By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense guards Harold Alarcon and Reyland Torres formally closed their collegiate chapters after posting heartfelt farewell messages addressed to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and its Maroon community.
The Negros Occidental’s Silay City native Alarcon, who spent five seasons with UP, reflected on his long stay with the program and the lessons he gained along the way.
“It is a privilege to wear and represent the Maroon jersey for five seasons. I learned a lot in those five years, each year bringing its own lessons,” Alarcon wrote.
“Been in my best and in my lowest, but nonetheless, it made me better,” he added.
The veteran guard credited his faith for helping him navigate both success and adversity during his UAAP career.
“I thank God everyday for giving me the strength and wisdom to face whatever challenges may come,” he said.
Alarcon also expressed deep appreciation for the UP coaching staff, singling out head coach Goldwin Monteverde and assistant coach Tom Chua, as well as to the UP community and supporters.
“The best crowds in UAAP. Thank you for the pride and the spirit you showed every game,” Alarcon said.
“Thank you for believing and staying faithful through wins and losses. I don’t know what the future holds. But I know who holds my future,” he added.
Four-year stint
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City native Torres capped his four-year stint with the Fighting Maroons by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent the university.
“Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong makapaglaro ng basketball at mai-representa ang University of the Philippines sa apat na taon,” Torres said.
He thanked his teammates, coaches and the UP community for their constant support.
“Maraming salamat sa mga teammates na naging pamilya ko na sa loob at labas ng court. At sa UP community [at] sponsors na walang sawang sumuporta sa bawat laban, masaya man o malungkot,” he added.
Torres ended his farewell by affirming his attachment to the program and his faith.
“Dadalhin ko habangbuhay lahat ng alaala, aral at karangalan na makapagsuot ng Maroon,” Torres wrote, adding, “Maroon 5! I love you all.”
The messages mark the official departure of Alarcon and Torres from the UP men’s basketball team, ending their respective tenures with the Fighting Maroons as they move on to the next stage of their basketball careers./ASC, WDJ