Thanksgiving - This is the Ateneo Way

COACH JAMIKE JARIN

Coach Jamike had a hard time talking, most probably because he spent the whole forty minutes of the Juniors game shouting. He mentioned that he is so proud of his boys and that he is very happy that they won. He said “trinabaho talaga namin iyan” owing to the fact that they were not favored to win the crown since the team they beat were bigger, stronger but not smarter. Coach Jamike ended by thanking his palyers, coaching staff, management and his wife.

ICE REYES

Ice is the Captain of the Blue Eaglets and is one of the sons of a former Blue Eaglet, Blue Eagle and PBA Coach Chot Reyes. Ice Reyes started by saying “Ako po si Ice Reyes, pinsan po ako ni Jai Reyes,(then pauses a while) Mas Magaling po ako sa kanya!” Then the whole congregation burst into laughter. Ice then narrated the story of the Ateneo Juniors team. He said that prior to the start of the season, all they were saying was that they were so strong that they will sweep the tournament. Ice said that they believe that they have what it takes to win the title and that no team will derail them from that dream which obviously includes the DLS-Z Junior Archers. The Blue Eaglets then started the season on a sour note by losing to the DLS-Z Junior Archers by 22 points. Gwyne Capacio torched them with 29 points in that game.

Ice with his co-Senior players

That loss brought down the Eaglets hopes for a sweep and more importantly shook them badly. Just as the Blue Eaglets were picking up the pieces of that loss, they suffered another humiliating loss to the UST Tiger Cubs. That was a dagger into their hearts. Then he mentioned that they all talked about it and vowed to do better. They eventually racked up 7 straight wins including a confidence building win against the DLS-Z Junior Archers. Then the Blue Eaglets would lose again to the UST Tiger Cubs and FEU Baby Tamaraws but secured the third spot in the Final Four.

The Blue Eaglets

Ice mentioned that when they were up against the UST Team they were quite problematic since this is the only team that they have not beaten. But on the other hand it’s just like writing a script that if the Blue Eaglets will advance to the finals they will even up things with the Tigers since they will need to win twice to advance. The Blue Eaglets then regrouped and made it back to the finals to defend their title as they beat the Tiger Cubs in two close games.

The Blue Eaglets with MVP

Funny thing about Ice was that he repeated what Fr. Ben Nebres said during the homily as Ice said “Ask and you shall receive!” they asked for a championship and that was what was given them. Then Ice called the 10 seniors in the team and the crowd gave them a warm round of applause. Everyone was so happy to see another Reyes help out win the title.

The crowd at the GESU