The Letran’s Cheering Squad secured third place in the NCAA Season 100 Cheerleading Competition on May 22, 2025, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Photo Courtesy: Maverick Rhoy De Vera.
Amidst all struggles and uncertainties, the Letran Cheering Squad remained concrete, pulling off another bronze medal under their name during the NCAA Season 100 Cheerleading Competition on Thursday, May 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Sitting on the right side of the podium since Season 98, the LCS conveyed their performance with its central theme “Superhero,” which was first suggested by their former and late coach Arnold Villanueva. They undoubtedly moved the arena, as they obtained 210.5 points, just behind the second placer ALTAs Perpsquad with 213.5 points and the now six-peat champion, Arellano Chiefsquad who tallied 218 points.
While it is understandable that perfect pyramids are difficult to execute, Letran managed to prevent a stumble on their move heading at the conclusion of its piece. Such a stoppage can be attributed to their winning experiences on top of their nine-month training duration prior to this event.
Squad Captain Jake Romero bared that the team already foresaw yet another podium finish as they instilled within themselves that they must surpass what they delivered in the previous season. True to their belief, they managed to outshine last year’s show as they finished with 206 points, which is short by 4.5 points as compared to the centennial season’s results outcome.
In addition, although acknowledging that jitters and pressure come in every competition, what seemed to be the edge of Muralla-based group against other league squads is none other than being a Letranite whose heart is always courageous.
“Of course yung pusong palaban ng isang Letranista, ‘yun yung edge namin sa lahat mga competitors. Hindi magpapahuli yung mga letranista na umaarriba palagi,” Romero shared.
Relatively, Head Coach Lester John Go likewise added that it is the squad’s passion, pushing themselves to their limits as some of their needs are not being met, that stood out among the rest.
Apart from this, he also strives to instill in the latter the mantra of not giving up despite emerging hurdles and the value of being grateful for what they receive, taking into account that it is a success for the entire team to be supported by the alumni.
Their road for triumphs, however, is also as bumpy as the others as their training ground is in an open area as the Colegio’s gymnasium is yet to be finished. Besides, the supposed line-up of performers was not realized as some were prompted by their parents to go back home while others were removed due to academics and inappropriate attitudes.
“Isa sa mga qualifications yung studies and attitude kasi they are student-athletes, so we give priority first to being a student. Pangalawa, kailangan rin na maging okay ang attitude kasi kapag nauna ang magandang attitude, susunod doon pagyakap sa mga techniques at saka yung plan ng team,” Go uttered.
“At saka, syempre yung mga rookies namin na hindi ko naman dapat papalaruin, napalaro ko kasi nga on the process kailangan hindi lang dapat tayo laro nang laro, kailangan may disiplina rin tayo, nag-aaral rin tayo,” said the lead strategizer.
As the tourney reaches its end, the Letran Cheering Squad will attempt to recruit a new set of talents who can fill in the roles of those who are already graduating.
Above all, they expressed their gratitude towards the entire Letran community for providing support, especially the management who supplies scholarships and shelter for the athletes, as well as to their families in their respective provinces.