The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students of the Senior High School Department (SHS) defied the odds after winning the basketball crown in this year’s Letramurals.
The House of Trades outlasted the well-oiled House of Innovation, 60-42, in their finals showdown last October 3 at the Blessed Antonio Varona gymnasium.
Led by co-captains Francis Arenas and Arryl Gardon, the young dribblers from the STEM department triumphed over the House of Innovation composed of students from the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT).
“Actually nung una, naisip ko na may chance kaming makapasok sa finals. Pero hindi namin in-expect na mag cha-champion kami,” Gardon expressed.
Former Letran Squires’ Team B player Gardon won the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Despite their momentous victory, the team received a lot of criticism after leaning on former Squires Gardon, Arenas, and Ithan Escobar. However, Gardon shrugged off the flak, saying, “Wala naman ‘yun eh, basta alam ko nanalo kami dahil nagtitiwala kami sa isa’t isa.” He added, “Halos lahat naman nagco-contribute kaya kami nananalo.”
In the elimination round, the men in pink showed brilliance when they defeated championship favorites House of Fire and House of Ice. The team’s dominance continued after a come-from-behind win against the cellar-dwelling House of Lestaments.
However, like any other great teams, the House of Trades had their difficulties. Falling to the House of Innovation in their season opener, the team also suffered a minor setback when they faced the House of Erudition in one of the most thrilling games in the history of Letramurals.
The young squad, nevertheless, took pride in being the first Senior High School team to surge to the top in the annual Letramurals.
“Sobrang laking bagay ‘yun (when we won). Kasi nga, syempre SHS students lang kami at karamihan samin mga bata at bago palang,” Gardon said. “Unlike sa mga college teams, matagal na sila magkakakilala at magkakasama so ‘yung chemistry nila nandoon na,” he finished.
The House of Trades proved that age is just mere numbers. Moreover, the value of perseverance, dedication, and faith will remain as the keys in forming championship teams.
(First published on The LANCE's September Issue)