Written by: Samik
Edited by: Noah
Graphic by: Lia
Pre-IASAS, more commonly known as Pre-I, has long been a part of the Bearcat sports calendar. For athletes, it’s more than just a tournament; rather, it’s a chance to test themselves against regional competition, travel with their teammates, and get a taste of the pressure that IASAS will bring. Coaches often see Pre-I as a useful checkpoint where strategies or lineups get tested before the main event. But as costs rise and schedules become tighter, the question lingers: Is Pre-I truly essential, or has it become something bigger than it should be?
At its core, Pre-I is designed as a tournament delegated to athletes to help mimic IASAS, hosted by one of the IASAS schools. The tournament aims to simulate the pressure of the travel and atmosphere of IASAS. For many, it is also how athletes assess their training in relation to the competition. Another crucial point that Pre-I offers is strengthening team bonds and morale, something that practice cannot sufficiently build. Whether it’s from the flight, bus rides, meals, or more, these moments further help the team when they cheer each other on the court. Coaches also point out how a small group of voices can change the atmosphere of a game, and players themselves will tell you how much those moments matter. “It gave me an idea of how strong the teams were and how each player plays,” said Amy, a sophomore volleyball player. “It also gave me an idea of how the environment would be since it’s like a mini IASAS.”
Still, not everyone feels that Pre-I lives up to the standards that it should. A few athletes pointed out that since not every IASAS school participates, the competition that is played is not a clear reflection of the actual tournament. This suggests that Pre-I is a tradition rather than a competition that prepares student athletes for the actual IASAS. Many players, despite competing in Pre-I, feel unsure whether IASAS will be similar to Pre-I or not. Furthermore, others mention the more practical aspects, such as missing classes, paying for travel, and dealing with a rather complicated and packed schedule, which leads some to feel that the trip is more of a distraction than preparation. For them, the biggest takeaway isn’t working on their skills, but the time spent bonding with their teammates and creating memories that will last well beyond the season. Simon, a sophomore badminton player, stated that “It was more about the experience, it doesn’t really help you that much for IASAS but gives you more time for bonding with the team and your friends.” Of course, as an underclassman, Simon’s view may differ from that of juniors and seniors, who often feel the pressure of balancing academics and athletics more sharply especially with the IB diploma coursework.
Some athletes also note that the teams they face in Pre-I are not playing at their full potential. Since many schools don’t send their top players, the competition often feels watered down and doesn’t accurately represent IASAS. Additionally, local competition in the Philippines may be stronger than that of Pre-I schools, providing student athletes with high-quality matches without the travel and fees. Furthermore, teachers share concerns about the impact on academics. With multiple days of class lost, lessons get disrupted. Geography teacher Ms. James highlighted the balance, explaining that while “Pre-IASAS has a huge benefit as it allows athletes to be exposed to some of the same people they’re going to be competing against, it can be hard, especially for grade 12 students, since that time of year is extremely busy for them.” Yet, she added, “ I do firmly believe that there is more to life than just academics, and the experiences one has traveling to other schools and making friends are well worth the time.” Ultimately, her words reflect the dual nature of Pre-I as it can strain academics, but also provide lasting experiences that shape both athletes and teams beyond the scoreboard.
While all these concerns are valid, Pre-I still offers an indispensable experience to student-athletes, preparing them for the official IASAS tournament. Missing a few classes may be inconvenient, but the skills that are built in these tournaments, such as leadership, responsibility, carry off the court or field. This bonding may not directly affect the scoreboard, yet it often determines whether a team can thrive under true IASAS pressure. In that sense, Pre-I isn’t excessive at all; rather, it is an investment in both for performance and community.
