Rick Rothman built XC course in Boca Raton. Now it bears his name.

Former Spanish River cross country coach Rick Rothman spent over three decades developing championship teams and runners who carried the sport beyond their high school careers. At the 44th annual Spanish River Invitational in Boca Raton on Saturday, officials honored Rothman by dedicating the Rick Rothman Cross Country Course, recognizing his lasting impact on the region's running community.

Rothman, inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2006, coached for 31 years at Spanish River, leading his teams to seven Florida girls state championships, multiple state runner-up finishes, and over 150 major championships across boys and girls programs. The cross country course, designed by Rothman in 2004, now serves as a premier venue for high school, college, and USA Track and Field competitions, hosting various regional and national events in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Notable athletes who have benefited from Rothman's coaching include Cassie Henkiel, who qualified for the Olympic Trials, and Melissa Perlman, who is pursuing the qualifying mark as an active runner. Former athletes, including Perlman, returned to the dedication ceremony, with Perlman delivering a lengthy speech on her high school graduation day.

Rothman, who enjoyed a successful high school running career at Miami Coral Park, joked about not being a standout athlete, but acknowledged that running gave him a sense of identity and belonging. He remains involved with the Sharks cross country program, serving as the starter for the Spanish River Invitational and serving on the executive council of USA Track and Field and as chairman of the Track and Field Hall of Fame.