Ni Marivic Awitan
KASUNOD ng iba’t-ibang ispekulasyon at mga ‘di tuwirang mga pahayag, nagbigay na ng kanilang panig ang pamunuan ng University of Santo Tomas hinggil sa paglipat ni dating La Salle coach Aldin Ayo sa UST bilang bagong coach ng Tigers sa UAAP.
Sa statement na inilabas ng UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, pormal nilang inihayag ang mainit na pagtanggap kay Ayo.
“At the conclusion of the first half of UAAP Season 80, the University of Santo Tomas community expresses gratitude for another year of memorable collegiate basketball, recognizing that each season always offers opportunities not only to celebrate victories, but also to learn and grow from losses no matter how heartbreaking they could be,” ang bungad ng nasabing pahayag.
“As the university moves forward in preparation for the next season, the Thomasian community welcomes the new head coach of the UST Growling Tigers, Coach Aldin Ayo.”
Isinaad din sa mensahe ng UST ang rason ng unibersidad kung bakit si Ayo ang pinili nila para pumalit sa dating coach nilang si Boy Sablan.
Una na rito, ang misyon na pinapangaral ni Ayo sa kanyang mga players na tapusin ang kanilang pag –aaral bago ang basketball.
“The basketball program that he espouses is based on discipline that gives primary importance to the academic life of the student-athletes, believing that athletes who are hardworking in their studies are likewise those who are able to handle themselves properly both on and off the court.”
“This is the same ideal that UST has constantly advocated since the inception of its athletic program,” nakasaad pa sa pahayag.
Isa pang dahilan ay ang achievement at credentials ni Ayo bilang coach.
“Coach Ayo is a well-accomplished coach who is likewise more than willing to accomodate the university’s modest salary scheme, thus demonstrating his desire to provide guidance to his players in this educative process outweighs all else.”
Samantala, inaasahan din ng pamunuan ng UST na mananatiling nagkakaisa ang Thomasian community sa nasabing pagbabago sa men’s basketball team.
“We look forward with much hope and gratitude as we remain one with the entire UST community and alumni in our commitment to the formation of well-rounded Thomasian student-athletes through excellent sports program.”
