Double duty, double delight for coach Rasmo

CEBU, Philippines - From the very start, it's been quite a challenge for him to coach two teams who are both defending champions at the same time.

But decorated bench tactician Rommel Rasmo is not taking things in stride. He deals with every task at hand one step at a time.

Though the road may be rough and the ride bumpy at times, Rasmo silently journeys through with fervor burning in his heart in the hope of achieving all his aspirations this season - a fourth straight championship for the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo Magis Eagles and back-to-back titles for the University of San Carlos Warriors.

Just two nights ago, Rasmo scored his first twinkill in the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc, men's basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

Moments after guiding the Magis Eagles to an 88-41 cakewalk of the Cebu Eastern College Dragons, Rasmo steered the Warriors to an emphatic 69-67 win in overtime against the University of Cebu Webmasters.

It was both a meaningful win for Rasmo, with the Magis Eagles extending their hot streak to three games and the Warriors snapping out of their two-game slump.

Since absorbing their first setback at the hands of the University of Cebu Junior Webmasters via 55-62 decision last August 16, the Magis Eagles are on a roll to grab the solo lead in the juniors division with a 5-1 win-loss record.

They annihilated the University of San Carlos Baby Warriors, 74-27 before shaming the previously undefeated Don Bosco Greywolves, 73-48. Their 47-point demolition of the Dragons last Tuesday raised their average winning margin to 39.6 points in their past three games, an ominous warning to their future rivals.

The Warriors, on  the other hand, got back on the winning track after disappointing losses to the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars and the University of the Visayas Green Lancers. They now hold an even 3-3 slate.

Rasmo still has a long way to go, but he can't help but relish each rare moment of hitting two birds at the same time with only one arrow in him.

"It has been a very busy week for both SHS and USC. It definitely feels good to win both games but there is still a lot of work to do. I also have to give credit to both my coaching staff in SHS and USC. We will celebrate today but tomorrow we will be back again working, both Magis Eagles and Warriors," said Rasmo.

Times like this is a double delight for Rasmo, indeed. — EBV (FREEMAN)