30/04/2026
| ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
by Rosegene Senario
โThis experience has given us clarity and direction. We take pride in what we have achieved, but we remain committed to doing better.โ
With this message, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Sports Director Engr. Ritchie Maribojoc framed the Lionsโ campaign in the 39th Eastern Visayas Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (EVRSCUAA) Games 2026 as a defining experience for the institution and its student-athletes.
After a week-long display of grit and intense competition, the delegation formally concluded its participation during the closing and awarding ceremony of the EVRSCUAA Games 2026 on April 24 at the Leyte Normal University (LNU) ORC Quadrangle.
NwSSU wrapped up the season with 10 gold, 11 silver, and 24 bronze medals, amassing a total of 45 medals, placing 9th overall. While falling short of the championship title, the Lions delivered notable performances that emphasized their skills and competitive drive on the regional stage.
For Engr. Maribojoc, the outcome serves as a point of reflection rather than a final verdict.
โUltimately, this yearโs performance is not a final measure of our capability, but a clear benchmark of where we are now,โ he shared in an interview with The Courier. โIt tells us what worked, what needs improvement, and where we should focus moving forward.โ
He also commended both medalists and non-medalists, emphasizing that victory and defeat are equally vital for an athleteโs growth. โTo those who won, your victories reflect your hard work and determination-but winning is not the finish line. To those who fell short, this is not the end of your story. Loss is part of the competition; it is where growth begins.โ
Engr. Maribojoc highlighted that the true measure of success lies in values such as character, resilience, and unity that were strengthened throughout the competition.
Leading this yearโs ranking is back-to-back champion Biliran Province State University with 87 gold, 78 silver, and 71 bronze medals, for a total of 236 medals, followed by Visayas State University with 83 gold, 27 silver, and 58 bronze medals, 186 medals in total. LNU secured third place with their medal haul of 80 gold, 55 silver, and 24 bronze medals, for a total of 159 medals.
As the EVRSCUAA Games 2026 concluded, it has also been announced that the next season is set to be hosted by the University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar.
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Layout by Dan Delda
Photos by Jaspher Deculawan
