By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

As the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and Lady Tamaraws competed in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 volleyball semifinals last Saturday, May 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the green-and-gold crowd saw its highest count of the season, acting as a vital boost to the University’s student-athletes.

After the Tamaraws’ finals-clinching victory over the De La Salle University Green Spikers,  24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, head coach Eddieson Orcullo highlighted the team’s gratitude for the community’s support.

“Actually, ‘yung crowd… kung wala naman ‘yung crowd, wala ‘yung fans, wala tayo dito ngayon kaya medyo nagpapasalamat kaming maigi… Maraming salamat po sa inyo kaya medyo nagiging maganda ‘yung trabaho ng bawat isa (Actually, the crowd… if they’re not there, the fans are not there, we wouldn’t be here so we’re really thanking them… It’s thanks to you that everyone’s job becomes great),” he said in the post-match press conference.

Orcullo also included their families, sponsors, and the FEU staff in his thanks related to their success.

However, the ‘sea of gold’ was not just there behind success—they were also present to support amid defeat.

The Lady Tamaraws fell victim to a 25-20, 25-22, 23-25, 14-25, 15-17 reverse sweep loss against the defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs. Despite this downfall, head coach Tina Salak did not forget to recognize the crowd‘s effort and encouragement.

“Eto ata ‘yung largest crowd namin [since] Season 84… Hindi namin puwedeng itago sa sarili namin na ‘yung community talaga bumubuhay sa team. Sila talaga ang nagbibigay sa’min ng inspiration and also sobrang thankful kami kasi hanggang dulo, hindi kami binitawan (This might be our largest crowd since during Season 84… We can’t keep it to ourselves that the community is what gives life to the team. They’re the ones who inspire us and we’re also very thankful because they didn’t let go till the end),” she stated.

Whether through the classic “Let’s Go Tamaraws” cheer, just sheer shouts and drum beats, or united crowd waves, the green-and-gold community did not hold back in showing their support for the Morayta-based squads.

More than just entertainment

Leading the efforts to bring back the sea of gold this season and continuously reinforce the varsity teams are the FEU Wellness and Recreation Program (WRP), FEU TAMbayers, FEU Cheerleaders, and FEU Drummers. In their dream of success, it is clear that it is rooted not just in the enjoyment of sports, but also in the school pride the teams fight for.

Before the recent semifinal matches, the WRP Department gave out 1,000 free tickets to students—an increase from the usual 200 for three credit hours each. Students who have already claimed their hours were also given the chance to do so again.

For the FEU TAMbayers who raise funds for cheering materials, Ramon Orolfo Jr., one of the organizers, shared the group’s joy for their joint efforts coming to fruition.

“The feeling is overwhelming and heartwarming… Alumni, students, fans—all of them contribute to the success stories of our student-athletes. The FEU TAMbayers community is very happy and elated to witness the “sea of gold” and make waves in the UAAP scene every season.” he said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

The TAMbayers admin also emphasized their unchanging support regardless of the different results of games, including the recent semifinals.

“We are here not only during victories, but most importantly, when setbacks arise... Volleyball is what unites us, and it is a sport that fuels the ‘Be Brave’ mantra of FEU. We believe that our passion for the sport and the school spirit magnify the teams’ strength, courage, and resilience,” Orolfo stated.

Meanwhile, FEU Cheerleaders coach Liano Malit highlighted the students’ shift from just needing credit to developing the desire to support the athletes.

“It was a heartfelt thanks to all our FEU supporters. Seeing the FEU side [with] a big crowd, dati kasi, some students watch just for WRP credits but now they watch to support… Also, I really love seeing the ‘sea of gold’ in the arena,” he said in a separate interview.

Malit then mentioned his pride in being able to lead the Cheerleaders and Drummers in igniting the FEU school spirit within students.

“I feel proud as an alumnus of FEU to pass this school spirit to the current generation [of] students and as [the/an] coach, I’m very, very proud of my FEU Cheerleaders and Drummers who are giving their blood and sweat just to keep our crowd cheering,” he added.

With the FEU Tamaraws’ battle for the men’s volleyball championship about to take place on Sunday, May 11, at the same venue, Orolfo and Malit reminded the whole FEU community to continue supporting the team on their way to success, reiterating the mantra of #GoldIsTheGoal. 

- With reports from Joshua Kyle Beltran

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)