After six long years, Wewe Medina is finally back with the Philippine Army in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Of course, he brought along with him the wealth of experience gained at the University of Sto. Tomas in the UAAP, and now as an assistant coach with Galeries Tower in the Premier Volleyball League.
Last November 12, all of that experience was put to good use as Medina delivered a show on both ends to help the Troopers secure a massive come-from-behind victory over Fudgee Barr-Ateneo, 22-25, 19-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-10, at the Paco Arena on Sunday night.
The former UST team captain registered a personal tournament-best 24 points on 19 attacks, three aces, and two blocks to go along with 32 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs to keep his team in the running for a playoff spot.
Medina then followed it up with another all-around outing in the team’s come-from-behind win over Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmarinas, 25-21, 26-28, 19-25, 25-14, 15-11, on Wednesday.
He tallied 18 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, to go along with 15 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs to help his side bolster their quarterfinals bid with a 3-1 slate.
“Wala eh, inexpect ko na na magiging close game ‘to and importante ‘tong game na ‘to kailangan talaga naming trabahuhin para we’re still alive here sa Spikers’ Turf, sa liga na ‘to,” said Medina.
“Ang goal ko syempre makatulong sa kanila. Hindi lang naman kami nandito para sumali, syempre kailangan natin manalo. Hindi lang basta para mag-compete tayo, kailangan din nating manalo and also as Army, kailangan naming pakita kung ano kami,” he added.
Medina is currently wearing two hats, playing as a guest player with the Troopers in the Spikers’ Turf while also serving as an assistant coach to Lerma Giron in the Highrisers’ maiden campaign in the PVL Second-All Filipino Conference.
The former AMC Cotabato standout mentioned that his coaching experience with Galeries has provided him with a unique perspective as a player and significantly enhanced his performance on the court.
“Sobrang laking tulong kasi syempre kapag nasa loob ako ng court, alam ko na kung paano ko i-compose yung sarili ko,” shared Medina.
“Wala ng frustration moments na nangyayari kasi yun nga naiintindihan ko na kung ano yung dapat kong gawin at kailangan kong gawin. Also, hindi lang naman one skill ang volleyball eh so lahat pwede mong i-contribute. Receive, service, block, hindi lang siya palo,” he continued.
Medina admitted that juggling two acts at once is a bit of a challenge for him which is why he expressed his utmost gratitude to the Galeries coaching staff for understanding his situation.
“Yung sa time management, thankful din ako sa mga kasama kong coaches sa Galeries kasi binibigyan din nila ako ng konting ano na kasi 9 a.m to 12 p.m. kami sa Galeries tapos ang training namin sa Army, 1 to 5 or 2 to 5,” bared Medina.
“Right after (ng training sa Galeries), diretso na ako training sa Taguig every other day,” he added.
