By CYRUS M. GARDE
BACOLOD City — A “new horizon” in the staging of Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association (Nopsscea) Meet is expected when Season 34 opens Sept. 12 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Coliseum here.
Representatives from 63 member-schools met yesterday at Nopsscea office at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.
They discussed the proposed program, calendar of activities, and sports competitions, said Ericson Rios, assistant to chairman of the Committee on Sports from the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos (UNO-R).
Chairpersons for every sporting event were still being finalized, while sports committees were scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. on August 8 at UNO-R High School Alumni Covered Court.
Two schools will join Nopsscea this season: Southland College in Kabankalan City and Holy Family High School in Bacolod City.
Basketball and volleyball are considered the top attractions in the annual competition.
UNO-R Rams is eyeing this year a back-to-back title in collegiate men basketball dominated for years by West Negros University Mustangs.
Last year’s first runner-up USLS Stingers, multi-titled Mustangs, as well as Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod Eagles will crowd the Rams for the crown.
La Salle remains the dominant team in both men and women’s volleyball, as well as men’s football, while St. John’s Institute high school girls’ volleyball team is expected to meet a strong challenge from the Malot Lozada-mentored USLS-IS.
Leading the Nopsscea officers as president is Bob Bergante of USLS./PN
