Bryan Vitug has always been a believer of Sherwin Meneses — both on the court and on the sidelines.
Vitug and Meneses played together for Adamson University from 2006 to 2010, with the former suiting up as the outside hitter, while the latter served as the team's primary setter.
Some years later, the two would enter the coaching circle and one of their first gigs was with their alma mater. Both Vitug and Meneses were part of Adamson's coaching staff in the UAAP from 2012 to 2016 and would also have a stint in various commercial leagues.
Their latest coaching tandem saw them in Arellano University in the NCAA men's volleyball tournament.
Meneses had been calling the shots for the Chiefs for nearly a decade, steering the school to consistent Final Four appearances that included a runner-up finish in Season 93.
Meneses, though, is now appointed as the team consultant, while Vitug has been given the keys to lead the Chiefs in Season 100.
But while he is now the one in charge, Vitug says the principles he is implementing remains the same.
"Parang same naman kasi last year binigyan niya na ako ng headstart. Sinabihan na niya ako na ‘Sige, hahayaan na kita’. Lagi niya akong tinuturuan so binigyan niya ako ng chance lalo na ngayon na na-implement na ‘yung rule," Vitug told GMA News Online.
Vitug is also doing a part-time job at Creamline where Meneses is the current head coach as he hopes to help the champion tactician in the PVL.
"Matagal na [kaming magkasama] kasi same school kami, Adamson. Senior ko siya so since 2014 or 2012 magkasama na kami sa coaching staff sa Adamson, sa mga club teams, ngayon sa Creamline pinapatulong niya ako minsan," Vitug added.
Vitug got his first win as the head coach last Saturday after the Chiefs eked out a 25-16, 25-20, 25-19 win against Lyceum of the Philippines University as they improved to a 1-1 card.
Although Meneses isn't around regularly, Vitug said the former's blueprint is still what they are carrying out in Arellano with the likes of holdovers Adi Villados, Carl Berdal, Jiwen Sinuto, Anfernee Curamen, and AC Guinto leading the charge.
"As consultant siya. Hindi naman siya regular na nagpupunta pero ‘yung communication namin halos araw-araw kasi nagkikita naman kami."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
