Letran hopes winning tradition returns with new coach, players

Published February 29, 2024 6:02pm

Updated February 29, 2024 6:02pm

Colegio de San Juan de Letran is hoping to return to its winning ways after a disappointing campaign in NCAA Season 99.

The Muralla-based squad won three straight championships before a tough season where they tallied just two wins and 16 losses.

Months after that, Letran has secured a couple of key player commitments and a new coach has been tapped as the Knights plan to start anew in the league’s centenary.

Recently, Letran named Allen Ricardo as the interim coach of the seniors team and for Colegio de San Juan de Letran athletics director Fr. Victor Calvo, OP, the Squires head coach is the “most qualified” to handle the seniors coaching job.

“We have to move in a different direction. Knowing the tradition and history of Letran, we have to make drastic, important decisions because we have a tradition to protect, we have to uphold,” Calvo told GMA Integrated News during their visit to the GMA Network premises for the GMA Masterclass series.

“We’re looking for a coach who knows the Letran culture so he is the most qualified sa mga Letranista as of this time, sa tingin namin.”

(We’re looking for a coach who knows the Letran culture so he is the most qualified among the Letranites as of this time from what we see.)

Ricardo is no stranger to Letran’s winning tradition.

He started under then Letran head coach Louie Alas before learning the ropes with other teams. He eventually handled the Letran juniors team, the Squires, which he steered to the title in Season 98 behind the likes of Andy Gemao and current players George Diamante and Titing Manalili.

Calvo also said there is no bad blood between Letran and its former coach Rensy Bajar, who handled the team for one season.

“We respect each other. [Kung] ano na lang puwede natin gawin na mag-agree tayo. Win-win situation,” he added.

(We respect each other. Whatever it is we agree on, a win-win situation.)

The Letran athletics director also said they have short and long-term plans in terms of player recruitment.

Recently, the Knighs got the commitment of players from other teams such as Chris Hubilla, Mark Denver Omega, Peter Rosillo, and Carlo Ferreras. 

According to Calvo, they are also looking into tapping blue-chip recruits from their high school team or from the provinces.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News