Pido Jarencio is formally welcomed by the Dominican priests led by Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP and Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP. Photo from UST
MANILA, Philippines—Pido Jarencio is hellbent on regaining University of Santo Tomas’ lost glory in his return as head coach.
Jarencio has time to fulfill that goal after inking a three-year contract on Monday.
“Mahirap yung trabahong inilatag para sa atin, kaya importante na magsimula tayo na matatag yung pundasyon nitong mga bata,” Jarencio said.
(We have a tough task ahead that’s why it’s important to start building a strong foundation for these kids.)
“Dapat dalhin nila yung pride na nire-represent nila yung UST.”
(They have to have that sense of pride when representing UST.)
Jarencio was formally welcomed by the Dominican priests led by Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP and Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP.
Known for his “Pride, Puso, Palaban” mantra, Jarencio is hoping to recapture his thunder 17 years ago when he led the Growling Tigers to the UAAP Season 69 crown back in 2006—his first year at the helm.
The 58-year-old Jarencio called the shots the Growling Tigers for eight years, guiding the team to two more Finals appearances before being hired as the head coach for NorthPort in the PBA.
Now, Jarencio is back home.
Though, Jarencionknows there’s a lot of work to be done in turning UST’s fortunes around.
The Growling Tigers went just 4-24 the past two UAAP seasons including a 1-13 finish in Season 85.
“Marami tayong kailangang ayusin, pero importante sa atin na nagtitiwala yung mga bata sa sistema na inilalatag natin para sa kanila,” he said.
(We have a lot of fixing to do but what’s important is the players’ trust in the system.)
UST’s Nic Cabanero. –Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Incoming third-year forward Nic Cabanero will lead the charge anew for the Growling Tigers as they aim to gain respectability and make a run for the Final Four in UAAP Season 86 later this year.
Working alongside Jarencio is three-time NCAA champion coach Bonnie Tan, who will also serve as team consultant.
Joining Jarencio’s staff are team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang, and assistant coaches Japs Cuan, Juben Ledesma, Lester del Rosario, Jeric Fortuna, and Jaren Jarencio, strength and conditioning coach Reil Vinard Espino, physical therapists RC Cua and Jose Aveluni Vergara, and academic coach Ian Herrera.
“Puro Tomasino ang kasama natin kaya malaki ang tiwala ko na yung binubuo naming team, lalaban lang hanggang dulo para sa UST,” said Jarencio.
(We’re joined by fellow Thomasians on the team that’s why I have no doubt that the team we’re building here will fight until the end for UST.)