FILE – UST Growling Tigers during the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball finals. INQUIRER PHOTO
The University of Santo Tomas on Saturday announced that it has accepted the resignation of Aldin Ayo, the Growling Tigers’ beleaguered head coach, amid the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ probe into the team’s training in Sorsogon City.
“It is with a heavy heart that the University of Santo Tomas accepts the resignation of Mr. Aldin Ayo, Head Coach of the UST Men’s Basketball Team, together with the resignations of Mr. Mcjour Luib and Mr. Jinino Manansala as Assistant Coaches,” the school said in a statement released through its social media accounts early morning.
Ayo and his deputies’ resignation comes on the heels of multiple departures from the team. Five athletes have since bolted the squad, including exciting rookie Rhenz Abando, who according to an Inquirer source is set to choose a destination school later in the day.
Fr. Jannel Abogado, the school’s athletic director who was largely responsible for landing Ayo two years ago, stepped down from his post two weeks ago.
UST also stressed its commitment to the welfare of student-athletes as it awaits for the UAAP Board of Trustee’s verdict.
“Rest assured that the university wil remain committed to the welfare of the student athletes and that the process of rebuilding athletic programs, particularly that of the Men’s Basketball Team, through compassion and competence, will commence.”
Meanwhile, the framers of the Joint Administrative Order which outlines the government protocol’s for sports and wellness during the coronavirus pandemic is set to elevate UST’s case to the Department of Justice this Monday.