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THE management of Jose Rizal University has formally relieved Ariel Vanguardia of his coaching duties after a four-year stint with the team.

Vanguardia, who was brought in just a week before the start of the 2006 season following the resignation of Cris Calilan, said he signed a two-year deal just this year but was discharged because of a clause in that contract.

“The clause stated that I’d be relieved of my duties if I failed to make a return trip to the finals,” he said.

Under the tutelage of Vanguardia, the Heavy Bombers turned their fortunes around in the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league. After going 6-22 in 2004 and 2005, JRU tapped the services of the Calamba native, who helped steer the Shaw unit to three consecutive Final Four stints, including a finals appearance in Season 84, where it was a win away from ending the longest active title drought in the league today.

All in all, the De La Salle University alum compiled a 40-27 (.597) record. What made his stint with JRU extra special, though, was his contribution to the careers of his key players.

“From two consecutive last-placed finishes, I was able to help transform the school into one of the most feared teams in the league. I am proud of my players. Marc [Cagoco] was a discard of St. Francis of Assisi, John Wilson did not make the cut in San Sebastian. Je [Agas] played for the Stags in high school but was cut, too. Jayson Nocom was a reject from De Ocampo Memorial College, and even Marvin Hayes was cut from National University’s Team B. No one wanted them. I’m glad I was able to become a part of their lives,” Vanguardia told inboundpass.com.

In response to speculations that a couple of his players were involved in game-fixing this year, the 37-year-old tactician said, “I believe in all my players. I’ll stand by them and won’t point a single finger at anyone. It just wasn’t meant to be [this year].”

Assistant coaches Lito Vergara, John Aquino and Franco Atienza were also relieved of their responsibilities. None of them will be taking the coaching helm for the Heavy Bombers in their Philippine Collegiate Champions League stint. As the NCAA’s third-placed team, JRU already has a spot in the Sweet 16, which commences on November 23.

Vergel Meneses, a JRU alum, is expected to fill the coaching void in Mandaluyong City.

Currently, Vanguardia is applying for the vacant National University coaching job. “I’ve joined the bandwagon for the NU job. With solid support, the Bulldogs have so much potential. In fact, I see the 2006 JRU team in NU today. I think it would be a perfect opportunity for me to settle unfinished business with NU.”

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