Coach Alex Armenteros has built one of the most dominant track and field programs in Florida and nationwide down in South Florida. This year his team's won both the girls and boys 4A state titles. Armenteros' sixth state championship with the guys earned him the NHSCA 2014 Boys Track and Field National High School Coach of the Year honors.See how he found out about the award, his thoughts, and what this means for his team and program.
How did you find out you were the NHSCA coach of the year?
I was informed by Coach George Smith, my Athletic Director that I was awarded the "2014 Boys Track and Field National High School Coach of the Year."
What does it mean for you and your program to receive this honor?
It is an honor and a privilege to receive this award. It's a testament of the hard work and dedication my assistant coaches and athletes are putting into the program. It is another piece of the puzzle towards continuing to put the state of Florida and our program at STA on a national level. This is an award I share with my coaching staff and athletes.
Obviously the award goes to you, but talk about the supporting cast of assistant coaches and athletes you had to make this happen?
I consider my coaching staff the backbone of my program. They are extremely dedicated, loyal, and most importantly they are my friends. My athletes are my pride and joy, we are connected at the hip. They do a great job of embracing the pressure, diligence, and commitment that comes along with being a part of the STA family. They work hard for each other to find a common goal to win.
The girls team achieved a lot of success, but you were awarded for your work with the boys program. Were you surprised?
I was a little surprised to receive the boys national track and field coach of the year. Not to take anything away from my boys team, they performed wonderful all year, but there were also a lot of great male programs in the country including American Sr. High School who were just as deserving. The girls had a phenomenal season and achieved a lot of success.The female coach of the year was Don Norford of Long Beach Poly, whom was praiseworthy of the award.
What was your favorite moment from the guys team this season?
My favorite boys team moment this season was at the state meet. To see the team rally and come together with special performances from Rasheed Tatham to win the 400m, freshman Trevon Grimes won the 300m meter hurdles, Ryan Crozier won the discus and placed second in the shot put, and Gabriel Darosa achieved a second-place finish in the 800m.
What makes the program as a whole so strong?
The formula to our program is "Discipline and Dedication." My athletes know to do their best at all times.We are very competitive in practice and continue to work hard. The commitment the athletes make to themselves and the team is significant to the success of the program. There is no room for the weak minded.
In addition to the 2014 NHSCA Coach of the Year, Armenteros was also inducted into the 2014 Louie Bing Hall of Fame. Other awards throughout his career include Florida Dairy Farmers male, female, and overall coach of the year several times, as well as, Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel male, female, and overall coach of the year 10 times.
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