When the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA's team stepped onto the taraflex court for the first time last year after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the squad still boasted stalwarts Louie Ramirez and Hero Austria.
Later on, both players had opportunities to compete beyond the guidance of the seasoned Sammy Acaylar. Ramirez joined Cignal, and Austria was fielded by Imus earlier in the year.
However, only Ramirez returned to the Altas for the 98th season of the NCAA, while Austria stayed with the AJAA Spikers. It emerged that Austria had actually changed schools during the pandemic but subsequently came back to Perpetual.
Fast forward to the beginning of this year's V-League Collegiate Challenge, Austria found himself excluded from the lineup. Following the Altas' second game of the season, Acaylar revealed the reason behind this decision.
"Hero is planning to run for SK chairman in their area in Pasay. Additionally, he chose not to continue playing for Perpetual because his priority lies in participating in tournaments that offer prizes," shared the long-time Perpetual mentor.
"I understand his situation as he needs to support his family, and every time he's asked for help, he needs to provide financial assistance."
Though Acaylar wholeheartedly accepted Austria's choice, his disappointment remained palpable. He expressed, "I'm saddened because, in my opinion, what's important for a person is education. As time goes by, if you're not able to study, you fade away, you weaken. So, if you ask me, he should have continued his studies."
"He did inform us and he's a good person for talking to us about it. It's just disheartening because we granted him a two-year scholarship so he could play in this NCAA season. But he chose not to, and we have to respect his decision."
