From track and field heroes to hero makers.
Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Rene Herrera, Arnel Ferrera, John Lozada and Danilo Fresnido were officially appointed by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) as national coaches to produce more Filipino champions in athletics.
They will join Jojo Posadas, who came back after a decade-long hiatus, as the newest additions to the 12-man national coaching staff.
“It really feels good to be back,” said Posadas, who molded decathletes Jesson Ramil Cid and Fidel Gallenero, steeplechaser Christopher Ulboc and Mercedita Manipol into SEA Games gold medalists.
“This is my passion, to help the country discover and train future national team athletes.”
Head coach Dario de Rosas will be keeping his post in the coaching staff as well as Lerma Bulauitan-Gabito, Jeoffrey Chua, Emerson Obiena, Sean Guevarra, Luisito Artiaga and Joebert Delicano.
Herrera donned the national colors in the 2012 London Olympics and was the steeplechase king for five consecutive SEA Games until 2011 in Palembang, Indonesia.
Ferrera was a multiple gold-medal winner in hammer throw.