"Volleyball Cares For Sir Eugene" to become a yearly event

CEBU, Philippines - A good start for something bigger. This best describes the successful staging of the “Volleyball Cares for Sir Eugene,” a friendly exhibition game held yesterday at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym in memory of the late Cebu Sports Hall of Famer and volleyball legend Eugene de la Cerna.

“It’s a good start (for the event) to be held yearly,” said Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) president Glenn Anthony Soco, a former player of De la Cerna who spearheaded the fund-raising activity.

Soco said they are bent on holding the event annually so that the legacy of De la Cerna as well as his immense contribution to the growth of Cebu volleyball will always be cherished and will never be forgotten by the present and future generations.

 “Sir Eugene is not just a regular personality. He represents volleyball, the values needed to be successful and our hope to excel in our fields not only in sports but also in our different career paths,” Soco said.

“We are even planning that this event will not only cater to USC alumni. We are optimistic of making this an open tournament allowing other teams from other places to join. And we still have a year to plan for everything,” Soco added.

Originally, the activity was conceived by Soco to raise funds to help defray the medical expenses of De la Cerna, who was then in critical condition at the hospital. Unfortunately, De la Cerna passed away after a long bout with diabetes four days before the goodwill match. He was 65.

Inspite of what had happened, Soco decided to push through with their plan and was surprised because the event was well-attended by former USC varsity players from early 70s up to the present. Among them include the celebrated Jao twins, Marichu Jao-San Juan and Marilou Ramirez, Mali Garcia, Sonia Yu, Camille Cuisia, Nona Catipay, Dottie Adlawan, Brian Dalanon, Ariel Masancay, Chu-chu Yap, Roger Pineda, May Justiniani Salimbangon, Doro Barandino, Antonio Ching, Homer Vargas, Raul Arambulo and Alan Velasco among others.

For Soco, it was truly an affair to remember.

Dela Cerna, who was enshrined to the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, has been phenomenal in winning championships locally and nationally. He was also known for producing top caliber players like the renowned Jao twins Marilou and Marichu (now Ramirez and San Juan) and Maribel Rosiana, who all became members of the national team.

De la Cerna has been serving as USC head coach for almost four decades since 1970. He retired three years ago after the USC men’s team ended their 10-year title drought in the local league. – THE FREEMAN