ADIDAS ACTION 3 Fresh Update January 30,2011

BOBCATS, SINAG still teams to beat in 2011
from: http://www.nccphilippines.com/

The Central Colleges of the Philippines and the Taguig Science High School showed why they are the teams to reckon with in 2011, by winning the NCR Qualifying Championships in the SM Mall Of Asia.

The Bobcats and Sinag combined the skills, talent, and near-flawless execution to beat the rest of the field, to the delight of the overflowing audience at the Music Hall in MOA.

COLLEGE CHAMPS

The Bobcats, who also ruled the World Cup Cheer and Dance in Brisbane, Australia last September 2009, never seemed to miss a beat, showcasing new tumbling and stunting routines to wow the audience and fellow competitors.

“They are the three-time national champions and they showed why they deserve to be”, said National Director Paula Dela Llana-Nunag. “It’s extremely tough to be this skilled and consistent over an extended period, but they seem to have found a winning formula.”

“We are blessed to have been afforded the opportunities to showcase our talent to a wider audience”, said CCP Head coach Arnold Villanueva. “The competition is always fierce in the NCC, so winning is no small feat. Now, we get ready for the “Big Show” in March!”

CCP scored 296.5 pts, besting rival University of Perpetual Help Altas who came in with 289.5.

The 3-time NCAA champs came into the qualifiers determined to regain their rightful place atop Philippine cheerleading. But a couple of miscalculations had caused them crucial falls during the competition.

“We performed last, and the sun began to peek through the competition area. So that affected our flyers’ movements”, Altas sports coordinator Jeff Habana said. “But we’ll definitely be ready by the time the Nationals come around. No excuses for us. This is what we’ve been preparing for all year.”

“Altas was perfect in the run-throughs”, said judge JR David. “But I guess the atmosphere and the environment affected their routine. In the NCC, it’s execution that matters most.”

The rest who qualified in the college division were: Ateneo De Manila (275.5), NU (272.5), De la Salle University (261.5), Jose Rizal University (254), Unibersidad De Manila (243.5), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay (240.5), and Mapua Institute of Technology (213.5).

UPHDS, JRU, and Mapua have automatic berths in the Nationals, due to their performances in the 2010 NCAA Cheerleading Competition.

A NICE SURPRISE

The 2011 NCR Qualifiers also ushered in a new era in Philippine Cheerleading, as Ateneo De Manila and National University raised not a few eyebrows with their performances.

Ateneo came in third place, despite an injury to veteran Tanya Puno days before the competition.

“I was as surprised as anybody”, exclaimed Ateneo head coach Randell San Gregorio. “We always come into the competition hoping for the best. This time, God smiled on us.”

Also showing some bite were the NU Bulldogs, who saw a revival of their program last year.

“We are proud to have made it this far in the NCC”, said assistant coach Arjay Cruz “Knowing the level of competition every year, we know this is a great achievement not just for us, but for all the athletes from NU. We’re hoping we have supporters who will come during the Nationals.”

“It’s great to see how Ateneo and Dela Salle have improved over the years”, said National Director Paula Dela Llana-Nunag. “Only goes to show that they have taken this sport and made a serious commitment to improve. Let’s see what they bring to the Nationals in March.”

HIGH SCHOOL COED CHAMPS

Taguig Science High School also showed toughness, after a year of uncertainty following the 2010 elections. After enjoying full support from the city government the past years, the Sinag Pep Squad almost didn’t make it to this year’s competition.

“We were not sure until the final weeks of joining this year”, Sinag coach Kate Visas said. “Thankfully everything worked out, and we’re here to defend our national championship.”

The Sinag displayed some of the best flyers in the NCC, and scored 285 to top the NCR Qualifiers. Following in the heels of the Sinag Pep Squad were Paranaque National High School (281), NCC stalwarts Pasig Catholic College (265), and come-backing School of Saint Anthony (244.5).

“The high school coed division is getting just as competitive as the college coed”, Nunag said. “The teams know that the scoring range is pretty close, and therefore they have to bring their best in the Nationals to win.”

Others who made the Nationals are:

Taguig National High School (239)

Rizal High School (237)

BIGGEST, BEST GETTING BIGGER, BETTER

The NCC also saw the first time a Qualifier was held at the Mall of Asia. Previous events were held at school grounds or plazas.

The crowd had begun to fill the area as early as 3 hours before the competition, as good vantage points were limited. Nonetheless, the fans and cheerleading enthusiasts were able to catch a glimpse of the very best teams in the NCR.

NCC Marketing Head Aimee Bulay was encouraged with the results. “We know that the NCC fan base is growing, as indicated in our various networking sites. But we were still very happy with the turn-out. The only challenge now is finding a bigger venue for next year!”

“We’re growing at an amazing, almost improbable pace.” said NCC business head Nino Caruncho. “Not just in terms of the squad participation, but with the fans as well. This isn’t like just any other sport, as you can see. It will be tough to top this season, but we will be up to the challenge, definitely.”

Adidas Action 3 Brand Manager AR Polinar was similarly encouraged. “I have been with the NCC since the beginning of the season, and have seen the crowds in the different regional venues. Today it seemed the whole mall was watching the competition! Can’t wait for the Nationals!”

SM Mall Of Asia officer Marice Ofrin also offered her congratulations on the success of the event, as did the NCC partners.

The 2011 National Finals will be held at the Ynares Arena on March 4, 5 and 6.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

This Adidas Action3 FRESH update was brought to you by ADIDAS ACTION3, your BEST DEFENSE AGAINST SWEAT!