NCAA to evaluate probes EAC, Lyceum at the end of season

The NCAA will evaluate the performance of Emilio Aguinaldo College and Lyceum of the Philippines University at the end of the upcoming season to determine if the two probationary schools deserve to finally become regular members, starting 2015-16.

EAC is on its sixth, while Lyceum is on its third and final probationary year in the country’s oldest collegiate league. Both schools look to follow in the footsteps of new regular member Arellano, which joined the league at the same year as EAC, but gained the nod ahead.

“If they comply with the requirements required of probationary school to be elevated to regular-member status, ‘dun natin malalaman,” management committee chairman Paul Supan said on Tuesday in the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association (PSA) Forum.

According to the Jose Rizal University ManCom representative, participation - and a competitive showing - in all sporting events, as well as knowledge and compliance of league rules are among the factors to be considered.

So far, EAC and Lyceum have been taking part in all events since it became probationary members.

“We’ll do our best para hindi sila mabigyan ng dahilan na hindi kami gawing regular,” Lyceum’s ManCom representative and athletic director, Hercules Callanta, said last week.

One school that seems to face a tougher climb back to the league is Philippine Christian University.

PCU was involved in an eligibility scandal that resulted in its suspension in 2006. After returning in Season 84 in 2008, the Taft-based school has since taken an indefinite leave of absence.

“Based on our last discussion with them, they need to re-apply to regain entry,” Supan said.

PCU needs to file an application letter and secure an endorsement from a current regular member to re-apply.

If and when the former NCAA general champion gets reinstated, it is still uncertain whether the school will regain its regular status or would have to serve probation all over again, Supan said.

“It will depend on future discussion.”

It appears PCU’s return won’t happen any time soon.

“For now, we’re okay with 10 schools,” Supan said. - Karlo Sacamos, SPIN