‘Triumph tempered by tears’: Coach Ayo bids Letran farewell

The celebration of NCAA title No. 17 for Letran Friday night also turned out to be a farewell party for the coach who guided the Knights to glory last month.

Aldin Ayo got the green light from his alma mater to move to La Salle in the UAAP, capping a roller-coaster week for the neophyte coach whose stock rose immensely after leading the Knights to their first title in a decade at the expense of defending champion San Beda.

Speaking during the victory party program, Rev. Fr. Clarence Victor C. Marquez OP said the school has already given Ayo its blessing to transfer.

“Now, our triumph is tempered by tears, our joy is mixed with sorrow. Our beloved coach, Aldin Ayo, outstanding Letran alumnus, is bidding us farewell, in order to coach for another school, in another league, for reasons most personal and professional,” Marquez said.

“And with hearts, heavy but honorable Ayo reportedly signed a lucrative deal to coach the Green Archers, but the youthful coach was vague on his reasons.

“Next year, I won’t be around and the reason is very personal,” said Ayo.