Flag Football Super Bowl: A Journey to Glory

In sports, few achievements are as coveted and celebrated as winning the Super Bowl. The flag football championship, scheduled last October 19, 2023, occurred at Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex as part of the Velez College intramurals. For Lino Emmanuel U. Buray, awarded the Super Bowl MVP of flag football from the College of Physical and Occupational Therapy, this accomplishment was the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and teamwork.

For him, winning the Super Bowl was a profound experience. He shared, "Winning the Super Bowl is no small feat as we are defending our title left to us by our seniors.” He added that the feeling was exuberant, and that “seeing all the support from our teachers, classmates, and alumni, that's what stood out to me – it's incredible to be a part of this team or family, working ourselves to be considered the best. As far as sports go, there is no greater feeling than winning a championship."

Prior to this experience, Buray’s journey in flag football began as a freshman when he was introduced to the sport by his seniors. He emphasized the growing flag football community in Velez and Cebu as his source of motivation, driving him to excel and compete with the best. It is a sport that demands speed and agility, but Buray reminds us that there is much more to it. "There are many aspects to consider in playing flag football, not just speed and agility,” he shared. “I have worked myself physically by being mentally prepared, enduring rigorous training, and building stronger bonds with my teammates."

In flag football, quick decision-making is essential. Buray shared an insight into the pressure of the game: "Each drive in flag football is crucial and requires quick decision-making. Every game we play and the decisions we make on the field have a significant impact on our games that led us to a championship I'll never forget."

In any sport, sportsmanship is vital. The Super Bowl MVP emphasized that as an athlete, there is a standard set of values "by being honest and respectful to the game that we love.” Regardless of victory or defeat, he stated that “we encourage our teammates to have a positive attitude and promote camaraderie inside or outside the field for a positive environment."

Buray’s success is also attributed to his team's strong ability to analyze and react to opposing teams. He said, "Listening and trusting one another, especially our coaches, helped us overcome and react to our opposing team's plays. Putting our minds to show what we do best, to believe and to have faith, we went out and we did it."

Flag football fosters camaraderie among teammates, and Buray values these relationships. "Building an off and on-the-field relationship is very important to maintain the integrity and positive environment of this sport,” he said. Talking to teammates about more than just flag football helps them support each other in improving on the field. “Communicating with other players, having to talk about something beyond flag football then that transitions onto the field by helping one another push themselves to be better.”

To those interested in flag football, Buray imparts these words of advice and encouragement: "Just go out there and play ball. You have the talent. Learn, love, enjoy, and play one game at a time."