Mikee has shortlist for long criteria

Mikee Romero, president of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) left for an unfamiliar destination the other night: The Middle East.
Mikee is a devotee of Padre Pio, the Italian saint whose body miraculously produces stigmata, but this time, Mikee is directing his prayers to the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus.
“I am going to Dubai to attend a meeting, then I proceed to Kuwait for the Asian Shooting Confederation elections,” said Mikee.
Mikee said he is praying fervently that Sheikh Salman (His excellency Sheikh Salman S.S.H. Al Sabah), the current ASC president who is seeking reelection, wins another term.
“If Sheikh Salman wins, there’s a chance for us to secure a wildcard slot to the London Olympics next year. At least one shooter for the Olympics.”
“But to get this wild card slot, we will need to lobby in Kuwait. There’s only one slot for the whole of Asia, you know,” said Mikee who brought with him shooters Mae Concepcion and Jayson Gonzales, who will compete in the airgun competition in Kuwait.
“This will also provide the pair a good tuneup for the SEA Games in Indonesia.”
* * *
Mike actually left for the Gulf leaving a big problem in his ABL team unsolved.
With the next ABL season scheduled to open in less than three months, Mikee’s Philippine Patriots still doesn’t have a coach to replace Louie Alas, who recently resigned.
Although he has a short list of prospects, Mikee said additional recommendations are most welcome.
In fact he said he needs the names by next week, so the Patriots lineup could be completed.
I asked what Mikee was looking for in a coach.
He had a long list.
* * *
“For a start he has to be able to adjust swiftly to the international brand of play. Two, he also has to be a players’ coach.
“Next, he needs to be adept at managing the assistant coaches. We have Billy Ray Bates, Glenn Capacio and Johnedel Cardel.
“Our head coach should also know how to handle and communicate with two imports, most specially if either or both have attitude problems.
“I also want a physical team so the Patriots should be molded as such.”
Junel Baculi would have been perfect, according to Mikee, but Barako Bull beat them to it.
“So who’s on your short list?” I asked him.
“Leo Austria, Bong Ramos and Pido Jarencio.