Multi-titled volleyball coach Sammy Acaylar dies

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Sammy Acaylar, who led the Perpetual Altas to 14 NCAA men's volleyball championships, dies five days before his 67th birthday

MANILA, Philippines – Multi-titled volleyball coach Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar died at the age of 66 on Thursday, January 30.

Acaylar, who led the Perpetual Altas to 14 NCAA men’s volleyball championships, suffered a stroke on Monday, January 27, and passed away three days later.

He died five days before his 67th birthday.

“Coach Sammy was more than just the head coach of the Perpetual Altas men’s volleyball team — he was the heart and soul of the program,” the school said in a statement.

“Through his unwavering dedication and passion, he led the team to numerous NCAA championships, shaping not just athletes, but inspiring countless lives along the way.”

Hailing from Cagayan de Oro, Acaylar steered the Altas to 53 straight victories from 2010 to 2014, which at the time was the longest winning streak in Philippine sports.

Acaylar guided Perpetual to the women’s crown in 2013 as well and became the Altas’ sports director in 2017 before he had a brief stint as head coach of the UE Red Warriors in the UAAP in 2018.

“His loss leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those he guided, cheered for, and believed in,” said Perpetual.

Tasked to be part of the national team on multiple occasions, Acaylar was part of the coaching staff of head coach Stanislav Lugailo when the women’s squad ruled the Southeast Asian Games in 1993, which marked the last time the Philippines won a volleyball gold in the biennial showpiece.

He also won bronze in the 1991 SEA Games as head coach of the men’s team.

Coaching at the club level, Acaylar called the shots for Cignal and Sta. Lucia in the now-defunct Philippine Super Liga, Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League, and Imus and Savouge Aesthetics in the Spikers’ Turf.

A wake will be held at the Perpetual chapel of the Las Piñas City campus for six days starting on Thursday. His remains will then be brought to Cagayan de Oro. – with reports from Dennis Abrina/Rappler.com