ATHLETES are considered the pride of SBCA as they represent the school in numerous yearly competitions such as the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) South, WNCAA, MNCAA, Private School Athletic Association (PRISAA), and more. But behind every trophy they bring home in the lion’s den, are they receiving the support they deserve?

     In the walls of SBCA, scholarships are given as financial support to the student-athletes who performed exceptionally in their sports. Up to 100% scholarships are offered for tuition fees, excluding miscellaneous and other fees. Like any other scholar, the athletes must avoid receiving a failing grade, or depending on their team coach’s condition, to maintain their scholarship. 

     Student-athletes from high school to college are allowed to stay in a dormitory in the Sports Complex inside SBCA. However, because of limited space, not all are given an opportunity to stay, which is why they prioritize students who live far away. 

     The teams travel to various school locations inside and outside Metro Manila whenever a game occurs. Thus, the Athletics Office provides the teams with transportation—from bus to coaster—to ensure they get to the venue on time and in great condition. 

     Despite their benefits, student-athletes need more support from the Athletics Office. Last NCAA South Season 25, an athlete from the Women’s Futsal team was injured, but since there was no available medical team, they still needed to transfer the player to St. Maur Clinic. The absence of a medical team during each team’s game remains a major concern, as if left untreated, it may result in more serious injuries. 

     The student-athletes also compete outside of the school without food and water provided by the Athletics Office during the games most of the time. With this, each player brings their own food and water rather than the school providing for them, which highlights the lack of support they receive even more. 

     Last October, during Kristine's typhoon, the 43 athletes staying in the dorms requested assistance with food and other resources as they were stuck inside because of the heavy rainfall. With this, the athletes reached out for help, and food and supplies were given by the Student Executive Council (SEC), the Council of Student Leaders (CSL), parents, faculty members, and SBCA’s Rector President Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, and the Institutional Community Involvement Center (ICIC). During these times, the Athletics Office should be the first place for student-athletes to go. However, since they could not provide immediate assistance, the athletes had to seek support elsewhere. 

     Lack of support for the athletes, not only in SBCA, has been a persistent issue that must be solved. In light of this, schools must prioritize their student-athlete's health by giving them access to adequate resources, such as necessities and medical assistance, that are crucial in maintaining their academic and athletic performance. 

But what else can be done to recognize their commitment to the sport?

     As one Bedan community, it is essential to recognize the athletes’ blood, sweat, and tears throughout their daily training and represent the name of SBCA. Most importantly, support the athletes in their games and acknowledge the players from ball sports to the less-recognized sports for their hard work not going to waste. 

      The student-athletes' success is also Bedan’s pride—it is time for the SBCA community to come together and ensure they receive all the resources, support, and recognition they deserve.