FORMER San Sebastian College-Recoletos head coach Tony Tan said transportation problems became so severe during his brief tenure that he once had to drive the team’s coaster bus himself to make sure the players reached a game on time.
Tan said the team would sometimes learn only on the night before or even on game day that its scheduled bus or driver was unavailable, despite transportation arrangements being made in advance.
“You know, our coaches, you know, book the bus. You know, a week before and we make sure, even myself, that, you know, we get a transportation,” Tan said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s The Scorecard.
But on one occasion, Tan said the team was due to leave within hours when they discovered that there was neither a bus nor a driver available.
“It was so bad that that one day we had a game to go to in a couple hours, you know, and then, and I had to drive the bus,” Tan recalled.
“You know, I, the coaster bus, and I have no license for it, but I have some experience driving a big minivan or a big 15 passenger van,” he added. “And I took a chance just to make sure the kids get there. It’s a struggle.”
Tan said the transportation difficulties were particularly frustrating because San Sebastian competes in the NCAA, one of the country’s major collegiate leagues.
“I’m in this situation that, you know, you’re representing NCA, one of the best top league in Philippines,” Tan said.
He claimed that the repeated transportation issues were part of broader concerns he encountered regarding the team’s support and resources.
Tan had previously said he personally covered other team-related expenses, including coaching staff salaries and transportation, during his time with the Golden Stags.(Adrian Co)
