Runners go extra mile to support ‘coach’
San Antonio community holds fundraiser to help mentor recovering from two strokes
SAN ANTONIO — Early Sunday morning, on the far South Side, longtime runner Eddie Hernandez found himself in an unfamiliar place — on the sidelines. Many runners he had paced in races, mentored and pushed to new heights sprinted by on a soft, sandy trail through sun-parched fields. They gave a thumbs-up to the lean, toned man known as “Coach Eddie,” cloaked in the shade of sunlit tree branches.
Surrounded by family and supporters, Hernandez, 63, wore garb familiar around San Antonio for many years. A pair of sunglasses propped on the bill of a blue ball cap. Orange running shorts. A white T-shirt emblazoned with silhouettes of runners sprinting across lenses of blue aviator shades.
The 5K run at Runners Ranch on Campbellton Road was an event Hernandez would’ve been part of in the past. But since late April, he hasn’t been able to join colleagues on weekly runs.
Hernandez suffered two strokes within two weeks.
Family members said they don’t know how he was able to drive to work for the whole week. The red flag came after the second stroke, as he struggled to form sentences and communicate properly. Hernandez now has aphasia, a disorder that impacts a person’s reading, speech and writing. He has therapy every day at home, relearning language skills and other ways to communicate.
On Sunday, more than 250 people, including family, volunteers and supporters, attended the “Miles for Coach Eddie” fundraiser to help Hernandez pay for medical bills and health insurance that ended in June.
“I have been humbled and grateful and cannot express my gratitude enough for the San Antonio running community,” his daughter Erica Casarez, 39, said. “My heart is extremely happy. They’re so willing to help. It’s been amazing.”
When word spread her family was planning a fundraiser, the running community’s response was swift. Erik and Kristine Burciaga from E-Dragon Productions donated T-shirts and finisher’s medals. Jose and Minny Iñiguez, owners of Iñiguez Athletic Advertising & Promotions, sponsored the race at their far South Side ranch.
“Coach Eddie has done a lot for the running community,” Jose Iñiguez said. “That’s why you see this response when he needs help.”
The San Antonio native’s family said Hernandez was born to run. He grew up on the South Side, excelling as a member of the Harlandale High School crosscountry team. He gained the title “Coach” because he’s always coached sports in his old neighborhood, in addition to officiating and refereeing games. While in charge of the Alamo Bronco Pony Baseball League, he kept costs down, so families wouldn’t be burdened by huge fees to allow underprivileged children to play sports.
As he did with his five children, Hernandez shared his wisdom with youngsters, called the “Four D’s”: dedication, determination, discipline and desire. It was his guide to help keep them out of harm’s way.
“My dad was like, ‘We have to help,’ ” Casarez said. “It’s all because of him, bettering lives wherever he could help out so they’d have a better opportunity.”
Running was a passion Hernandez enjoyed with his children. His only wish on Father’s Day was for his children to run with him. Casarez said Hernandez logged 10 miles on weekends and more than 35 miles a week. She often ran by his side on Wednesday night zoo runs hosted by the San Antonio Roadrunners.
Clusters of runners filled the round patio that served as a staging area. Volunteers handed out bottled water. Participants milled around tables stacked with fruit and snacks. After Richard “RJ” Fernandez, 19, finished his run, he sat in a folding chair as organizers prepared to hand out medals. His prize: honoring Hernandez, who had mentored him in cross-country since the sixth grade at Holy Cross of San Antonio.
“He was always there to motivate me and push me,” Fernandez said. “He’s been there supporting me, so it’s time to give back.”
The morning heat began to smolder as Casarez’s cellphone buzzed. It was a FaceTime call from Armando Ibarra, 56, one of her father’s followers. He was running 17 and a half miles from Zarzamora and Gillette streets, near Arnold Park. Clad in a neon yellow tracksuit and mask, he started alone at 5:30 a.m. in the dark, dedicating each mile to Coach Eddie. Three years ago, Hernandez began working with Ibarra, a boxer in his youth. He weighed 188 pounds when he began training with Hernandez, and now he’s down to 164 pounds.
“Coach Eddie taught me to run on tracks and trails,” Ibarra said. “It’s amazing; I’ve run four marathons and six half-marathons.”
The last runners dashed through cool water sprinkled over the looping dirt path. They joined those crowded around Hernandez for an embrace or a photo. They thanked the coach, who was taking slow steps to once again run with them. Using the run/walk method, he was accompanied by his wife, Belinda Hernandez, and family. Hernandez’s message to all around him — “I’m still at it.”
For more information, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/ TX/SanAntonio/MilesForCoachEddie.