Incoming host Colegio de San Juan de Letran plans to reduce its participation in the coming 96th National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The school will most likely participate in six events after efforts were made to cut down on its athletic operations for the school=year 2020-2021.
The status of Letran's involvement in the NCAA came to the fore after Letran rector and president Fr. Clarence Marquez, OP, made the recommendation reduce the schools' expenditures.
Marquez informed school officials that their institition has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the quarantine protocols imposed throughout Luzon since March 15.
He made this known in a letter sent to athletics moderator Fr.Vic Calvo.
“We have not made a decision to withdraw on events in the NCAA yet, as we have not yet met with the management committee, and a turnover has yet to happen. We're still deciding on this,” said Calvo.
“These are most difficult times for the Colegio. It is with a heavy heart that we are deciding on this matter. We continue to pray for the good health, safety, and well-being of all our student-athletes and coaches,” said Marquez in his statement.
For the coming school-year, many of Letran's student-athletes will be sent home to reduce expenses related to dormitories and meal privileges.
They will only be able to provide scholarships to 372 student-athletes, while reducing dorm expenses to 25 percent.
Athletes belonging Team B and those not in the official roster for the coming season of the NCAA will also be excluded from scholarships and discounts.
Marquez added that athletes who have maximized their years of eligibility will be granted an additional year of scholarship.
He also informed Calvo that the school needs to prepare for the eventuality that Season 96 will be delayed, suspended or scaled-down.
Because of this, he recommended to Calvo that Letran pull out from its participation in the NCAA in the fields of beach volleyball, swimming, athletics, and taekwondo.
As for their involvement in the NCAA, the school is set to reduce compensation for its coaches to 50%, scale down on its expenses on uniforms, team-building, and equipment.
Student-athletes will also be asked to concentrate on their academics.