Stallions FC brings home gold

By Roderick Osis

NOT even the lack of corporate backing and the limelight form the media stopped the Baguio Stallion FC from winning the gold medal in the first Asian 5-aside of the Special Olympics.

Playing as if it will be their last for the country, the Stallion FC blasted home team Malaysia B in their opening game, 3-0 then wrapped up their second victory with a 5-1 drubbing of Indonesia.

"Hirap kami sa umpisa against Malaysia kasi sobrang init buti na lang madaling naka pag adjust yung mga bata kaya lahat ng goals namin eh sa second half na,” said coach Maribeth Jaravata.

The squad then followed it up with another 3-2 win against Singapore in an exhibition match before closing their campaign with another 3-0 triumph with team captain and striker Rommel Bautista scoring seven goals in that four games.

Returning back to the country after their feat, the squad came home unnoticed when the Phl Volacanoes, arriving the same day, hogged the limelight after winning the silver in the 2011 Asian Men’s Rugby 7s Championship.

But their efforts did not go to naught as members of the rugby team had a photo opportunity with the team and even congratulated the Baguio squad for their feat.

“Masaya din kami kasi nung nakita namin sila sa airport nagpapicture kami sa kanila tapos nag-congratulate sila sa amin,” said Bautista.

Making that victory much sweeter for the Baguio Stallion FC is they almost failed to join the contest for the second time after the Special Olympics Philippines almost had the playing dates mistaken.

While on their way to the airport, another setback for the Baguio squad representing the country encountered another glitch, as they had to pay the travel tax and the terminal fee before boarding the plane. This, however, was settled by good Samaritans in the team.

And when they landed in Malaysia, the team was just like a well oiled machine playing for the flag and country.

“Nahirapan kami sa Singapore kasi masyado silang systematic tsaka mabibilis ang kanilang passing pero determined pa rin yung team that's why nanalo pa rin,” added Jaravata.

And by winning the gold medal, this will not stop the Stallions from playing in another Asian tournament hopefully to be hosted by the country later this year after their Malaysia win supported by FRB Foundation and Victory Liner.

This time, the Stallions, composed of Bautista, Mark Louie Moran, Raymund Galiste, Roy Abraham Atienza, Jerry Sanchez Jr., Rustom Mulle, Kirk Napeek, and Ted Joshua Sabino will be eyeing a spot in the six or seven aside of the tournament and adding other players in their roster.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 01, 2011.