Madrid retained as Maroons coach

MANILA, Philippines - Coach Rey Madrid, who took over the UP reins after former mentor Ricky Dandan resigned halfway through UAAP Season 76, will continue to call the shots for the Fighting Maroons in the upcoming season.

UP College of Human Kinetics Dean Ronnie Dizer yesterday confirmed that Madrid has been retained as the Maroons’ head tactician.

“Yes (he was reappointed), under process po ang appointment paper (we’re just processing his formal appointment),” Dizer said in a text message.

A member of the 1986 UP champion team, Madrid coached State U in its last six games in the previous men’s basketball competitions. The Maroons wound up winless in 14 outings.

“This coming season will be tough for UP, as usual. I hope we can pull some surprises during the course of the season,” Madrid told The STAR.

Madrid’s appointment, however, will encounter possible opposition from some quarters. According to a report on Spin. ph, officials of the UP alumni association are asking for reconsideration and are pushing for juniors coach Allan Gregorio for the post.