News Summary

Arlington High School has renamed its baseball field in honor of legendary coach Gary Rungo, commemorating his 34 seasons of dedication and excellence. The ceremony drew over 300 supporters, including former players and community members, celebrating Rungo’s significant contributions to sportsmanship and education. His coaching legacy includes 578 wins and multiple CIF Southern Section championships, fostering both athletic and personal growth among his players. The renaming reinforces Rungo’s lasting impact on the Arlington community and the lives he shaped throughout his career.

Celebrating a Coaching Legend: Arlington High School Renames Baseball Field in Honor of Gary Rungo

Riverside is buzzing with excitement following an unforgettable ceremony that took place at Arlington High School this past Saturday morning. Over 300 supporters, including athletes, students, and community members, gathered to honor one of their own: the legendary coach and educator Gary Rungo. Arlington’s baseball field has officially been renamed in his honor, marking a significant milestone in the saga of passion, dedication, and sportsmanship.

A Coaching Career Like No Other

Gary Rungo’s journey at Arlington High is nothing short of remarkable. For an impressive 34 seasons from 1983 to 2016, Rungo took the reins as coach of the varsity baseball team. With an outstanding career record of 578 wins, 359 losses, and 3 ties, he stands proudly as the second-winningest coach in Riverside County baseball history, and third overall in the Inland Empire. But winning isn’t everything in Rungo’s eyes; it’s what you build along the way that counts.

Legacy of Success

Under his skillful leadership, the Arlington Lions made a mark by qualifying for the playoffs a whopping 25 times. The pinnacle of his coaching career came when he led the team to secure CIF Southern Section championships in 1999, 2002, and 2004. He truly developed a program that not only focused on the game but on cultivating the character of each player.

A Community’s Favorite Mentor

Former players, like Steve Madril, couldn’t help but sing the praises of Rungo, highlighting the respect he instilled in his athletes and how he taught them to manage a program with integrity. Tim Kleveno, a former player who has since become the head coach, had envisioned this tribute to Rungo for years. However, getting the green light from the Riverside Unified School District board posed some challenges.

Overcoming Challenges

The baseball community had originally planned for this heartwarming renaming ceremony to take place during the Arlington Class of 2025’s final home game in 2025. But, in a twist of fate, it was rescheduled to coincide with Rungo’s recent induction into the Hall of Fame, an honor he initially hesitated to accept but ultimately embraced. That made this day all the more special, marking not just his achievements but an entire lifetime dedicated to coaching and education.

A Coach Who Cares

Known affectionately as a players’ coach, Rungo treated everyone on the team as valued members, no matter their skill level. His infectious enthusiasm and knack for creating lasting friendships made an indelible impression on countless young athletes. Gary often emphasized the importance of building relationships within the team, calling Arlington his dream job.

A Day Full of Nostalgia

Humor is another hallmark of Rungo’s coaching style, with the crowd chuckling at his favorite sayings. His impact stretches far beyond the baseball diamond, as many former students credit him for inspiring them to chase careers in education or coaching. It comes as no surprise that he has been recognized multiple times as Teacher of the Year—a testament to the love and respect he has garnered from both students and faculty alike.

Looking to the Future

At 70 years old, Rungo thanked everyone for their heartfelt support during the ceremony. His enduring influence resonates deeply within the Arlington community, with 16 players having ventured into professional baseball under his guidance. It’s clear that Rungo didn’t just coach a team; he fostered a community built on teamwork, sportsmanship, and mutual respect.

The legacy of Gary Rungo will now forever be etched into the very field where he shaped young athletes into not just players but excellent human beings. Arlington High School has taken a beautiful step in recognizing his substantial contributions, making sure that the impact of this remarkable coach will never be forgotten.

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