One of a kind, Eddiegul leaves an enduring legacy in sports

A pall of gloom descended on the Cebuano community with the passing of highly esteemed public servant, educator, and sportsman Atty. Eduardo Rivera Gullas last Thursday, November 6. He was 95.

- EMMANUEL B. VILLARUEL Sports Editor

A towering figure in politics and education, the former Cebu governor, multi-term congressman, and revered 'Father of Talisay City' has also left an indelible mark in the field of sports.

Eddiegul, as he is fondly called, chiseled his name in stone as the first and only Cebuano to be honored as "Coach of the Year" by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) and "Man of the Year" by the Philippine Free Press seven decades ago.

The Cebu Sports Hall of Famer achieved the monumental feat in 1957 when he steered the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers to a historic crown in the 2nd National Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championships.

Co-captained by his younger brother Jose “Dodong” Gullas and namesake Eduardo “Skipper” Cabahug, the Lancers stunned the then NCAA champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, 74-63, in the first ever televised game in Philippine history played at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

For that, the Lancers earned the distinction of being first provincial team to clinch the prestigious National Inter-Collegiate title.

Out of that breakthrough moment, Eddiegul authored the UV Lancers success story that they continue to nurture with pride until now.