Rio Mesa Track Coaches Are 1st Class

I am writing this letter in response to the story that ran Jan. 17 regarding Marion Jones’ transfer from Rio Mesa High to Thousand Oaks.

I have been a track and field athlete or coach for 21 years. For about half that time, I’ve had the pleasure and misfortune to frequently compete (or try to) against Brian FitzGerald’s and Rick Torres’ Rio Mesa track teams. Anyone who thinks they can find better track coaches than these gentlemen is sadly mistaken (Tom Tellez is the only exception I know of (a better coach)).

Time and time again, I’ve seen Brian and Rick transform marginal athletes into good athletes, good athletes into better athletes, and great athletes into greater athletes.

However, they are much more than fine coaches. They are people of the highest caliber, with high morals and good values. They are living examples of class. They are the kind of people whom I would want my son or daughter associated with.

STEVE BLUM

Ventura

Editor’s note: Steve Blum is the girls’ cross-country and track coach at Buena High.