Sunday Morning in Ateneo

I just dropped Matt off in Ateneo where the second module of the Ateneo Football Center is in full swing. If I wasn't feverish (I've been this way since I ate something terrible yesterday afternoon), I would have stayed to watch.

Nothing like a game of football, the smell of rain on the morning grass, the aroma of hot coffee from somewhere, and the shrill whistles that call for the start of activities.

Some folks bring books or laptops, but most watch the game going on. I watch intently and reminisce.

Time was while in the grade school, all we had were intrams and lightning football as moderated by Bro. Jess Oscariz. But when the late Chris Monfort put up the AFC, I'd say that it was the first organized sports system in the Ateneo. Even ahead of basketball. And when you think about the numerous championships from every level that sprang from it -- you can't help but be proud of it. I'd say Jong Castaneda has done a good job while inheriting the AFC from Chris.

It's fun to watch even seeing girls involved. The daughters of my neighbor and former ABL teammate Atty. Bert Mendoza all play in the AFC. Every module has some 300+ participants. There's even quite a number of students from other schools.

It's 730am Sunday morning and people are lining up to get their morning papers and Starbucks coffee. Then they haul out back onto the fields.

Nothing like a game of football, the smell of rain on the morning grass, the aroma of hot coffee from somewhere, and the shrill whistles that call for the start of activities.