FORMER UST Golden Sox and instructor Paulino “Paul” Cruz died from a stroke Friday morning at the Metropolitan Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila. He was 71.
The College of Education graduate suited up as a pitcher and batter for the Golden Sox in the 1960s.
Tracksters head coach and Cruz’s colleague Emmanuel Calipes said the former gymnastics and volleyball instructor suffered a stroke last April 14.
After his stint as a player, Cruz became a faculty member of the then Department of Physical Education, where he taught volleyball and gymnastics to undergraduate students for 41 years from 1970 until his retirement in 2011.
“Salamat po sa encouragement during my high school years. Salamat for your support during my varsity years in college. Salamat po para sa walang sawang pagsuporta mula noon hanggang sa huli nating pagkikita. May you rest in peace,” UST Tiger Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said in a Facebook comment.
Cruz’s wake will go on from May 11 to 15 at the Sardius Chapel in Abad Santos Street, Manila. The internment will be on May 15, 9 a.m., at the La Loma Columbary.
Sincere sympathies and condolences to the Family of Sir Paul Cruz, a true Gold blooded Thomasian- a UST STUDENT-ATHLETE, A TEACHER TO GENERATIONS OF THOMASIANS, MY P.E. TEACHER.
Competent, Committed, Compassionate
Rest in Peace, Sir Paul Cruz.