MANILA, Philippines – FEU Cheering Squad head coach Randell San Gregorio did not mince words once word got to him that his team was under fire for placing second runner-up in the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition on Sunday, December 1.
The seasoned mentor blasted fans for apparently verbally attacking his team after what may have been perceived as an undeserved spot on the podium over other contending teams.
“To those bashing FEU, don’t direct your anger towards us because like any other team, we just played our part! We don’t hold the judges’ minds,” he wrote in Filipino, mostly in all caps.
“Personally, I knew there was a big chance we won’t make it to the top three. I quickly talked to the team and told them to not expect because UE, UST, Adamson, and NU did really well. I told them to expect us to land around fourth or fifth.”
True enough, San Gregorio’s choices — including his personal top three of NU, Adamson, and UE — all could have been good enough to enter the podium.
Save for NU and Adamson, who were the runaway top two at 713 and 679.5 points, respectively, the next three teams were decided with slim margins of around seven to nine points.
FEU — which captured the championship last year — got 650 points to clinch third, UE got 641 for fourth, and UST tallied 634.5 for fifth, putting the total combined gap of the three at just 15.5 points, while the first and second places were separated by 33.5 and 29.5 points, respectively.
That, however, did not stop fans from ridiculing the results that apparently swerved from attacks at the judging system to attacks at the FEU gymnasts, who performed an admirable, yet shaky routine inspired by Disney’s hit film series Frozen.
“What do you guys want, us to return the trophy or give it to other schools? If it were up to me, I’d do it, promise!” San Gregorio continued. “But if I did that, then I’d disrespect the judges, the organizers, and most of all, the UAAP, and that’s not right, isn’t it?”
“If you’re pissed at the results, don’t involve the FEU Cheering Squad! Congratulations to NU for [its] eighth title and Adamson for winning first runner-up! FEU Cheering Squad, I love you! Just keep fighting!” he concluded. – Rappler.com
