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Roddy Hiatt
Roddy Hiatt posing with LA Laker Girls
The Spirit of Light Award
2005/2006
Roddy Hiatt
Roddy Hiatt was born in Grand Junction, Colorado. Being born in a state that lives and dies with the Denver Broncos, it was destined that Roddy would spend most of his life involved with football. And so he has.
At a young age, Roddy and his family moved to Pico Rivera, California. He attended El Rancho High School, where he played on the varsity football championship team. As a senior, Roddy was a two-way starter. He lead the team with both catches and interceptions. He also had an 89-yard kick-off return!
As Roddy continued on to college, he continued to shine on the football field. Again, as a freshman he would lead his team in interceptions and catches for Taft Junior College.
After Taft Junior College, Roddy served two years in the U.S. Marine Corp. and then went on to Cal Poly Pomona. Once again, he lead his team with interceptions as a sophomore.
Roddy's junior and senior years were played at La Verne College. Starting as defensive back, he lead the conference with eight interceptions, one being returned for a touchdown. He was selected to 1st Team All District.
Roddy began his coaching career in 1977 at St. Paul High School as defensive coordinator and defensive back field coach. That first year the team played for the CIF Championship. Unfortunately, they lost the game, but Coach Roddy went on to coach 14 years at the high school level.
Roddy coached four years at the junior college level and was the head football coach at ELAC in 1985. He also coached at Mesa State College in Grand Junction for three years. In 1987 his defensive backfield combined for 28 interceptions, five being returned for touchdowns to lead the nation.
In 1979 Roddy became the first head coach of the Los Angeles Police Department Centurion Football Team. The team began playing football for the Blind Childrens Center in 1981, donating all the proceeds from the games to support the children.
In 1992, Roddy and a group of his good friends held the First Annual Roddy Hiatt Golf Tournament to benefit the Blind Childrens Center. They collected a grand total of $258. His enthusiasm and leadership persevered, developing a tournament which raised a whopping $50,000 in 2005!
Roddy took this passion to the highest level. His leadership, commitment and coaching continued, always giving back to the children and the community. In 14 years Roddy and his Board have raised over $143,000 and introduced countless new friends to the Center.
The Blind Childrens Center is proud to have Roddy as a member of the Board of Directors and a perpetual advocate for the children. He moved from player to coach to President of the Board of the Roddy Hiatt Golf Tournament.
A lifetime achievement, we applaud Roddy for his generous contributions to the community and especially to the very special children at the Blind Childrens Center. We are pleased to honor Roddy tonight as we present him with The Steve Garvey Spirit of Light Award.