The sudden nature of the departure of University of the East’s head coaches for both of the seniors volleyball teams led to an unconventional replacement.
UE’s UAAP board member Rod Roque took over for both the men’s and women’s teams earlier today. The new coach, however, maintained status quo and failed to lead either squads to wins, Saturday.
Roque concedes that he might be be coaching both squads until the end of UAAP Season 80 since the coaches they’re eyeing are busy with other commitments.
“Actually, we’re eyeing other coaches already. But mali ‘yung timing.
“It has to be perfect timing kasi ‘yung mga kinakausap namin may ibang commitment. Tatapusin muna nila ‘yung commitment nila doon bago sila pumunta sa amin,” rued Roque, who has studied and worked all his life for the Recto-based university.
Roque was an accomplished coach in the boy’s division, having won numerous titles in the UAAP and Palarong Pambansa since 1996.
However, he concedes that revamping both programs is going to be difficult, since he has only had the reins for two days. He added that he might have to take over for the rest of the season if no coach can commit in the following weeks.
“Mahirap kasi people might expect a miracle. Sabi ko nga sa UE management, do not expect a miracle kasi miracle doesn’t happen overnight. I’m trying to do my best,” said Roque, an accomplished gymnast in high school and college.
He also gave the reason why Lady Warriors head coach Francis Vicente departed.
“I think we all have an idea kung bakit siya umalis. Pero ang sinabi niya sa amin personal reason daw,” Roque revealed.
“So ‘yun na lang ang sasabihin namin. We respect his decision.”
Both the Red Warriors and the Lady Warriors are winless through six matches.
