Hoping to extend the winning streak that started 14 years ago under the tutelage of coach Elvis Atinado, the West Negros University Mustangs will be gunning for their 14th straight title this year in men’s basketball of the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association.

The pressure to continue the `tradition’ rests on the shoulders of coach Troy Sarabia, who is in his fourth year as head coach of the Mustangs. Sarabia joined the team in 2009 and equalized his predecessor, Dennis Tumayan’s record of three titles. Atinado holds the distinction of steering the Mustangs to a seven-straight NOPSSCEA championship from 1999 to 2005.

“We are 90 percent ready now as we had several tune-up matches with teams in Iloilo City, the University of San Agustin and the University of Iloilo. We also played against the Adamson University recently as part of our team building,” Sarabia said.

But even with these tune-up games, Sarabia admitted that they had a stronger team last year.

“I admit that last year’s team is stronger than this year. We lost several key players like Michael Macon and Jonathan Evangelista, who both left; Rolly Jaca who already graduated, and Agustini Amar who is now with the University of the Philippines Maroons,” he said. “Also, we lost another guy, Jeff Sanchez, who transferred to another school,” Sarabia added.

With the three other NOPSSCEA teams – UNO-R, USLS, and CSA-B building up their squad, the Mustangs coach said they will be facing a tougher competition.

This season, WNU Mustangs will be bannered by veterans Rodulfo Salga, Santiago Rapiz Jr., Jan Kevin Lapore, Jeramer Cabanag, JV Veloso, Rashmor Catalino, John Christopher Ordilla, Jay-R Agdelo, Praislee, Geralde, Jordan Padilla and Rebonis Mabayag.

Also suiting up for team are newcomers Josue Segumpan, Renz Solomon, Kervie Andrada and Errol Doromal.

Working with Sarabia on the bench are assistant coaches Joebert Pastias and Bernard Suante, while team manager is Arturo Alegarbes.*

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