Former UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK) dean and baseball coach, Artemio O. Isidro, passed away on Oct. 12.
The CHK dean from May 1, 1993 to April 30, 1996, Isidro began his UP service in the early 1970s as instructor under the then Department of Physical Education. He was the UP Varsity Baseball Team (VBT) coach from 1975 until the mid-’80s.
As baseball coach, Isidro brought pride to UP when VBT made a rare 5-peat championship at the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) from season 40 (AY 1977-1978) to season 44 (AY 1981-1982). He was a constant presence in the practices and games of VBT even until his old age.
Isidro was one of the few faculty members who saw the transition of the UP College of Education Department of Physical Education to the Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (ISPEAR) in 1976, and later to CHK in 1989.
Isidro was chair of the ISPEAR Department of Dance from 1979 to 1982. He also served as ISPEAR officer-in-charge in 1979 when then ISPEAR director Aparicio Mequi was in Indonesia for special detail.
His UP service was extended beyond his retirement when he was appointed associate professor 7 from Oct. 21, 2003 to May 31, 2004. He was later appointed as professorial lecturer 2 from June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2009.
Many of his peers, students, and mentees gave tribute to Isidro in their Facebook posts, reminiscing how he helped them reach their potentials.
Author: Benito V. Sanvictores Jr.