By Father Hau Vu
January 30th was a beautiful morning. The sun was out, the air felt fresh, and everyone could tell something special was about to happen.
That day, the Seminarian Guardians played basketball against the eighth graders from Resurrection Academy, the Saints. And I am telling you, the seminarians did not take this game lightly. This felt like a big-time showdown, like Rocky vs Apollo, Pacquiao vs Mayweather, or David vs Goliath. It was a game worth watching.
For the previous two weeks, the seminarians had practiced hard. Some had not played since they were little kids. Some were rusty. But they kept going. Practice was tough. The day before the game, they even rested their legs and arms, because they knew the Saints were coming ready.
On their day off, they kept their minds on God. Then when it was game time, they brought their prayers and their training onto the court.
Oscar Montalvo played center, and he held the paint like a wall. He played like Shaquille O’Neal in his best days, strong, focused, and hard to move. The Saints had to fight for every chance near the basket.
Newly ordained Deacon Larry Curtis came ready. His ball handling was on fire. It felt like he asked the Holy Spirit for help and then went out there with confidence.
Matthew Glaudini took some big shots, some looked like they almost came from the moon. But his defense and his passes were huge. The crowd got loud because he kept helping the team in so many ways.
Joshua Doran worked the court like he was born to play basketball. Some people would say he could have gone far in the sport, but now he is playing for the Lord, and you could see his heart in every play.
Juan Samaniego moved fast and smooth. He played like Spider-Man without the costume, quick feet, big energy, and fearless.
Cesar Caldera brought grit and good sportsmanship. He supported the team, stayed strong, and played the right way.
Fr. Arinze coached the team, and you could tell he was proud. Someone might have looked at his face and wondered, is that sweat, or tears of joy, because he cared that much.
In the end, both teams fought hard. The Saints played with heart. The seminarians played with brotherhood and joy. Who won, I won’t say, because this was a game between two strong teams, and both stood tall. If you ask me, they both came out champions.
This was one of the best games of Catholic Schools Week. I hope more teams will come challenge the seminarians, because right now they are flying high, God is with them, and they are not easy to beat.
Father Hau Vu is the Diocesan Vocations Director.