Alex Armenteros – Establishing a winning culture at St. Thomas Aquinas

By: Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis for DyeStat Florida

St. Thomas Aquinas High is an established Roman Catholic co-educational school in the state of Florida known nationally for its excellence spiritually, academically and in the sporting arena. The school located in Fort Lauderdale has won the U.S Department of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award in Education on two occasions. This award is attributed to schools that have shown exemplary qualities in the areas of leadership, teaching curriculum, student achievement, parental involvement and community outreach programs. St. Thomas Aquinas High School has also been included on the Catholic honor roll of excellence five times.

The ‘Raiders’ as they are affectionately called has a fine tradition of excellence in sports and boast a long list of titles and awards in swimming, tennis, softball, football and track & field among the leading disciplines. Three of the world’s most celebrated athletes are past students of St. Thomas Aquinas High; they are Sanya Richards-Ross, a World and Olympic champion in track & field, Chris Evert, former tennis No. 1 and winner of 18 grand slam titles along with NFL hero and Hall of Famer, Michael Irvin. 

Most athletes and coaches greatest desires are to win championships or be numbered among the elite in their field. It is one of the factors used in measuring success in sports. However, there are no short cuts to this destination; it involves vision, discipline, sacrifices, hard work, self-belief, disappointments and overcoming obstacles. That is the secret formula for being a champion of champions.

For the past several seasons, the Aquinas Raiders have won many national and State athletics titles. In the 2014 season, the Boys & Girls teams were victorious in their respective Florida State Championship classes.

One of the persons responsible for the school’s success over that period is Coach Alex Armenteros. He was named 2014 National Boys’ Track & Field Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA). During his stint at St. Thomas Aquinas High, he has won the Boys National Championship once, and nine boys and girls State Championships combined.

The 25-year veteran coach gave this writer an in-depth look at his methodology, experience, challenges, achievements and future among other interesting opinions in an interview.  

How did you start out in coaching? “I was hired at American Senior High School as a teacher. The school needed a track coach, and I volunteered for the position.”

How would you describe yourself as a coach? “Strict, disciplined, very organized and dedicated to the sport. I will go the extra mile for my athletes, and I am not afraid to experiment or put athletes in other events.”

What is your stance on balancing schoolwork and track? “Education always comes first. There are several classes and programs that go on throughout the week at St. Thomas. Sometimes athletes come out to practice late twice a week as a result of attending those classes.”

Coach Armenteros is cognizant that a united force is always the strongest; therefore, he insists that a consensus is reached by everyone (athletes & support staff) with his philosophy for success. He says, “I believe in commitment, discipline, and hard work. I believe in the philosophy: The strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf. I feel that life is about give-and-take. We give our athletes all the credit for doing well.”

What is your strategy and key to success? “My coaching staff and I take all the blame when things go wrong. That's why we asked our athletes to commit for the few months that they are with us. After the season, they are allowed to practice, run for any coach or club. This allows them to have fun and extend their knowledge of track and field, this works for both parties.”

You are now an established and experience coach, what motivates you? “You're never too established or experienced enough. I consider myself a student of the game. There's so much knowledge out there; I want to continue to seek it. What motivates me, I'm afraid of failing.”

What do you consider your most rewarding recognition by your peers? “I was named the national coach of the year, Florida coach of the year a few times and being chosen as a member of the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF) coaching staff.”

According to coach Armenteros, the athletics program at St. Thomas Aquinas is fantastically structured and operated. He gave the thumbs up to his supporting staff for making his job easier at the Florida based high school. “I have a wonderful supporting staff, starting with the administration. They do an incredible job of opening our doors to any student/athlete that wants a quality education. The athletic department makes sure that we have study hall programs, provide food, drinks and snacks for the athletes at events. They're also very supportive and encouraging about participation in tournaments outside of the state.”

Armenteros, who is rated highly by his peers and shows no signs of slowing down, shared his future plans for St. Thomas Aquinas High. “I will continue to give my time and dedication to the program that I love. Every year, I evaluate my program and make the proper adjustment for the upcoming season. See what the athletes display on the first day of practice, and start my game plan to try to win another state title.”

Which high school do you see as your main rival and why? “Any school that puts a track uniform on a kid. The state of Florida is very competitive in track and field; you can be beaten on any given day. You have to be prepared for every team at every meet.”

What would you say is the difference between St. Thomas Aquinas High school and its rivals? “I stay out of my neighbors’ backyard. I have enough grass in my yard to keep me busy.”   

How important it is for you to win at the Texas Relays on an annual basis? “To win at the Texas Relays is very important. Not only are we representing ourselves and St. Thomas but we are also representing the state of Florida.”

What is your most memorable experience as a coach? “In 2011, upsetting Northwestern Senior High at the state championships in the 4X400m relay. Northwestern was the national leader with a time of 3:10. This was so memorable because Arman Hall was injured in the open 200. We had to replace him with a sophomore named Maurice Dix. The race went down to the wire for a photo finish.”

Despite his competitive nature and large appetite for success, coach Armenteros offered some great advice to aspiring high school coaches seeking fruitful careers. He says, “As a coach you have to lead by example, commit yourself to the sport. Educate yourself about track and field by going to coaching clinics, talk to veteran coaches that are successful, read articles, and study videos. Don't ever worry about the critics or haters; it does nothing for your pay scale. You will never please them, no matter what. Never blame your athletes for a loss. Share all victories with your coaching staff, for they will become your back bone.”

These are indeed words of wisdom from coach Alex Armenteros, as assisting others is one of the greatest traits of humanity. It spoke volumes about his unwavering character and trusted recipe for success. Coach Armenteros does not wield a magic wand to get desired results; instead he is a practical individual who utilizes the tried, tested and proven formula of discipline, hard work and dedication.

About the Author:

Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis is a very exciting and creative freelance sports writer from Jamaica specializing in the fields of athletics and cricket. His colourful down to earth yet professional personality makes him a favourite amongst athletes and fans. Readers are often exposed to his detailed knowledge and passion which usually increase their interest in the athletes, events and the sport overall. He has a first degree in Banking & Finance and works in the financial industry. Contact Noel at [email protected]

Follow Noel "Bravo" Francis on Twitter @nanthonyfrancis

Read More from Noel on DyeStat Florida HERE