Saturday, February 13, 2021
I have known Coach Felix for nearly 30 years. We immediately found common bonds in our love for Track and Field and also Engineering. I always assumed that Felix was committed to the greater welfare of the children he coached. It wasn't until I got involved with the Liberty Road Recreation and Parks Council that I actually found out how much Felix did for every child in the Liberty Road track program. He did more than just train his charges to run or jump, he gave them a purpose. He made sure homework was done, grades were intact and effort was being put forward towards an end goal (whatever that goal was).
I learned that Felix was busy. In fact, I don't know how he found the time to do what he had before him. Nevertheless, if you asked him to do something, he would do his best to get it done. I never got a NO from him. All the years that we spent connected to the Rec Council, he NEVER said NO to running for office or conducting council elections or moving practice times. I've always heard that Felix was abrupt, harsh and difficult. However, over the years I've grown to know that the person you saw on the track was the real Felix Rogers: focused, encouraging, striving for perfection.
I will miss him. Not just his sly smile. Not just his constant reminder of the calendar. His commitment to get things done in an efficient, orderly, by the book manner will remain in my memories of him forever.
Leon Gibson
President
Liberty Road Recreation and Parks Council
