Former physical therapist takes own spotlight as national athlete

For years, he stood at the far end of the bench, taping ankles and icing shoulders — a role where victory isn't exactly measured by the scores or the crowd's roar but rather the quiet satisfaction in taking care of others.

- By REYNALD MAGALLON

ETHAN CASARES (No. 22) in action during one of the Philippine team's matches.

But just when he thought his life would only revolve at the sidelines of the sport, he became the one diving, sprinting, and battling it out on a handball court.

Ethan Casares traded the muscle tapes and ice packs for a handball — and hopefully — a SEA Games gold medal.

A burly 6-foot-4 often mistaken as a player of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters where he once served as a physical therapist, Casares has now taken the spotlight for himself as part of the Philippine handball team competing in the biennial meet.

As the pivot player of the handball team, Casares is making use of his wide body to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. It is somewhat far from what he was used to being a PT of a PBA team.

With the Elasto Painters, he ensures that players will be in best shape to compete — sitting and waiting at the bench until he is needed.