The Running Men of Alhambra

A coach that helped create a successful athletic program that inspires high school kids to strive for the best and win big is prohibited to approach his team and to continue coaching. Was he dealing with drugs? Has he committed any crime? Has he become a terrorist or has he threatened the safety of the students? No, his sin: Being an undocumented immigrant brought to the USA as a minor, released from the horrific detention center by Corrections Corporation of America.

This is just part of the story by John Brant published by Runner's World on his September edition.

Unfortunately Runner's World does not publishes its articles online so run to your favorite newsstand and get a copy.

I came across the story some months ago thanks to an article by the Arizona Republic titled Controversy Cost Alhambra Coach his Job and a tip from a friend who knew I will feel outraged by the dismissal of Coach Carlos Borja for insubordination after he refused to oust the assistant Coach Miguel Aparicio on the grounds that Aparicio is an undocumented immigrant.

Never mind that Aparicio has been working selflessly without pay to transform rebellious barrio teenagers into focused athletes for years, many times providing economic support to his pupils by the way of sponsoring their athletic gear, training trips etc.

The article on Runner's World explains in detail the story of Coaches Carlos Borja, Miguel Aparicio from their humble undocumented immigrant origins to their inspiration for teaching, mentor and make positive changes in the lives of many. It also provides a window of the strains the unsolved immigration situation of so many valuable individuals puts into our communities, taking school officials to make ethically wrong decisions, to appease political groups.

It is also a very cinematic story of immigrant survival, triumph, challenge and the trans-formative power of teachers that commit to their students no matter what.