Saint Louis University (SLU), home to camaraderie, excellence, and enthusiasm, unveiled an electrifying spectacle on campus this year, bringing back in full force the SLU Intramurals 2023.
Wearing their team colors – athletic, eager, and pumped up – Louisian athletes trooped to the Prince Bernhard Gym for the opening of the Intramurals on 14 October 2023.
A cornerstone of campus life, SLU’s ‘intrams’ provides students with a unique outlet for physical activity, social connection, and life skills development.
Further, this year, after decades of anticipation and excitement, it was with immense joy, pride, and enthusiasm that SLU, through President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, introduced the official University mascot – NAVI.
“After a very, very long wait… as it took the University more than a century to give birth to a symbol of unity, positivity, and the indomitable spirit of the SLU community… today offers a lovable gift,” said Rev. Fr. Sales he introduced NAVI.
With resounding applause, the Louisian community warmly welcomed NAVI.
NAVI Wins the Heart of the Louisian Community
As Rev. Fr. Sales mentioned, it took more than a century to give birth to a blue bear named ‘NAVI’, the official SLU mascot.
A collaborative project of the University Information Office and the School of Engineering and Architecture, NAVI’s name was derived from the word “navigation,” reflecting the University’s commitment to guiding its students through the journey of knowledge, personal growth, and academic exploration.
NAVI’s character seamlessly integrates four core principles:
First, it is a Navigator— It embodies the spirit of an expert navigator. Reflecting the essence of academic excellence and guidance, it serves as a beacon for students, faculty, and the entire SLU community.
Just as how a skilled navigator charts the course through unexplored waters, it guides individuals on their educational journey, fostering a sense of direction and purpose. This expertise in navigation goes beyond mere knowledge of academic subjects as includes a deep understanding of the educational landscape, resources, cultures, policies, strategies, and mission.
Second, it is an Altruist— At the heart of its character lies the principle of altruism. It represents selflessness, community service, and the collective call to uphold the missions of the CICM. It encourages a spirit of giving, kindness, and social and environmental responsibility, reinforcing the values of compassion and empathy within and beyond the University community. As an Altruist, it inspires individuals to contribute positively to the world around them.
Third, it is a Victor— It is a sign of success and achievement, both in academic pursuits and in the wider world of life. While embodying the competitiveness, tenacity, and courage that define the SLU spirit, it inspires all to strive for excellence and triumph in their endeavors.
Fourth, it is an Innovator— Innovation is the driving force behind its character. As an Innovator, it symbolizes the progressive spirit of Saint Louis University. It encourages a mindset of creativity, curiosity, and groundbreaking thinking. It is not just a representation of tradition but also a herald of innovation, stirring the SLU community to embrace change as a favorable force and contribute to the advancement of goodwill, knowledge, and society.
NAVI is certainly a vibrant embodiment of the values that the University holds dear. With it, the SLU community will journey towards greater horizons— charting a legacy of academic and missionary excellence.
In its first public appearance, NAVI’s presence was embraced by the SLU community with warmth, excitement, and exhilaration. NAVI is certainly a vibrant embodiment of the values that the University holds dear. With it, the SLU community will journey towards greater horizons— charting a legacy of academic and missionary excellence.
According to Don Gabriel Beronilla, SOM student, “Iniisip ko tao ba si NAVI, artista or band ba siya, but eventually mascot pala. Kasi we have the traditional mascot competition before na bawat school mayroong mascot ‘yan per school. But now we have our own mascot, so parang si NAVI nagiging identity siya ng isang Louisian, so maganda na meron si NAVI. Hindi ko in-expect na gano’n parang more than expected. And very modern and very fun siyang tignan, engaging siya.” [I was wondering if NAVI was a person, an artist or a band, but eventually it turned out to be a mascot. Because we have the traditional mascot competition before that every school has to have a mascot. But now we have our own mascot, so it’s like NAVI, he’s becoming the identity of a Louisian, so it’s nice to have NAVI. It’s more than I expected, he is very modern, very fun to watch, and engaging.]
Intrams’ opening fills PB gym
Prince Bernard (PB) Gym was swarmed by Louisians the moment the SLU Symphonic Band began the Drumline Exhibition that ignited the spirit of competition and rhythm at the highly anticipated sports season.
The Parade of Athletes then ushered in vibrant hues from the spirited march of participants from the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), the School of Advanced Studies (SAS), the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), the School of Law (SOL), the School of Medicine (SOM), the School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).
Spectators were kept at the edge of their seats with the stunning performance of the Symphonic Band at the sight of their respective athletes, flag bearer, muse, dean, and their faculty and student sports coordinators.
