CALL HIM the stabilizing factor.
It is no surprise that Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., a two-term UST rector, is now back at the helm of the Pontifical University so as to navigate the difficult transition following the recent leadership crisis that saw the resignation of the University’s top three officials.
Tasked by the Dominican Master Genereal Fr. Carlos Alfonso-Aspiroz, O.P. to spearhead the review of the redevelopment and expansion of the UST Hospital, De la Rosa was named acting rector after Fathers Edmund Nantes, O.P., Ernesto Arceo, O.P., and Juan Ponce, O.P., resigned as prior provincial, rector and vice-rector, respectively, last September 8.
It appears De la Rosa will get a permanent rectorship after all as he received the most number of votes from fellow Dominicans and UST officials during a three-level election this month.
UST LADY Spikers coach August Santamaria is now in stable condition following a health scare last March 2.
The seasoned volleyball tactician, who engineered UST’s Season 69 title quest last year, suffered a partial stroke at the right side of his body after coming home from a meeting in Quezon City, as the Tiger Spikers were battling Far Eastern University in Game 3 of the men’s volleyball finals.
Santamaria was rushed to the UST Hospital and was confined at the Sto. Niño ward, where he stayed for almost a month on the way to recovery.
“He’s better now. He can now respond and talk a little,” said assistant coach Cesael de los Santos who, along with trainer Norman Miguel, is currently pinch-hitting for the veteran mentor.
De los Santos said that Santamaria’s high-cholesterol level, which clogged the blood and oxygen supply to his brain, was believed to have triggered the stroke.
Stress was also a primary factor that led to deterioration in Santamaria’s health, De los Santos added.
“He mentioned feeling a little numb in the arm a few months ago in one of the games,” said Delos Santos.
Prior to the incident, Sta. Maria would travel twice a week to Ilocos to coach high school and elementary teams for the IRAA (Ilocos Region Athletic Association) meet. The strenuous journey would take approximately eight hours going to Ilocos and another eight hours back to Manila.
Santamaria studied at De La Salle University in the 1960’s under a scholarship from Meralco. His virtuoso athleticism in high school earned him a slot in the national team, paving the way for an illustrious sporting career which saw the Bicol native bag numerous awards in both local and international competitions as a member of the Philippine men’s volleyball team.
The 59-year-old Santamaria has guided the Lady Spikers to 10 UAAP championships since taking the coaching reins from Nurbahasa Gadja in 1980.
Although still restricted in mobility, Santamaria is responding well to treatment and is now able to walk with assistance. He had been released from the hospital and visits regularly for physical therapy sessions, although it is still unsure if he will be returning to lead the Lady Spikers anew anytime soon.
“We have not discussed anything regarding the (coaching) issue, but nothing changes in the set-up,” said De los Santos. “He is still the coach.”
De los Santos also clarified that the incident, although unfortunate was not the cause of the Lady Spiker’s hiatus from off-season tournaments, such as the annual Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games and the Shakey’s V-League tournament where UST is a perennial contender.
“Currently we are rethinking our strategy and improving our plays,” said De los Santos, referring to the heart-breaking semifinal loss UST absorbed from FEU, which cut its season short.
“Nagpapalakas kami sa blocking at sa depensa sa backcourt (We are strengthening our blocking and backcourt defenses),” he said. “I’ve noticed that this is what our opponents often target.”
The team is currently deep in training to fill the pivotal slots left by Season 69 MVP Venus Bernal, Season 70 Best Spiker Mary Jean Balse and Joanna Torijos, who all graduated this year.
Mainstay Angeli Tabaquero, who is expected to lead the Lady Spikers in Season 71 together with holdovers Denise Tan and national team member Aiza Maizo, expressed her concern for Santamaria.
“Naturally, we were worried about coach,” Tabaquero said. “It was hard to adjust at first but we did not let the incident affect our game.”
She also confirmed De los Santos’ statement regarding the Lady Spiker’s absence from tournaments, explaining that the team is just “recharging” itself before meeting familiar foes come Season 71.
“Coach August would sometimes drop by to watch our training, although I do not think he is well enough to return to his coaching duties just yet,” Tabaquero said. With reports from Emil Karlo A. dela Cruz
