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The Letran Taekwondo Team eyes for a better finish this National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 95 despite being tagged as 'underdogs.'
“Ang tingin ng lahat sa amin ay underdogs kami, pero we are not underdogs,” Coach Anthony Samia told The LANCE.
According to Coach Samia, Letran is being tagged as ‘underdogs' in Taekwondo.
“Iyon ang ginagawa naming motivation at inspiration para makita ng lahat na kahit underdogs tingin sa amin, pero paglabas namin diyan, kami ‘yong mag-stand out sa lahat kasi ang moto ng team namin is from nothing to something,” he added.
Letran placed fourth overall after men’s team managed to earn 63 points while women’s team obtained a total of 7 points last Season 94.
In an interview with The LANCE, Coach Samia, said that the team is determined up their ranking this season.
The training coach also mentioned changes in this year’s preparations.
“Last year nag-focus sila more on sa stamina and sa drills na paulit-ulit ‘yong repetition ng mga bata, nakita ko na ‘yong outcome ay hindi maganda,” he said.
“Every training namin hindi kami nagpapa-drill or stamina training techniques. Techniques for offense and defense na kami agad para pagdating sa laban, mama-muscle memory na ng mga bata ‘yong mga dapat nilang gawin,” he added.
Coach Samia also said that they assigned the senior players of the team to guide the juniors as a foundation for their advantage.
“Ginagawa namin silang parang guide para sa mga team mates nila na mga junior. Kaya ang lumalabas ay parang nagkakaroon kami ng 20 coaches sa isang team sa tulong nila. Hindi mahirap mag-adjust at mag-prepare kasi lahat kami nagtutulungan,” he explained.
Furthermore, Samia also shared some of his plans on the team.
“By February, gusto namin na atleast isa o dalawa sa mga players namin ay makapasok sa national team dahil this coming February ay magkakaroon ng tinatawag na laban na National Carlos Palangca Jr. Championship,” he said.
On the other hand, one of the team leaders, Sophia Porciuncula, shared how the team prepared as well as struggles of not having a gym.
“Marami kaming technique na binago at idinagdag. Every day ang training namin. Minsan nage-extra training pa kami na kahit na suspended or holiday. Nagrerenta kami na galing sa sarili naming pera,” she said.
“Mas magandang game play ngayon. Mas mataas na place and mas improved na laban,” shared Porciuncula on their goal this season.
NCAA Season 95 Taekwondo Tournament shall take place on October 5 and 6 at the Emilio Aguinaldo College.