Austria makes history

San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria etched his name in history by becoming the first coach to keep the perpetual Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan trophy—an honor that goes to any mentor who wins the PBA Press Corps’ coach of the year award for three straight years.

Austria, 59, bested Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone, TNT KaTropa’s Nash Racela and Magnolia (formerly Star) Hotshots’ Chito Victolero for the highest award to be given during the formal event presented by Cignal TV.

Austria, who saw action in the PBA from 1985 to 1993, steered the Beermen to the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup championships.

He came a title short of completing a rare Grand Slam as sister team Ginebra retained the season-ending Governors’ Cup crown.

SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang will also have the spotlight on as the recipient of the Executive of the Year award conferred in honor of the late Crispa team owner Danny Floro.