The NU Pep Squad. UAAP photo
NU Pep Squad to defend crown
NATIONAL University Pep Squad is looking forward to defend the crown under extraordinary circumstances in the UAAP cheerdance competition on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the major changes such as maximum of 15 performers instead of the usual 25, a short three-minute in lieu of the traditional six-minute routine and without live drummers due to health and safety protocols, NU coach Ghicka Bernabe knows the challenges ahead in one of the league’s biggest crowd drawers.
“Blessing na lang na three minutes talaga,” said Bernabe during yesterday’s press conference. “Sinsiksik yung performance namin.”
Gunning for a seventh title to move closer with University of the Philippines Pep Squad and University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, which has eight crowns apiece, NU still pulled a lot of stops to produce another memorable performance in this extraordinary time.
“We don’t have any choice but to adjust,” said Bernabe, whose team started bubble training for the competition last February. “Nag-double time kami kasi hindi gaanong kabilis nakabalik yung stamina ng mga dancers. But I think we are prepared physically, mentally and emotionally prepared.”
Adamson Pep Squad coach Jam Lorenzo knows the difficulty of its preparations to regain the throne it won in 2018.
“Well, since noong target ko was to maintain the weight of the cheerleaders. Kasi mahirap bumalik ng training kung nag-gain ng weight yung mga bata. Isa iyon sa mga tinutukan ko. At the same time, yung mental health nila,” said Lorenzo.
Ateneo will be the first performer followed by NU, UP, Far Eastern University, Adamson, La Salle, University of the East and UST.
Just like in the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball, the cheerdance competition will be restricted to all performers as part of the league’s health and safety protocols. The performers in the technical rehersal tomorrow will undergo antigen tests and also in the competition proper on Sunday.
“The cheerdance is a part of UAAP’s way getting back to normal’s cycle,” said Season 84 president Nong Calanog. “We hope cheerdance will bring an exciting sidelight to Season 84.”
The league will hear the appeal of the drummers from the eight member schools to reconsider banning drums during the cheerdance – which during normal times gives life to the competition.
“The primary consideration is for the safety of everyone. These are eight schools cheering at the same time,” said Calanog on the decision not allowing drums in this year’s contest. By Theodore Jurado
