By CYRUS M. GARDE
BACOLOD City — Ceres–University of St. La Salle coach Freddie “Nene” Lazarito went to Palarong Pambansa in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, to scout for football players to boost his team in the opening year.
He did not fail and was able to convince five graduating high school students.
Lazarito opined that he cannot compete with the recruitment style of colleges and universities in Manila, but he managed to get five players from three regions, including Western Visayas.
The new players he recruited were Charles Ralph Allan Dabao, a graduate of Holy Cross–Dumaguete and Shane Larry Sarmiento of Cebu’s Abellana National School.
Joining them were Charles Ivan Barberan of Bukidnon National High School, from northern Mindanao, and KJay Gedor of San Joaquin, Iloilo, and Patric Joy Amanquiton of Bago City, Negros Occidental.
Lazarito, a multi-titled football coach, hopes these players, who are not new to playing local football, will add muscles to his team next year.
Ceres–University of St. La Salle is the defending champion in the National Private Schools Athletic Association Meet.
The team is bankrolled by Leo Rey Yanson in its team formation and participation in football competitions./PN
