTe’s can help. Maybe.
