Volleyball legend Santos dies

Photo from Kid Santos’ Facebook account.

Philippine sports lost a legend in Florentino “Kid” Santos, who died Wednesday following a 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 men’s and women’s titles under his watch.

Heartfelt messages and tributes poured out in the wake of Santos’ death.

“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 Twitter.

“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,” wrote UP libero Pia Gaiser. —MARK GIONGCO, INQUIRER.NET