By Kristel Satumbaga
The Mapua Red Robins have come a long way since coach Randy Alcantara took the challenge to lead the team back to the top 10 years ago.
Alcantara recounted with smile his heartbreaking coaching debutm for the Re3d Robins.
Alcantara said they lost all their 14 matches – some of them by a mile.
But he never lost his resolve knowing he can help turn the fortunes around just like his time with the Cardinals where they came from almost nowhere to win back-to-back titles in 1990 and 1991.
In 10 years he handled the team, Alcantara is mightily proud of his accomplishments – two championships in four Final Four appearances.
The sweetest could be their victory over La Salle Greenhills last Thursday.
“Before, no one wants to play with Mapua. But as the team progresses, parents start to trust the school. So this title is a big deal for us,” said Alcantara in Filipino, adding that the victory boosts the team’s recruitment in the coming years.
It is something that Alcantara wants to leave behind as he moves up to the senior ranks as the Cardinals’ new coach next season, replacing Atoy Co.
“It’s an amazing feeling. I cannot thank my boys enough for giving me this wonderful experience before I start coaching in the seniors,” said Alcantara.
The Red Robins dethroned the Greenies with a 77-74 win in Thursday’s winner-take-all match, further validating the school’s image by tying San Beda as the winningest juniors team with 22 titles.
The squad was handicapped in Game 2 with the absence of injured key player Clint Escamis.
That, however, failed to dampen their spirit as they willed their way to claim the ultimate prize – thanks to Paolo Hernandez.
Hernandez turned out to be the biggest revelation by averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds in the finals, while Dan Arches stepped up to the challenge particularly in Game 2, where he spearheaded with 22 points.
“We want to dedicate this to Clint. It was hard to play without our team captain especially in the finals but we did it,” said the 19-year-old Hernandez in Filipino.
Like his coach, the title was also a nice farewell gift for Arches, whose parents flew from Capiz just to watch his final game.
“Coach said to just hold on when LSGH is slowly getting closer. We just listened to him and stuck to our game plan,” Arches said.
For Alcantara, his tenure with the Red Robins is worthy of retelling even to his grandchildren someday.
As he embarks on a new journey, Alcantara hopes the Red Robins will continue their winning tradition.
