by John Welch

This feature is a continuation of the "Front of the Pack" column in the May 2003 issue of Runner Triathlete News. To get the full scoop on Art Rodriguez and his years of service to track and field, pick up a copy of the May issue of Runner Triathlete News. Subscribe to RTN today!

Art Rodriguez has done what most people can only dream about. He has competed at the state high school and national level in college track and cross country, and has done so successfully. But he has never been one to rest on his laurels.

Rodriguez, 57, of San Antonio, has been at the helm, both as a co-director and director of the Free Spirits Track Festival in the Alamo City since 1972. This year's series, which runs for eight consecutive Monday nights from June-July, is entering its 33rd season. That's quite an accomplishment, considering that Richard M. Nixon was in the White House when Rodriguez and Steve Smith took the series over from Jesse Martinez after the inaugural series.

Rodriguez admitted that it wasn't easy, through more than 250 different track meets. When you factor in family vacations, illnesses and work conflicts, it's an amazing feat, to say the least. Rodriguez also admitted that putting on the meets has been tough in more ways than one.

"We've always had problems finding individuals to officiate these meets," Rodriguez said. "We do get help from some parents, but they really like to see their own children compete in the races."

The events in the series include the 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 1,500-meter run and 3,000-meter run. Also included are the field events, which include the pole vault for both boys and girls. Hurdles are also on the Free Spirits spate of events.

"We had to finally increase the cost of competing in each event at $1.00," Rodriguez said. "We started at 50 cents, and then we went to 75 cents."

Rodriguez also directs cross country races as the Youth Chairperson for USA Track and Field.

Besides the obvious difficulties, which one would encounter in a directorial role for over 30 years, Rodriguez suffered a family tragedy that would test his inner faith in a way that he could never have imagined. It's best told in his own words.

Said Rodriguez: "In 1988, I was on the verge of losing my family. I would be partying and carousing with all of my many running buddies usually staying out all day. I was definitely not good for any marriage. And in May of that year my only grandchild, 21/2-year-old Joey was found in a swimming pool face down. He was on life support for 10 days. I made a vow to God that if He would save my grandson, I would turn my life around. We prayed hard. On the 10th day, my daughter was told that it would probably be best to 'pull the plug.' So the plug was pulled and my grandson died. I was mad at God. I could not understand why God would take my grandson. Our marriage split was put on hold while we grieved. Two years later, my wife and I asked Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. I became a 'Born again Believer.' I began to hit the streets telling people about Jesus and led many people to the Lord. The Lord revealed that through the death of one (Joey) many lives have been saved starting with my wife and myself. I look forward to a reunion with my grandson in heaven! Since 1988 we have been blessed with four grandsons and one granddaughter. In 1997, I became a minister. My vision is to build a home and training center for the homeless."