The SLU Glee Club set the grandiose tone of the opening ceremonies. The riveting opening dance performance of the SLU Dance Troupe then seamlessly segued into the moment of profound significance- the Lighting of the Torch. This ceremonial act serves as a beacon into the honorable realm of athleticism, sportsmanship, and competition.
In celebration of the festivities, a dance exhibition of NAVI with the SLU Dance Troupe and the Intramural Athletes filled Prince Bernhard with exuberance as NAVI showed his grooves and moves, and thereafter led the Oath of Amateurism.
Awarding of Trophies to SLU Intramurals 2022-2023 Top 3
The opening ceremony was also marked by the awarding of the Top 3 Schools during the Intramurals 2022-2023.
The 3rd Overall was STELA– having championed Badminton Men, Futsal Women, and Judo Men and Women. Receiving the award were STELA former Dean, now our Vice President for Academics Dr. Felina Espique, the current STELA Dean, Dr. Mary Pauline Namoca, Associate Dean, Dr. Teresita Ignacio, the former Faculty Sports Coordinator Mr. Marcelino Laguyo and the current Faculty Sports Coordinator Mr. Dennis Daw-as and STELA Student Sports Coordinator, Mr. John Phillip Sia.
The 2nd Overall was SAMCIS who topped Basketball Men, Chess Men, Chess Women, and Futsal Men. Those who received the trophy were SAMCIS Officials Ms. Glory Dela Peña, Officer-in-Charge; Ms. April Gumnad, Associate Dean; Ms. Ernestine Navarro, former Faculty Sports Coordinator; Mr. Joseph Mendoza, Faculty Sports Coordinator; Ms. Angeline Paned and Mr. Mardrig Matias, the Student Sports Coordinators.
The Overall Champion was SEA– winning as champs in Basketball Women, Sepaktakraw, Table Tennis Men, Table Tennis Women, Taekwondo Men, Taekwondo Women, Volleyball Men and Volleyball Women. Engr. Jeffrey Des Binwag, SEA Dean; Engr. Caroline Moncada, Associate Dean; Engr. Eleazar Santiago, Former Faculty Sports Coordinator; Arch. Mike Arias, Current Faculty Sports Coordinator; and Ms. Vio Villalon.
Roars from the Stands: the Bleacher Cheering Competition 2023
After three years of hiatus, the Bleacher Cheering Competition returned with a high level of vigor, dynamism, and passion.
Of the five participating schools in the competition, the School of Medicine (SOM) reigned as the winner, successfully defending their championship title. With coordinated moves, striking props, and captivating choreography, SOM outshone other competing schools. Claiming the first runner-up position is the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), closely followed by the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) as the second runner-up.
As part of the competition, drummers and cheerleaders were also given the spotlight, and the following clinched the special awards:
- Best Drummer: Elian Akia, SOM Student; and
- Best Cheerleader: Aaron Ambas, 3rd Year BS Architecture
Participants were very zealous as they took part in the bleacher cheering competition.
As Aaron Ambas, this year’s Best Cheerleader, remarked, “Very much happy po talaga and fulfilled kasi dati sa social media ko lang nakikita yung mga bleacher cheering and now na bumalik na po siya ulit tas nagkaplace kami at nanalo ako as best cheerleader, sobrang unexpected na very happy and very thankful talaga kasi pinaghirapan po naming lahat ‘to. Hindi lang po ako, pati po yung members and the people behind po ng everything po.”
Ceremonial Toss Kicks-off Intrams 2023 Games
The ceremonial toss officially kicked-off the games. This was led by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Felina P. Espique, Vice President of the Administration Atty. Yzanne Merced, Vice President for Finance Dr. Roberto M. Arguelles, Coach Raymund Austria, representatives of the kick off games from the different schools, and NAVI.
The seven schools department would be competing in the following games:
- Basketball Men and Women
- Volleyball Men and Women
- Futsal Men and Women
- Table Tennis Men and Women
- Chess Men and Women
- Sepak Takraw
- Judo
- Taekwondo
- Badminton
- Scrabble
The SLU Intrams 2023 Opening Ceremony not only marked the commencement of thrilling athletic competitions, but also served as a powerful testament to the unity and vibrancy of the SLU community.
In camaraderie and sportsmanship, we look forward to the games, friendships, and memories. Let the flame of determination and excellence ignited today last throughout the entire intramurals season.
Let the games begin!
Co-written by:
Atty. Johanne Margarette Macob
Kaye Leah Sitchon
Francheska Erfe
Mae Janica Palkit
Kristine Ingrid Rivera
Photos by:
CK Valeriano and Emmanuel Gregorio
