As the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) turns another leaf– its most historic chapter change to date– the “Grand Old League” continues to be the cradle of sports achievers and luminaries. 

It is, after all, the country’s longest-running collegiate athletic organization, and so its long-spanning impact and intergenerational reach are simply undeniable. 

With notable recruits and strategic acquisitions, age-old rivalries and hotly anticipated matchups– fueled by a distinctly superlative siglo uno energy– #NCAA100 will definitely have no shortage of historic moments that will breathe life into its centennial theme, “Inspiring Legacies.”

But “legacy is such a big word,” long-time NCAA sports broadcaster Coach Martin “Hammer” Antonio suggests. 

His claim is as cliche as it is true. While legacies are almost always synonymous to the laborious process that allows for its fruition, to affirm a legacy also means to measure using tangible impacts and produced outcomes.

“Legacy is echoed through generations. Me, as an athlete and a coach, it's how you inspire other people to be elevated and be better, thats how you build a legacy,” the former San Beda Red Lion, now a sports and conditioning coach, added. “It is how you affect other people through sports and in life, you elevate the environment around you.”

Inspiring a legacy entails deliberate action– like putting in the hard work and “waking up every day locked in,” says long-time sports commentator and influencer Anton Roxas, but its commencement, he believes, is often spontaneous and unplanned.

“Legacies can be made with just one moment. We've seen it in so many different sports, so I think for an athlete to inspire a legacy, they have to have the mindset that greatness can emerge at any given time and place,” he reminds.

Having covered so many sporting events and born witness to legendary icons through his 14 years of broadcast experience, Anton puts a premium on hard work and dedication.

“If an athlete wakes up everyday locked in wanting to give it his best, 100%, playing like there's no tomorrow– if that is the mindset, then that athlete will surely inspire legacies,” he concludes.

For sports anchor and Kapuso host Martin Javier, having a legacy means leading by example, and to be iconized by the youth for good reasons.

“They're good examples to the kids in their barangays, in their provinces… the fact that you reached this level, played in the NCAA – and basketball is tough here in the Phiippines– but just to make it to your varsity team in and get picked and recruited for a college team, napakahirap na ruta no,” says Javier. 

Martin, who has seen and heard moving stories of excellence and innovation as the host of the “24 Oras” segment “Game Changer,” thinks its the positive influence of one’s actions that defines their legacy.

“They've already inspired so many, and so many [young] athletes look up to them. Yung mga kwento nila, different backgrounds, iba-ibang pinanggaligan. We've heard stories na pumunta sila dito from the province nang walang pera, one way ticket,” the Kapuso host adds. 

“Their stories inspire the younger players and thats how they make their legacy.”

What’s marvelous about establishing a legacy is that, as huge and impactful as a legacy can be, it is always only as strong as all the small and at times unnoticed deeds that define it.

These gestures often occur behind the scenes but are a necessary precursor to festive moments of gold and glory– moments that have lasting impact and inspire generations. 

In fact, somebody’s legacy is another’s inspiration to create their own. 

A legacy, therefore, is the culminating fusion of one’s found purpose and the fulfillment of that purpose in an endless cycle of gifting inspiration and standing on the shoulders of giants. 

The NCAA kicks off its historic centennial season on Saturday, September 7 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, bannered by a double-header rematch of last season’s final four matchups.

The opening ceremony will also feature entertaining performances by P-pop girl group G22, SB19’s Justine de Dios, and theatre actor and singer Arman Ferrer.