Eagles retain Lipa

The verdict is out: Ateneo will keep former national coach Joe Lipa as mentor of the Blue Eagles.

Finally realizing the progress the Eagles have made under his wings, Ateneo yesterday decided to stick it out with Lipa, whose two-year-old job was shrouded with uncertainty after the team failed to land in the finals of this year’s UAAP.

The decision to keep Lipa ended more than a week of mystery on whether the talented but volatile coach was to be shipped out or tucked in by the team he has faithfully served the last two years.

Just a week ago, the school came out with a statement saying Lipa’s performance during the previous season was being evaluated, reinforcing rumors that there was a growing clamor from a certain group of alumni to have Lipa sacked as head coach.

The decision made yesterday morning was announced by team spokesman Fr. Carmelo Caluag through a faxed message late in the afternoon, saying the school "will retain the services of Lipa as head coach and program director for basketball."

Among those who met Monday night were Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, the school president; Jose Capistrano, Jr., athletic director; businessman Manny Pangilinan, chairman of the alumni basketball committee; and Fr. Caluag himself.

"In evaluating the performance of the team, as well as the progress of the basketball program, it is fair to say that progress has been made. Furthermore, the school remains committed to the three-year development plan for basketball which includes coach Lipa’s responsibilities.

"This puts to rest all speculations with regard to the fate of coach Lipa and the future of the basketball program. And as Mr. Pangilinan very aptly put it, ‘we have to put things behind and move ahead.’ But there will be more sacrifices for all of us. That is what we need to focus on now," the statement said.

The players themselves were consulted last week and, team insiders said, their sentiments weighed heavily on the decision, maybe for the primary reason that they couldn’t have found a better coach than Lipa in terms of dedication and motivational skills.

Fr. Caluag said he personally informed Lipa of the development.

"He was very thankful and glad that the team can now move on. And of course, he was happy," said Fr. Caluag. "In fact, he was ready for whatever decision was to be made by the school.

The Eagles have gone without a title since winning two straight crowns in 1987 and 1988, leading to a major facelift which started two years ago.