GCA: Character counts on the court

The heart of a champion lies in both an athlete’s physical performance and their will to win. For Grace Christian Academy high school basketball players, being a winner has also meant having a positive attitude.

GCA boys and girls teams both garnered the coveted Sportsmanship Award during the recently concluded Coalition of Private Schools Sports Association High School Basketball League. The league, which ran from April 1 to May 9, 2008, pitted players from Saipan International School, Mt. Carmel School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, and GCA.

GCA boys placed second in the competition, while the girls’ team placed third. However, both teams take pride in their sportsmanship nod.

“The coalition has set that this is the true purpose of the league, winning the right character for our students,” said coach Benjie Ganapin about the recognition.

The sportsmanship award was voted by the team coaches and the referees for good character and attitude of, not only players, but also coaches and fans.

So what was Ganapin’s game plan that makes a winning sportsmanship combination?

“We always remind the kids that they should win against their internal enemies—negative things within them—not just against their opponents. In this league you battle your own fear,” said Ganapin. “Know and overcome your weaknesses, then have good character. That’s the goal.”

That’s an aggressive game plan for Ganapin himself, who made his debut this season as the school’s basketball coach. GCA senior Renato Batallones added that although his team didn’t win first place, he’s happy with their performance.

“It’s a privilege to win the sportsmanship award,” Batallones said. “I believe in the future we will be a better and stronger team. We will keep it up and encourage our teammates to strive for the best.”

Ganapin also credited assistant coach Genesis Prieto and parent John Santos for their support during the season. He noted that character training is a priority for the school and is supported by teachers, discipline officers, and the school’s own mandated Expected School Learning Results.

“As the coach, I try to implement our school mission statement, which is to partner with the home to produce vibrant, confident, and loving students that excel in their academic pursuits committed to Jesus Christ,” said Ganapin. “As a team, we make it a point to pray before and after each practice and game. We pray for our opponents, too.”

The boys’ team members are Aaron Miron, Abraham Sandig, Asher Sandig, Brandon Chargualaf, Dae Won Jeon, Ian Pascua, J.J. Lewis, James Sakamoto, Jimmy Phan, John Conti, Kevin DeLeon, Luther Taylor, Nathan Chargualaf, Peter Sablan, and Renato Batallones.

The girls’ team members are Bethanie Batallones, Darleen Barcelon, Eleina Hofschneider, Jo Hannah Cabrera, Love Dela Rosa, Colleen Kinsella, Janet Phan, Antonette Labausa, Cyril Marasigan, Kristen Pangelinan, Kali Ann O’Connor, Riccki Pamintuan, Brooke Sablan, Marie Javier, and Lia Rangamar.