In the heat of battle, most coaches are laser-focused on strategy and victory. But for Alpha Insurance head coach Mike Santos, sportsmanship came first.
Last Sunday, in the middle of a tense Spikers’ Turf Open Conference showdown against VNS-Laticrete, Santos’ attention shifted — not to the scoreboard, but to the far end of the opposing bench, where a struggling teenager lay on the floor, unable to stand.
What happened next was a rare moment of compassion.
RK Medino, a steady presence for the Griffins in their first three outings, had yet to check in. Instead, the 16-year-old lay on the floor at the end of the bench while a teammate frantically worked on his back, trying to loosen up stiffened muscles.
Medino was suffering from back spasms, leaving him unable to take the court from the opening whistle.
“Meron siyang back spasms eh. So hindi siya makatalon,” said VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo.
Despite missing a key player, VNS fought hard against fellow winless squad Alpha Insurance in a gritty, back-and-forth opening set. The Griffins showed resilience under pressure, finding ways to execute and eventually claiming the first frame.
As the teams switched sides, Santos appeared visibly concerned. After gathering his squad for a quick huddle, he pulled Alpha’s physical therapist aside, gesturing toward the opposite bench.
It turned out that Santos had instructed his team’s PT Grace Gomez to assist the struggling Medino.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Sobrang bait ng Alpha. Si Coach Mike (Santos), coach ko siya before, so nung sumakit ‘yung likod ni RK (Medino), nakita ni Coach Mike. In good deed, sinabi niya na may PT kami, baka gusto mong i-rehab natin,” shared Ocampo, recalling the kindness shown by his former mentor.
Thanks to the extra help, the Alas Pilipinas U18 standout managed to return in the fourth set. He used his 6-foot-3 frame to patrol the net and help VNS secure a hard-fought 25-21, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23 victory — marking their first win of the tournament.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanya nung fourth set, kahit mag-block ka lang kasi medyo hirap siya,” Ocampo added.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
After the match, Santos met Ocampo at center court, greeting him with a series of hearty claps in recognition of his former player’s victory.
He also took the time to speak with VNS’ young players, including Player of the Game CJ Segui — who erupted for 28 points — to give them well-deserved praise.
“Nakaka-overwhelm na nakakalaban mo ‘yung mga coach mo. Siyempre we look up to them. Tulad ako, I’m not gonna be this coach kung wala ‘yung naging coach ko. Salamat sa mga experience na binigay nila sa akin,” said Ocampo.
