By Josh Benjamin Lajot
The gym pulsed with energy—cheers erupted, sneakers screeched, and every play felt heavier than the last. For the seniors, this wasn’t just a game. It was the final showdown, the last time they’d wear their college colors, and the moment they’d give everything before the buzzer sounded on their intramural journey.
These games have been more than just a competition for graduating students. They have served as a custom, an escape from the demands of school, and an outlet for friendships to grow. As a result, their final game was both a celebration of all they had accomplished and a reminder that their university athletic paths were coming to an end.
The Final Whistle
They were eager to play their hearts out, but the thought of not returning next season weighed on them. Adrenaline rushed, nostalgia hit, and the reality of their final game as students made every moment feel heavier.
“The intramurals mean a great deal to me, especially now that I’m a senior. It showcases unity, camaraderie, and a good time—most especially in the College of Mass Communication, where we are a family,” said Angelique Kara Sorbito, a senior from the College of Mass Communication.
Others recalled their first year, when they were unable to find their place on the court, the track, and the field. Some described how the intramurals turned into a haven where they could unwind, forget about their studies, and enjoy the sport they loved.
More Than Just a Game
For these athletes, the lessons extended far beyond the court. Even after college, the experiences of teamwork, perseverance, and camaraderie would stay with them. Late-night practices, tough losses, and hard-fought victories shaped them in ways they never expected.
Rafael Jaque Gotauco, a senior Bachelor of Music student, shared his unexpected yet heartfelt perspective, “The most memorable moment in my entire intrams journey since first year is losing all the time. I was just trying something out of the box. I still had fun!”
While some took great pride in winning championships, others discovered that their greatest happiness came from the small things, like post-game meals, sweaty meetings, and secret plans that united them beyond the scoreboard.
The End of an Era
When the final buzzer sounded, reality hit them—this was truly the end. They would only have memories engraved in their hearts; there would be no training for a new season or next year.
Those who had devoted years of their lives to the games were overcome with emotion, their eyes were filled with tears. For some, the court was a second home—a place where they built confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging that shaped their college years.
Some wished they had trained harder or savored every moment. Others found comfort in knowing they gave their all, leaving a legacy for future players to follow.
As the next generation of student-athletes take their place, they would look up to the seniors who had been there before them who taught them the value of playing with passion.
A New Chapter Awaits
The spirit of the game will live on even after their time of participating in university intramurals comes to an end. Whether they play in a different arena or simply use the knowledge they’ve gained in their careers, the memories will endure.
The seniors walk off the field one last time—not just as players, but as legends. The whistle blows, the crowd quiets, but their impact roars on. They leave behind sweat, triumph, and memories etched in every court, every match, every battle fought. One last game, but a legacy that never fades.
