Whiners Who Lose in Education and Fun Games

Two years ago, this columnist and dean sent published to my surprise sentiments regards MBA friendship games. Apparently he is from a rival school and is openly questioning player eligibility of enrolled students from the consistent championship held by their fiercest rival. Enrolling and studying hard to get a Masters degree is one thing but to recruit players for the sake of some games such as basketball, bowling and volleyball is another. So in short, why would a school which has a winning tradition even in the other levels of educations resort to using ineligible players? Or if you want a clearer statement, why use players who are not really taking up MBA?

Again, allow me to emphasize, there are no constraints or benefits to gain from MBA than education. A sports citation for a school is only a perk. Players don't get paid to play for a school. It just so happens they choose a school over the other due to a number of reasons. Also, if a player has become a professional player in any sport, what would he gain from playing in such meets?

Perhaps this is something that this so-called great columnist has overlooked. Winning isn't everything and to make use of what you have like enrolled players is a challenge that you should work on rather than whine upon. Do not blame other schools if they become preferred by students as far as additional educational attainment is concerned. It is their right. But to question player eligibility is something crazy, especially if they enroll to learn.

The sad part about this columnist is that I too came from the same school when I was in college. I chose the other school for two reasons; one due to accessibility and two, to learn in a new environment. It is true that I have had my share of hate from the rival school that he is pertaining to but when I joined them and even played for them, I found that the real problem lies in the true meaning of sportsmanship. All this columnist cares about is winning and nothing else.

As for the school? Well it is obvious that he is adding to the degrading stature of the school. Imagine being a dean and choosing to write sweet nothings rather than find ways to strategically make their program live up to the standards of other schools? For all you know, you even have good players who can represent their school. And mind you, most of them are in the professional ranks already.

I quote:

"Like any other league, the inter-MBA Games have had its share of growing pains especially in the area of player eligibility. After years of almost indiscriminately allowing former UAAP, NCAA, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and even national players to take part in the league, Games policy makers have seen it fit to limit the participation of such high level or elite or varsity players. Only one high level player can be fielded at any given time in team sports like basketball and volleyball while there is an absolute ban on elite players in individual events like chess and billiards.

The basic rationale behind the caps on the number of varsity and national players (including overseas students) who can be fielded at any given time was to allow wider participation among recreational players, which graduate students basically are.

Advocates of the cap had stated that while these former high level players are bona fide students of their respective schools (and have therefore met the basic qualification), the first among the league's unspoken hierarchy of principles, friendship and broadest participation, was given more weight.

The logic that was employed was that former varsity or professional players already had their chance and it would be unfair for them to crowd out working professional-students for whom sports is not the main preoccupation. One question raised was would it right to field a retired but healthy 35-year-old Manny Pacquiao in the ring against a 24-year- old part time student and full time professional, assuming boxing was in the Games' agenda and Pacquiao was a bona fide graduate business student?" (Philippine Star)

The quoted excerpt was made by a supposed professional columnist and a dean at that. So he uses deep words and grammar but if you can translate it all, it just adds up to becoming a poor sport or a baby crying due to lack of attention and milk. And to think these games were just sidelights, he is someone who certainly takes it seriously. Why not just buy trophies in all the sports and give it to your players? Maybe that way you can be happier.

There is no sense in competition if you are a poor sport and lack the maturity to prioritize what you should really be doing as a dean. So if you have someone leading you like this, you should not be surprised why your institution is slowly crumbling and losing its reputation. Maybe find someone who can lead the school better as far as curriculums are concerned rather than focusing on sports which are sidelights that any MBA graduate can do without.

Oh and he also said everything has been sorted out (in their favor no doubt!). But that is only because they are the ones hosting the event this year. Well, hopefully they win this year if not, I would put up or shut up.