Austria steps down as Welcoat coach

Austria steps down as Welcoat coach
By Nelson Beltran
Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Welcoat has decided to revamp its coaching staff after poor showings in its first three conferences in the pro league.

In a meeting Saturday, the management and coach Leo Austria agreed to sever their ties, paving the way for the entry of a new man to call the shots for the team.

Austria was to announce the development in a meeting with team manager Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and the players last night.

Mondragon said nothing is final yet but sources said assistant coach Caloy Garcia is likely to be elevated to the head coaching post, less than two weeks before the start of the PBA Fiesta Cup.

“The management is looking for a new direction. We had a mutual agreement, parting ways hopefully for the good of the team,” said Austria.

With a so-so lineup, the Dragons finished dead last in both the All-Filipino and the reinforced tourneys last season. The team finished no better in the recent Philippine Cup with its crew plagued by injuries to key players, including top draft pick Joe Devance.

The team accumulated only 10 wins against 44 losses under Austria.

“I didn’t have the materials last year. This year, we’ve got some prized acquisitions in Joe Devance, Nic Belasco and Ryan Arana. We’re expecting to be in the middle of the pack (in the recent All-Filipino) but injuries got in the way,” said Austria who had a fine showing with the defunct Shell team.

Austria expects the Dragons to make improvement as they’re allowed to field two imports in the coming Fiesta Cup.


Source: http://philstar.com/index.php?Sports&p=49&type=2&sec=30&aid=20080317151