University of Perpetual Help System Dalta formally tapped Michael Cariño to succeed the late Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar as head coach of its men’s volleyball team in Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

No less than Perpetual chairman Antonio Tamayo announced the appointment, saying that Cariño’s deep friendship and familiarity to the system of the legendary mentor makes him a perfect choice to continue his program.

Cariño, who has been assisting Acaylar since 2010, will start serving in an interim capacity when the men’s volleyball tourney opens on 20 February.

Cariño expressed his gratitude to the trust given to him by Tamayo and the entire Perpetual community in continuing the legacy of the late mentor, who succumbed to cardiac arrest on 30 January. His remains lie in state at the Perpetual campus in Las Piñas City and will be laid to rest on Wednesday, a day after a necrological rite on what could have been his 66th birthday on Tuesday.

“It’s an honor to be a successor of Coach Sammy and, of course, we will do our very best to continue his legacy. I will strive harder just to achieve our goal: To become a champion,” Cariño said in a statement.

“And big thanks also to the Tamayo family, most specially to Sir Tony Tamayo, Sir Anthony and Sir Anton for trusting me to lead this team.”

Aside from Cariño and Tamayo, set to deliver speeches during the necrological service are two of Acaylar’s former players in Imus City Administrator Tito Monzon, Cignal HD head coach Dexter Clamor, Perpetual alumni affairs chief Liwi Elizares, Perpetual sports department head Anton Tamayo.