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Phillip Rhodes, also known as "Water Bug," is a former track and field athlete who competed at McMurry from 1979-82 before graduating with a bachelor's degree in physical education and social studies.
Rhodes is from Knox City, Texas and relocated to Childress, Texas after graduation from McMurry. He coached and taught at Childress High School for over 30 years before retiring in 2017. Rhodes currently resides in Childress.
As a track and field athlete at McMurry, Rhodes was part of three consecutive conference championships in the 4x100 relay from 1980-82. In his senior year, Rhodes and his team competed at the NCAA Division III National Championships in West Virginia.
Among his teammates were track and field standouts Art Pertile, Willie Joe, Chris McNair, Craig Jones and Randy Martin. Rhodes recalls these relay runners as important figures in his track coaching career.
Life after McMurry has been successful for the long-time coach, as Rhodes was honored as the "Super Coach Surprise" winner in 2017 by Good Morning America. As part of his award, Rhodes attended Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons and was able to hang out with legends such as Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders and GMA host Michael Strahan.
Rhodes was also named an ambassador of the City of Childress in 2017 and upon retirement was honored with the 600 Victory Points Plaque by the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Rhodes coached at Childress Jr. High School from 1984-87 right out of college before moving up to Childress High School. He spent 30 years at CHS, coaching football and track from 1987-2017. In his last 10 years, his scholar athletes produced 16 district championships.
Under his watch, the program at Childress has also seen four current regional record holders, one all-time Texas Panhandle record holder in the triple jump, two area championships and two regional championships.
He currently serves at New Beginning Baptist Church in Childress, Texas and continues to sub at the high school.
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