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Discover the Best Facilities and Activities at Sarangani Provincial Sports Complex

Walking through the gates of Sarangani Provincial Sports Complex last week, I couldn’t help but feel a jolt of excitement—not just as a sports enthusiast, but as someone who’s spent years observing how top-tier facilities shape athletic careers. This place isn’t just another provincial arena; it’s a carefully designed hub where community spirit and professional sports ambitions intersect. And with the recent news that the eight-team lineup for the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals is officially locked in, I’ve been reflecting on how complexes like Sarangani play a pivotal role in nurturing the talent we see on national stages. Let me take you through what makes this complex stand out—not as a detached observer, but as someone who genuinely believes well-maintained facilities can change the game for athletes and fans alike.

First off, the infrastructure here is seriously impressive. I’ve visited dozens of sports centers across the Philippines, and Sarangani’s main stadium, with its capacity for around 5,000 spectators, strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and grandeur. The seating isn’t just rows of plastic chairs; it’s tiered for optimal visibility, and the sightlines from every angle are clean—something I wish more local venues would prioritize. During my visit, I watched a local volleyball exhibition match, and the energy in the stands was electric. It’s no surprise that this kind of environment is ideal for high-stakes events like the upcoming PVL quarterfinals. The court surface itself is FIVB-certified, which might sound technical, but trust me, it makes a world of difference in player performance. I’ve spoken with athletes who’ve competed here, and they rave about the consistent bounce and reduced injury risk—factors that can sway the outcome of a tight match.

Beyond the main arena, the complex boasts a range of facilities that cater to both elite athletes and everyday visitors. There’s a fully equipped gym with around 40 state-of-the-art machines, including pneumatic resistance trainers that I personally found smoother than what you’d see in many commercial fitness centers. Adjacent to that, the aquatic center features an Olympic-sized swimming pool maintained at a precise 28 degrees Celsius—a detail that might seem minor, but as a former swimmer, I know how crucial water temperature is for endurance. What really won me over, though, were the smaller touches: the shaded jogging paths winding through lush greenery, the clean and accessible locker rooms, and even a recovery zone with physiotherapy stations. It’s this holistic approach that sets Sarangani apart; it’s not just about hosting games but fostering long-term wellness.

Now, let’s talk activities. While the PVL quarterfinals will undoubtedly draw crowds—I’m already planning to attend at least two of the matches—the complex’s calendar is packed with options for all ages. I dropped by on a Saturday morning and saw kids as young as six participating in a grassroots volleyball clinic, while their parents joined Zumba sessions in the outdoor plaza. It’s this blend of competitive and community-driven programming that, in my view, makes Sarangani a model for other provinces. On average, the complex hosts over 200 events annually, from regional tournaments to wellness workshops, and that diversity keeps the space vibrant year-round. Personally, I’d love to see more nutrition seminars or sports psychology talks integrated here; it’s a missed opportunity to not leverage such a versatile venue for athlete development beyond physical training.

Of course, no facility is perfect, and I have a few gripes. The parking area can get cramped during peak events—I’d estimate it accommodates only about 300 vehicles, which led to a minor hassle when I visited during a regional basketball finals. Also, while the concession stands offer decent snacks, the options are a bit heavy on fried foods; adding healthier, protein-packed choices would align better with the complex’s wellness ethos. But these are minor issues in the grand scheme. What truly matters is how Sarangani has become a catalyst for local sports culture. With the PVL quarterfinals featuring eight teams, including fan favorites like Creamline and Petro Gazz, this complex is poised to showcase how provincial hubs can rival Metro Manila’s venues in both quality and atmosphere.

Wrapping up, my experience at Sarangani Provincial Sports Complex left me optimistic about the future of Philippine sports. It’s more than just a backdrop for the PVL’s exciting quarterfinals; it’s a living, breathing space where dreams are forged and communities connect. As we gear up for the 2024-25 season, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how this venue elevates the player and fan experience. If you haven’t visited yet, do yourself a favor and drop by—whether for a world-class match or a quiet jog, it’s a testament to what happens when we invest in spaces that honor both sport and spirit.

Fiba Eurocup Final
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Fiba Europe Cup Final
Leah Schnell ’01
Fiba Europe Cup Basketball
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Fiba Eurocup Final
Dr. Ralph Swearngin

 

Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.

The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.

“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”

Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.

Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.

Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.

Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.