Football: FBI Honors Rodriguez
October 07, 2004 02:39 PM | General
October 7, 2004
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- On October 6, 2004, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division Acting Assistant Director (AD) John S. Hooks, Jr., and Ray A. Morrow, Chief, Resources Management Section, presented West Virginia University (WVU) Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez with the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award.
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| FBI Division Acting Assistant Director John S. Hooks, Jr., presented WVU coach Rich Rodriguez with his FBI Director's Community Leadership Award prior to Wednesday's practice.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks photo |
The Director's Community Leadership Award is one of the most prestigious awards that the FBI presents to a private citizen. The award is given annually to an individual or organization that has contributed greatly to crime, drug, and/or violence prevention in their community.
On the field, Coach Rodriguez shines as a leader, receiving the Big East Coach of the Year and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Regional Coach of the Year in 2003. "When he is not on the field, he serves as a leader throughout the communities in West Virginia," said CJIS Division Acting AD John S. Hooks, Jr. "Coach Rodriguez realizes the importance of the FBI's goals of establishing communication with the community. Recognizing this, he has joined forces with the CJIS Division in supporting the Community Outreach Program's (COP) mission."
Coach Rodriguez served as the keynote speaker for the 2002 FBI Junior Special Agent Graduation Ceremony, delivering the powerful message of doing your best and following your dreams. As an advocate of the FBI/AFCA National Partnership, Coach Rodriguez has been instrumental in the FBI's distribution of over 30,000 National Child Identification Program kits at WVU games.
In addition, Coach Rodriguez has encouraged his football players to assist in the COP efforts to reduce crime, drugs, gangs, violence, and to influence all youth on the importance of good character. He encourages his players to be active partners with the WVU Children's Hospital by visiting sick children on a regular basis. Additionally, for the past seven years, WVU football players have been a key part of the Special Olympic Games held at the WVU campus. Throughout the winter and spring months, the football team conducts "Operation Outreach," visiting middle and high schools throughout West Virginia. "Operation Outreach" is a program focused on goal setting, facing challenges, and the importance of a college education.
Coach Rodriguez participates throughout West Virginia in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Walk for Life, and Special Olympics. He also visits Children's Hospital in Morgantown with his players; visits sick children and adults at all Morgantown hospitals; provides public service announcements for a Drug Free America, the Alzheimer Association, etc.; speaks at area Drug Awareness Reduction Education Programs; participates in the Coaches Against Cancer Golf Tournaments throughout the state and the Children's Hospital Golf Classic; and is extremely active in the United Way Campaign.
"Coach Rodriguez is highly deserving of the 2004 Director's Community Leadership Award, not only for the above mentioned activities, but also for taking personal responsibility for today's youth and young adults throughout West Virginia," stated FBI Section Chief Ray A. Morrow. "He is committed to working with the FBI CJIS Division and other community organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and provide an environment that supports positive alternative activities to drug use, gangs, and violence."
