By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Many-time car rally racing champion Sergio “Vip” Isada feels like he has some unfinished business with the other sport he loves: volleyball.
So when the opportunity struck, the former legendary varsity setter took on the coaching reins of the men’s volleyball team this year at his alma mater — University of the Philippines.
“I just have to give it a try and continue with my unfinished program to bring the UP men’s volleyball team to be UAAP champions,” Isada said in an interview with Manila Bulletin/Tempo.
It was easier said than done, and the first year has always been tough, but the veteran tactician wasn’t in a hurry. After all, he has a five-year program for the Fighting Maroons.
“For my first season, I was focused on assessing the team structure, culture, opponents, the university’s sports program, as well as other factors,” Isada said.
“These will determine how we are going to reach our goal to get the team to the championship,” he added.
In the just-concluded season, the Maroons finished seventh out of eight schools with two wins against 12 losses. It was a slight improvement from their last place finish the previous season, where the squad only managed a single victory in its 14 games.
Isada is not losing hope that the school would finally reach the Promised Land — the Maroons last tasted championship in the 1980-81 season. In fact, the team has been conducting tryouts this month to get fresh blood.
He also had to adapt to the innovations in the game.
“Volleyball skills are still the same, but the strategies and the tactics have changed due to the rule changes. These changes influence the way the game is played. A new mindset must be put in place because of these influences,” Isada said.
While he is focused on guiding budding volleyball players, he still gives time with his other passion.
“Volleyball and car rally racing are my life. I have been doing it since I was in high school,” Isada said.
“I set my priorities and my planning. I have developed a program that complements both sports, so there’s really a balancing act between racing and volleyball coaching,” he added.
