Palm Beach County renames cross country course for coach Rick Rothman

Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation unveiled a new sign for the Rick Rothman Cross Country Course at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park during the 44th Annual Spanish River Invitational on Sept. 19. The naming honors coach Rick Rothman’s decades of influence on high school cross country in Palm Beach County and beyond.

Why it matters: - The renaming gives permanent recognition to a coach whose work shaped one of Florida's busiest cross country venues. - The course has become a regular site for high school, collegiate and USA Track & Field meets, plus regional and national competitions. - Palm Beach County says the venue supports local sports tourism and the broader economy.

What happened: - Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department unveiled the new sign for the Rick Rothman Cross Country Course at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. - The dedication took place during the 44th Annual Spanish River Invitational on Sept. 19, 2026. - The course is named for Richard “Rick” Rothman, a Delray Beach resident and longtime coach. - Rothman founded the Spanish River Invitational 44 years ago.

The details: - Rothman designed and created the course in 2004. - The course now hosts high school, collegiate and USA Track & Field meets. - Palm Beach County Sports Commission partners on numerous regional and national competitions at the site. - Jennifer Cirillo, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation director, said the naming recognizes Rothman’s coaching career and his vision for the course. - Cirillo also said Rothman inspired thousands of young athletes through leadership and a commitment to excellence. - Rothman’s coaching career at the high school level spanned nearly four decades. - At Spanish River Community High School, Rothman led teams to seven Florida High School Girls Cross Country State Championships. - His teams also earned girls’ and boys’ state runner-up finishes and more than 150 major championships. - Rothman was named Coach of the Year 117 times. - His leadership roles included service with USA Track & Field. - Rothman coached multiple U.S. national teams in international competition. - He also coached at Florida Atlantic University. - Rothman has mentored generations of athletes and coaches. - In 2025, Rothman was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. - His other hall of fame inductions include the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and Florida Track & Field Hall of Fame. - Rothman said the permanent course had been his dream since coming to Palm Beach County in 1981. - Rothman said designing the course made the honor even more meaningful. - Rothman said he hopes the venue produces great performances and lasting memories. - The unveiling drew Palm Beach County representatives, parks and recreation leadership and staff, current and former Spanish River High School athletes and coaches, parents, fellow county coaches, friends and community members.

Between the lines: - The naming turns a successful local venue into a lasting monument to a coach who helped build the sport's infrastructure in Palm Beach County. - Rothman’s influence extends beyond one school because the course and the Invitational both became long-running fixtures in Florida cross country. - The honor also reflects how local parks can serve as athletic assets, not just recreation space.

What's next: - Generations of runners will continue using a course that now carries Rothman’s name. - The venue is likely to remain a key stop for school, college and USATF competition in South Florida.

The bottom line: - Palm Beach County is tying a marquee competition site to the legacy of the coach who helped create it.