GLORI - 5; This is the Ateneo Way

The Alumni Eagles

The GLORI-5 fundraiser was one for the books. For one, the five-peat seeking Ateneo Blue Eagles is most probably the only amateur squad that is squared to give the PBA veterans a run for their money.  Imagine a team with the towering and intimidating presence of the 7 foot Greg Slaughter, the versatility of Nico Salva, the genius of Ryan Buenafe and the court smarts of a Kiefer Ravena. In fact, the Blue Eagles easily outplayed the SEABA bound Philippine team that had former Blue Eagle Chris Tiu and the hulking Marcus Douthit.  

The Phenom vs. The Magnum Force

On the other side of the fence are former Blue Eagles who have made a namefor themselves after donning the Blue and White. In fact this Alumni team’s roster is an assembly of players that played with the seven (7) Ateneo champion teams from 1987 to the present.  Playing coach Olsen Racela was a part of the first UAAP titles in 1987 and 1988. Enrico Villanueva, Gec Chia, Doug Kramer and Macky Escalona were all part of the 2002 title run of the Blue and White, a season that saw Villanueva win the MVP.  

The ASSOC Boys Rabeh & Eric

Rabeh Al-Husaini and Nonoy Baclao were part of the 2008 and 2009 title run where Rabeh was the 2008 MVP and Nonoy the finals MVP.  Rabeh followed suit the next year as he was adjudged the finals MVP in 2009.  Eric Salamat and Jason Escueta on the other hand played their last year in 2010 wherein Ateneo captured its third straight title.  Kirk Long and Bacon Austria on the other hand are the two who have just gotten their fourth straight championship ring.  

The Big Ols interviewed by GMA 7

Before the event started, the Ateneo Athletics office led by Mr. Ricky Palou and Fr. Nemy Que gave out the championship rings of the four- peat team.  The rings were provided by UAAP sponsor Uni-silver.  At halftime, the Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame through former Blue Eagle stand out Atty. Ogie Narvasa gave out plaques to the non players of the UAAP team namely the student Manager, Ballboys, Paulo Trillo, Debbie Tan, the assistant Coaches and Coach Norman Black. This event was also sponsored by San Miguel, Cravings and the newest energy drink Mr. Big Shot. 

The Ateneo Blue Eagles, Alumni Blue Eagles and 

the Jubilarians Ateneo HS 1987