Players, colleagues, friends, teams, and organizations shared their fondest memories and heartfelt messages in remembering volleyball coach Sammy Acaylar, who passed away on Thursday.
Veteran coach Sinfronio "Sammy" Acaylar, who fostered the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas to become the winningest school in NCAA men's volleyball, has passed away. He was 66, just five days away from his 67th birthday.
He succumbed to cardiac arrest at 1:30 a.m. after being confined at the Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City, the PVL confirmed.
Last Monday, January 27, he suffered a stroke. Friends and colleagues rushed im to the hospital after he developed a fever that morning but he passed away on Thursday.
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The Philippine volleyball community immediately poured messages of condolence and remembrance for the coach, who steered the Perpetual Altas men’s volleyball team to 14 championship titles—a record unmatched in the league’s history.
He became the sports director of the school in 2017.
He also led the Cignal HD Spikers and the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in the Philippine Super Liga.
He also coached the University of the East Red Warriors in the UAAP, the Imus City–AJAA Spikers and the Savouge Spin Doctors in the Spikers' Turf, and the now-defunct Gerflor Defenders in the Premier Volleyball League.
Acaylar was with the winless Gerflor, helping the players amid struggles in getting their salary.
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Acaylar also served as coach for the Philippine national volleyball team, becoming part of Russian coach Stanislav Lugailo's staff and helping the women's squad to a gold Southeast Asian Games (SEA) gold medal in 1993.
He then became the men's volleyball coach, clinching bronze in the 1991 Manila Southeast Asian Games.
"Coach Sammy was more than just the Head Coach of the Perpetual ALTAS Men's Volleyball team—he was the heart and soul of the program. Through his unwavering dedication and passion, he led the team to numerous NCAA championships, shaping not just athletes, but inspiring countless lives along the way," the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA page wrote.
"His loss leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those he guided, cheered for, and believed in."
"Their passion, dedication, and love for the sport have inspired countless student-athletes, coaches, and fans throughout their illustrious careers. Their legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of the NCAA community," wrote the NCAA on the deaths of Acaylar and Coach Narciso Dasigan of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Track and Field.
EJ Casaña, a former Altas player who now plays for the Cignal HD Spikers, shared various videos with Acaylar.
"Salamat po sa mga naituro mo samin na dala-dala namin hanggang ngayon. I am forever thankful for being part of your champion team," he wrote.
"Mahal na mahal kita. High school palang ginabayan mo na kami hanggang ngayon. Hind ako makapaniwala coach ganon kabilis lang wala ka na. Kulang ang pasasalamat sayo namin mga anak mo. Salamat po sa pinamana mo na talino sa amin. You are my friend, father and my best mentor. Salamat sa lahat ng naituro mo sakin coach Sammy. Hind ko malilimutan yan. Mahal na mahal kita. Huli yakap ko na pala sayo yung nagkita tayo," added Aljon Turing of Perpetual.
"Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng turo at paggabay saming mga players inside and outside the court at sa pag disiplina samin. Tinuring mo kaming mga anak mo, lalo na po sakin. Patawad po dahil hindi ako madalas nakakadalaw sayo, alam ko po naiintindihan mo po ako coach. Mahal na mahal ka namin coach pahinga ka na po 😭💔 Rest easy, Coach," added Jack Kalingking, a former Altas player who also played for the national team.
"Coach Sammy Acaylar’s passing marks the end of an era in Philippine volleyball. His dedication, passion, and mentorship will continue to live on in the hearts of the players he has trained and the championships he has won. The Perpetual community, the Philippine volleyball family, and the countless lives he has touched mourn his loss but celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind," added the PVL.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our former Coach, Sam Acaylar. Please join us in prayer for the repose of his soul. Rest in peace Coach Sammy," wrote the Gerflor Defenders page.
"It’s hard to find the right words to honor Coach Sammy Acaylar. You gave so much to the sport and to your players. Your lessons will stay with us forever, and your love for the game will live on in everything we do.
You taught us how to be better people. Thank you, Coach, for all your wisdom and guidance. You will never be forgotten," added Savouge.