A lot of students at Greeley West know that teacher and coach Cruz Rodriguez is passionate about kids participating and doing their best.  Few probably know that this fire burns in him because of his experiences in high school.  

Rodriguez said he didn’t really have the support as a player that he needed from his coach growing up, despite having played on the varsity as a freshman.  He said his leadership style started growing when he took responsibility for helping his team. 

Rodriguez explained that his team was talented, but they had problems.  Some of those included teammates who were  becoming dads and teammates whose parents were using drugs. “We had talent, but we didn’t have the guidance at home,” Rodriguez said.  

Rodriguez said his coach didn’t talk with them on a deeper level like Rodriguez tries to do.  That’s what inspired him to be a coach for the Greeley West baseball team.

Baseball has always been a big part of Rodriguez’s life.  His father was a big fan, and his little brother followed in his footsteps by playing. He’s attracted to the sport because it teaches life lessons and requires hard work.  “Athletes don’t always show the work and the journey it takes,”  he said. “Social media does them a disservice.”

Rodriguez also spoke about his competitive mindset. To him, baseball and personal life are very close together. “You get out what you put in,” Rodriguez said. “You’ve got to give it your all and want to wake up and be better every day.”

As a coach, he said losing isn’t what frustrates him; poor effort and attitude do. He believes that many things have to go right for a team to win.  “It’s my job to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed,” Rodriguez said. “As a coach, you take the blame and the credit.”