One of University of the Philippines’ sporting greats passed away Monday morning.
Oscar Yoshihiro “Oskie” Santelices (September 16, 1961 – May 10, 2021) battled through COVID-19, but was pronounced dead at 1:05 a.m. on Monday.
He was 59 years old.
His wife Gwen posted the news on her Facebook account.
Santelices played for University of Santo Tomas in his stint in the UAAP.
After his collegiate years, he was hired to serve in UP’s faculty and then went on to coach its table tennis teams. He subsequently became its Varsity Office’s Director for six years.
In UAAP Season 80, Santelices was honored as part of the league’s great athletes during its opening ceremony.
The decorated tactician’s last championship was a memorable one, as he led the UP women’s team to a historic sweep of the erstwhile undefeated De La Salle University, headed by the late Ian Lariba, in UAAP Season 76.
The Lady Green Paddlers had the thrice-to-beat advantage in the Finals, but the Fighting Maroons had managed to take all the three team matches in the championship round en route to its sixth UAAP title.
He is survived by his wife Gwen and two sons, Jolo and Nigel.
