Sportsmanship 101

Having a great hangover from the previous season of Tagis Lakas last school year, I bet everyone is so anxious of the happenings this latest season.

Bombarded with questions whether the College of Engineering and Technology would be able to clinch the crown firmly on their grip or would the College of Business Education and Administration be able to snatch it back from the red ones.

With still fresh scars from their last face-off with the CET, CBEA comes back with vengeance and extremely fuming to filch the throne back to their possession from the defending champion CET that has recently revamped their team to fasten the regime tightly on their ego this season.
On the other hand, with streamlined shootings and stiffer defenses, the College of Evangelical Ministry glides in between the frictioning rivalry of the other two giants and grab the throne back to their pride they had captured three years ago.
Meanwhile, with a team to reckon with, the College of Arts and Sciences, who had smothered CET and brought their esteem to the final four, together with all the other colleges are resolved to exude expectations this season.

Sure. Everyone is curious.

Everyone is furious.

Everyone is excited .

But one thing should always never be forgotten.

Tagis Lakas was created to build sportsmanship and brotherhood among the NEU populace.

Sadly, I have observed that most students, players and spectators alike, had forgotten this important virtue. Succumbed with the thought of winning, fame and glory, others had buried the essence of being a real sportsman six feet under. And that’s one thing we badly needed to attend to.
During the opening ceremony of the National Athletics Association of Colleges and Universities Season 8, I heard one of the speakers contradict the famous adage- “it’s not about winning the game, it is how you play it…” He said that the gauge whether you played really well is if you won or not.
I almost agreed. But not until I have seen the opening games of the Tagis Lakas basketball tournament and a few basketball pit. And I’m afraid that, with apologies ,I have to contradict that speaker, and in a way rephrase the quote.
“A game is not all about being the winner; it’s all about being a true sportsman.”

This season of Tagis Lakas would have been a great one if everybody, from the hard court to the bench up to the audience, went home unscathed.

But unfortunately, not everyone did. Some went abode with fury about the game, some with new foes and worst, went home bleeding.

Where is brotherhood in that?

According to Mr. Webster, a sportsman is one who plays fairly and courteously, and can win or lose gracefully.
Actually, I don’t have to explain this one. But to a few, an elaboration is quite necessary.

It’s simple.
Fairly. Play according to the rules of the game.

Courteously. Politely. Honestly.

Can win or lose gracefully. A true sportsman, whenever he’s winning, with a timid smile and a bowed head, acknowledges compliments and recognitions. And most likely, on his defeat, he accepts the fact that a game is just a game and only one shall be declared winner. It just so happened that at that time, it’s not him. So, with dignity and more determination in his eyes, he shall just exit with a promise of a much better performance on the next match.

No one needs to be hurt. You could not just say that it’s all a part of the game once you had a playmate injured. Nor could you reason out by saying it’s just an accident. Because if everyone would keep the same thought on their mind, a simple basketball game would no longer be one.
At least it won’t start with you. And if an opponent is doing subtle moves to impair your play, just keep in mind that it is his name that he spoils, not yours.
Remember, a many eyes out there are turned on you. Do not think that those eyes would eventually forget what you have done and how you had played after the event.

What you do on-court will brand you for life.

After the game. After the tournament. And even after your graduation.
It will make you famous, yes, definitely. But a loathed one for that matter. Despised because you have blemished the fun and enjoyment of what should have been a just simple competition. It would also imply that you are not confident enough to win the game you resort to underhand tactics to win over your opponent. That won’t make you any better. After all, we are in a university were brotherhood emanates. It should not be forgotten even under the basket.

Not in any moment should you forget the thirteen letter word-sportsmanship.

So, prove yourself. Play fair.