The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is bringing back the 10 original events that were shelved last year due to health protocols, not to mention budget constraints, for the 98th season of the oldest collegiate league.
So expect livelier opening ceremonies on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with this year’s theme as “Achieve Greatness Every Day”.
Hostilities start at 3:30 p.m. with season’s host school Emilio Aguinaldo College going up against Arellano University.
The Generals were initially scheduled to face defending champion Letran but the league has adjusted the schedule of the Knights after four players from the defending champions have tested positive for Covid. The team has been placed under health and safety protocols.
The Knights will make their much-awaited debut on Sept. 14 against Jose Rizal University.
Clashing in the other game at 6 p.m. are Mapua and San Beda.
Back in the calendar of events are cheerleading competition, swimming, track and field, juniors’ basketball, men’s volleyball, beach volleyball, taekwondo, chess, the all-star basketball game, and men’s volleyball.
Unlike the previous covid-stricken season, the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball tournaments were compressed into a single-round robin format.
After the opening game, all matches will be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Estefanio Boquiron, Jr., management committee chairman of the NCAA Season 98 is excited to fill the venue, assuring everyone that they went through “meticulous planning and preparation.”
“Having adapted to the ‘new normal,’ our student-athletes are better equipped this season. They have been training since Season 96 and 97 and are excited to showcase their talents on the court,” added Boquiron, Jr. (NIKOLE JAVIER)
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