Multi-titled men’s volleyball coach Dante Alinsunurin beams with pride as his former players Vince Mangulabnan and Peter Torres enter their coaching eras.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin had the unique experience of coaching against his former players, as the Bulldogs locked horns with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in just their second game in UAAP Season 87 at the FIlOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Coaching his opponents were two players which he won two UAAP championships with: Vince Mangulabnan and Peter Torres.
Mangulabnan was designated head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles heading into the season, as they entered a rebuilding phase after Timmy Sto. Tomas. Meanwhile, Torres became part of the coaching staff.
After the game, where Alinsunurin’s NU emerged victorious in four sets, the decorated men’s volleyball coach spoke highly about the experience.
“Maganda 'yung naging performance nila. Nakakatuwa as dati nilang coach, sa naging coaching career nila sa Ateneo,” said Alinsunurin.
“Sana lang magtuloy-tuloy sila at makuha nila yung gusto nilang gawin,” he added.
Alinsunurin also got to reflect on what it meant for his own career as a coach, and where his players get to go after leaving his care.
Albeit admitting that he is getting advanced in age, Alinsunurin couldn’t help but be happy for Mangulabnan and Torres, especially after showing fight against the five-peat seeking Bulldogs in just their second foray this year.
“Unang una, tumatanda na ako kasi may players na ko na nagco-coach ngayon. 'Di ko ma-imagine. Pero ngayon, nakita ko na. Sobrang masaya ako sa pagiging coach niya ngayon, kasi pinakita naman nila sa amin kung ano 'yung gusto nila mangyari sa team niya at naging maganda 'yung performance nila na [kalaban] kami,” said Alinsunurin.
“Talagang pumunta sila dito na may mindset talaga namin sa manalo. Talagang nung bandang huli lang kami na-maximize namin 'yung unforced errors nila and importante lang sa amin nakuha namin 'yung game,” he added.