October 30, 2024
by Matte Jayferson M. Manon-og
The AISAT Aviators, a team that started just before the pandemic, has made its mark on the basketball scene, despite being relatively new to the competition. Led by Ron Mante, the AISAT Sports Coordinator, the Aviators overcame the odds and secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Gaisano Grand Cup 2024. This feat has earned them recognition not only within the school but also in the larger basketball community.
The AISAT basketball team, aptly named the Aviators, was formed in 2019, shortly before the pandemic brought sports events to a standstill. When the world slowly returned to normal, the Aviators resumed their journey in 2023, eager to prove themselves. The name “Aviators” carries a deep meaning, aligning with AISAT’s focus as an aviation school. It symbolizes ambition, vision, and the determination to rise above challenges, values embedded in their education and sports programs.
Despite being a relatively new team, the Aviators have competed in a number of tournaments, and their resilience and growth have become evident over time. In 2023, the team secured 3rd place in the Hoops Inaugural Tournament, and as of now, they are gearing up for the quarterfinals of the Gaisano Grand Cup. The team’s journey is not without setbacks, but each loss has served as an opportunity for growth.
“We usually lose the game, but it gives our team the experience to become better in their next match,” said Ron Mante.
This mindset of continuous improvement has fueled the Aviators, making each victory sweeter as they continue to refine their skills.
One of the key factors that set the Aviators apart is the team’s training and dedication. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Rocky and supported by Assistant Coaches Juni and Quin, has played a vital role in shaping the team. Their five-day-a-week training program combines on-court strategies with fitness training and mental conditioning. The Aviators not only train for physical endurance but also for mental resilience, which helps them remain focused under pressure.
“We have one of the best coaches in town. His dedication and passion for basketball can be seen through his training,” Mante shared.
This commitment to holistic training is evident in the team’s performance, as they competed head-to-head with well-established teams like Ateneo de Davao University and San Pedro College.
The AISAT Aviators’ journey to the quarterfinals was marked by several standout moments. Their victories against Amya Polytechnic College and Ateneo de Davao University were defining games for the team, solidifying their place in the competition. Even in their loss against San Pedro College, the Aviators maintained their positive outlook, with team captain JM Prospero uplifting the players and keeping their spirits high.
“They support each other, and I can see in their eyes and actions that they are eager to win,” Mante added.
Support from the AISAT community has been another key element in the team’s success. The school provides the necessary resources, from financial backing to appropriate facilities, such as the AISAT gym. The Aviators have received overwhelming support, not only from students and faculty but also from the entire community, which continues to motivate them. As they focus on their next big challenge, the Gaisano Grand Cup 2024, the team is aware of the hurdles ahead, particularly the fact that many of their key players are graduating this year.
“Hopefully, we can select players that have or even surpass the skills of our outgoing players so we can continue the good start we’ve planted,” Mante expressed optimistically.
For Ron Mante, this victory is about more than just a trophy or a title, it is about seeing the team give their all and learning from the process. “I’ve realized that everything has its process. This journey has shaped me to be more humble and patient.” As for his message to aspiring athletes, he offers words of encouragement: “Always try your best. Don’t surrender. One day, your hard work will pay off, and that day could be your lucky day.”
As the AISAT Aviators continue their rise, the school community stands behind them, eager to witness more victories and moments of growth. With dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of their coaches and peers, the Aviators are a team that embodies the spirit of overcoming challenges and aiming high, just like the aviation professionals they aspire to become.
Just as the Aviators rise above the challenges on the court, they embody the same determination and ambition that AISAT instills in its students, serving as a reminder that with ambition and resilience, the sky is the limit.