Geneveve Casugod with coach Kid Santos. Photo from Kid Santos’ Facebook account.
Philippine sports lost a legend in Florentino “Kid” Santos, who passed away on Wednesday due to cardiac arrest. He was 67.
Santos had a celebrated volleyball career as a player and coach for Far Eastern University, which won majority of its championships in both the men and women’s divisions under his watch.
Santos was a beloved figure in the country’s volleyball scene and it’s no surprise that heartfelt messages and tributes poured out in the wake of his passing.
“Sad news for the volleyball community, Coach Kid Santos joined our Creator😢Not only a great mentor but a second father to many….,” former La salle star Ivy Remulla wrote on Twitter.
“Learned so much about handling athletes from Kidd Santos. Great coach, even better person and father to all FEU athletes. You will truly be missed. RIP Coach Kidd,” posted FEU athletic director Mark Molina on his Twitter account.
Even the current generation of players mourned Santos’ untimely death.
“My last picture with you Coach Kidd. You inspired and touched the lives of so many people, including me. Salamat sa lahat Coach Kidd RIP 💚💛” said FEU spiker Jerrili Malabanan.
“A father to me and to many.. one of the pillars of Ph Volleyball.. SALAMAT po sa lahat. RIP Coach Kid Santos 😔” wrote University of the Philippines libero Pia Gaiser.