For Sir Eugene, Players rally behind ailing former coach

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos volleyball varsity players and alumni are organizing friendly exhibition games dubbed as “Volleyball Cares for Sir Eugene” on October 17, 9:00 a.m. at the USC-Main gym.

Cebu Volleyball Association president and former USC team captain Glenn Anthony Soco spearheaded this activity as way of giving back and helping their former coach and Cebu Sports Hall of Famer, Eugene de la Cerna who is in critical condition now at Visayas Community Medical Center (VCMC).

Soco said that the 65-year-old de la Cerna has been like their second father since they were under him during their stint being volleyball players.

“He has helped a lot of his players. He is an epitome of a person who really loves the sport (volleyball) and it even became his therapy when he went back to coaching,” Soco recalled.

 De la Cerna, who was enshrined into the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, has been phenomenal in winning volleyball championships locally and nationally. He was also known for producing top caliber players like the renowned Jao twins — Marilou and Marichu (now Ramirez and San Juan), as well as Maribel Rusiana, who all became members of the national team.

 In 1969, de la Cerna was one of those who initiated the formation of the Cebu Catholic Schools Athletic Association, and is the current executive director of the Cebu Volleyball Association.

He has been serving as USC’s head coach for almost four decades since 1970 and retired in 2006 after the USC men’s team bagged the championship crown after ten years of title drought.

 Had it not been because of his bout with kidney failure, de la Cerna, a coach, educator and once an athlete, would still have been calling the shots for his team.

He even admitted before that he has trouble keeping up with the physical requirements because of his health and now his health condition is already critical.

 “Sir Eugene serves as an inspiration for volleyball players. He has nurtured us on who we are right now. And most of his players were very successful and we owe it to him because of the great discipline that he has instilled to each of us,” Soco added.

This sporting event is one-way of accumulating funds for de la Cerna because they want to help financially.

“We decided to create one venue for this cause and at the same time tap our talents through volleyball. This is the fastest and easiest way that we think and will be very beneficial,” Soco said.

 CEVA will be tapping its officiating officials for this one-day sporting event which will be open to all interested teams who would like to compete.

 This is CEVA’s way of helping volleyball stalwarts like Hall of Famers and other volleyball players, who need help and at the same time would prove that the volleyball community is united to help one another.

 “This would be a gathering of all former volleyball players and current players, who are willing to support the cause,” Soco said.

 The event also encourages the presence of de la Cerna’s friends and former workmates and as well as volleyball enthusiasts.

 For more information and queries about the event one may reach USC coach Roderick Arenasa at 0918-7381765. – THE FREEMAN