Capacio quits as FEU coach

MANILA—Glen Capacio has decided to quit as head coach of Far Eastern University, four days after the Ateneo Blue Eagles swept his top-seeded Tamaraws in the UAAP championship series. “I am resigning so they [FEU management] can freely decide and start planning the team’s future,” Capacio told the Inquirer yesterday. “But I have no regrets in coaching FEU. We were competitive in the last four years and, at least, we reached the Finals this time.” Capacio spoke publicly for the first time since his surprise exit in Game 2 of the best-of-three title series last Thursday, where he missed the entire second half due to hypertension. FEU’s assistant mentors took over in the final two quarters of the must-win match for the Tamaraws as Capacio was rushed to Medical City after his blood pressure shot up late in the first half. “It was due to stress,” said the 46-year-old Capacio. “I had no history of hypertension. I really felt tired. I also had little sleep that day.” Capacio, who will undergo two more medical tests this week, is set to submit his formal resignation letter today. “I still feel dizzy sometimes,” he said. “For now, I’ll be resting and just spend more time with my family.” Capacio and his Tamaraws were the heavy favorites to win this year with a veteran roster and highly efficient players in every position. Living up to their billing for most of the season, the Tamaraws topped the eliminations with a 12-2 record,  then disposed  La Salle in the Final Four only to stumble in embarrassing fashion in the championship round. The Tamaraws—who had MVP RR Garcia, Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo, national team players Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling in their lineup—absorbed a shocking 72-49 blowout loss in Game 1. They came out fighting in Game 2, but the Eagles proved steadier in the final stretch to sew up the series, 65-62, and claim their third straight crown. “For me, it was Ateneo’s championship experience that decided the series,” said Capacio. “It was our first time to play in the Finals and at least we fought hard in Game 2. I haven’t talked to my players since then, but they’ve sent text messages.” Capacio, who finished his four-year stint with FEU with a 43-21 win-loss record, said he intends to focus on his duties as an assistant to Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas in the AirAsia Asean Basketball League. Recently, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also offered Capacio to join Ateneo mentor Norman Black in the coaching staff of the RP team in next year’s Southeast Asian Games. “Of course, I’ll accept that,” said Capacio. “I’m not saying it with finality, but I have no plans of coaching college basketball again. Right now, I’d rather coach grade school or high school teams.”