RASMO
The coaching carousel of the University of San Carlos Warriors took another startling turn after they let go of head coach Rommel Rasmo with the recent realignment of the school’s athletic program.
The move was confirmed by both Rasmo and USC athletic director Fr. Adriano Ocariza, who explained that the recent integration of the different athletic programs of the elementary, high school and collegiate levels under the athletics and recreation office prompted him to make the decision in order to avoid having a “conflict of interest.”
Aside from being head coach of USC, Rasmo also heads the four-time defending Cesafi juniors champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.
“We also want to strengthen the Baby Warriors program and to avoid any controversy, we had to let go of Coach Rommel (Rasmo),” said Ocariza.
Rasmo was surprised and saddened with the news but said that he understood where the school was coming from.
“Fr. Andring (Ocariza) talked to me on Thursday and explained to me the situation. Ganyan talaga, eh. Wala tayong magagawa. At least ngayon, buong focus ko nasa Ateneo de Cebu na,” said Rasmo, who was tapped to coach the squad in June of last year, barely a little over a month remaining before the start of the 2016 Cesafi season.
However, in spite of the limited preparation time and a roster bereft of the core that won the 2015 championship, the Warriors went all the way to the finals before losing to the University of the Visayas Green Lancers.
The players were made aware of the change on Friday morning and were stunned by the development.
Serving as head coach on an interim basis will be Bong Abad.
“We’re going to have to adjust to a newsystem once again. Every season na lang,” shared sharpshooter Kevin Oleodo, who had a breakout season under Rasmo’s tutelage last year.
“But perhaps there’s a plan for all this as to why this happened. This will be a challenge for all of us Warriors,” he added.
Versatile forward Lucky Ecarma, who has had to experience playing for four different coaches in four different seasons, shared his frustrations.
“I don’t understand their decisions. I don’t understand why they have to change coaches year after year,” Ecarma said.
The carousel started with Junthy Valenzuela in 2014 but he was replaced by Britt Reroma the following year. Following their title conquest, Rasmo took over the reins last year.