It was 40 years ago that Tony Rodriguez was a starting guard on the Cerritos College basketball team that won the school’s first state championship. Under the guidance of Jim Killingsworth, the Falcons went 31-3 with Rodriguez as a freshman guard. He returns to Cerritos College as a first-year assistant coach working with Jesse Teplitzky, who is also in his first year with the program. Rodriguez, a team captain and Most Inspirational Player Award recipient, went on to be an all-conference selection for Alex Omalev at Cal State Fullerton for two years (1969-71). He followed that with a professional career that took him to Spain and throughout South America.

    Rodriguez started his coaching career with the women’s program at Cal State Fullerton (1971-73) and then as an assistant coach at Artesia High from 1975-80. He has also served as a basketball consultant from 1980-2008 and worked with athletes of all ages.

    After his playing career ended, Rodriguez spent 35 years in business as a marketing consultant and has worked with companies such as Chevron, Xerox, TRW and American Express. In addition, Rodriguez has been a seminar speaker for professional leadership, as well as a corporate recruiter and college mentor.

    Rodriguez began his playing career at Artesia High, where he was named the Suburban League Player of the Year, while also being selected the school’s Student-Athlete of the Year. While at Cerritos College from 1967-69, Rodriguez played on a conference and state championship team and earned his Associate of Arts degree in Sociology. As a basketball player at Cal State Fullerton, Rodriguez was the captain of the team and their scoring leader. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Master’s degree in Kinesiology.

    Rodriguez is married and has three children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, he is a physical fitness instructor, freelance writer and community volunteer.