Ever since figuring in an accident, ex-Letran Knight and current-Southern Philippine Colleges head coach Rey Dangcal had always had to climb mountains. And he has made sure to pass it on to his wards.
Dangcal, who was born and raised in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, figured in a motorcycle mishap back in 2008 that resulted to him being bound to a wheelchair due to a broken back.
But it did not stop him from continuing to pursue his dream and live the sport he loves, becoming the head coach of SPC-CDO.
And in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go/NBTC National Finals presented by SM, he made sure to instill the same mindset he has in life with the kids when they play.
“From the start mula sa practice namin isa lang sinabi ko sa mga bata, ‘Kung ako hindi ma-late, kung ako wala dahilan para makarating sa gusto nating gawin, bakit kayo hindi?,” Dangcal shared.
“Kung ako nga nagawa ko, bakit kayo hindi?
“Kung ako hindi nale-late sa practice, bakit kayo male-late? Anong rason? Walang rason ‘di ba? Yun, mino-motivate ko sila. Positive lang,” he continued.
During the Super 32 of the Nationals, SPC-CDO stunned favorites AusPinoy-Australia, 69-67, after a buzzer-beater by Vance Caterbas. Though they were eliminated in the Supreme 16 by San Beda-Manila, they were able to reach new heights for their program.
“Well, regarding dun sa panalo namin, we came here prepared. Ang pinaka bottomline nun is we are blessed. Right from the start, way back from our Cagayan journey, medyo napapansin ko na nandun na yung blessing ng Panginoon sa amin,” expressed Dangcal.
“Ito po yung pinaka biggest namin na achievement. Pinakamalaki! Sa management po namin nagpapasalamat kami first time po sila nag support ng all out ngayon. Everything binigay nila sa mga bata.”
With this, the champions from Mindanao are looking to grow together more this year, hoping for another chance to make themselves known in the country come next season.
“It is very important kasi itong first game ito yung parang meter namin if we really belong here in this league. Credit to the boys for giving everything – their heart, their balls, and their minds.”