'He put the kids first': Moody athletic trainer Robert Gonzalez reflects on storied career

When high school sports begin in the fall at Moody High School, it will be without a familiar face on the sidelines.

Longtime head athletic trainer Robert Gonzalez, who took the reins of the position in 1990, announced his retirement following the 2023-2024 season.

Gonzalez' tenure, which included multiple generations of Moody athletes and students, spanned more than three decades.

"I was lucky to get the principal, athletic directors and administration that I got during my time here," said Gonzalez, who worked at Moody for 34 years. "It was important that the kids I worked with went home the way they came to school. Communication with the parents was important, and I've made a lot of good friends with coaches over the years."

Arriving at Moody

Gonzalez graduated from Victoria Stroman in 1984 and was uncertain about his future.

Gonzalez, who moved to Corpus Christi in 1990, was intrigued by a story he read in the Caller-Times that mentioned Corpus Christi ISD's plan to share athletic trainers.

Gonzalez inquired about the position, and was greeted by former CCISD Athletic Director Chipper Zamora and other members of the Moody staff.

"At the time, CCISD was probably the second highest paying job but what really sold me was they had just built a new training room at Moody," Gonzalez said. "One of the reasons the glove fit on the hand was both schools were (Stroman and Moody) built in 1967 and both schools were blue and gold with the same kind of kids. As soon as I saw it, I thought to myself, 'I'm there.'"

Gonzalez was hired as Moody's first full-season athletic trainer, and instantly made it a priority to build relationships with the community, the players and their parents.

Gonzalez created bonds that are still present today, especially with former athletes, parents and current CCISD Athletic Director Brenda Marshall.

"What you found out really quick was how much he cared for the kids," Marshall said. "Maybe the kids were missing a mom or dad, and that's where you would see the compassion from Robert. Maybe the kids weren't hurt, but they always wanted to come to the training room to be around him. Robert always had their best in mind."

One of a kind

Gonzalez' dedication to players and students was unmatched, and so was his passion for Moody athletics.

Gonzalez said he has dozens of memories working at Moody, but one that stands out is the Trojans winning the UIL Class 5A state championship in 2004.

"The biggest highlight for myself at Moody was the baseball program," Gonzalez said. "Seeing those guys work as hard as they did, and then finally winning that state championship in 2004 … It was the coaches, the community and Brenda Marshall. Those kids and their parents worked so hard for it. It was unreal."

Gonzalez was recognized for his work in 2009 after winning the John Harvey Humanitarian Award.

Trainers across Texas voted for Gonzalez to claim the honor, which has been held every year since 2001. Gonzalez was also chosen to be the head athletic trainer for the South baseball team during the All-Star game in the spring.

"If I would have stayed another year, I would have seen a third generation of Moody students," Gonzalez said. "When that happens, you think you might have been here too long. It's unreal how the parents know you and then they ask if you're still there. It's remarkable."

Moody magic

Moody's 2024 season finale against Gregory-Portland gave Gonzalez another glimpse of Moody Magic after the Trojans rallied to defeat the Wildcats 5-4 at the Cabaniss baseball field.

Tied 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh inning, a walk, a hit by pitch and two wild pitches allowed Moody to secure the victory and give Gonzalez a win in his final high school game.

"Baseball is a weird game," Gonzalez said. "They just find ways to win games and I was able to see them win in my final game."

Working at Moody for more than three decades has also allowed Gonzalez to treat players who have gone on to make names of themselves, including former Moody baseball player Luis Flores and pro baseball player Michael Cantu.

"Those players come back to me because of the trust they have in me," Gonzalez said. "For them to still call me and refer to me as a second parent is unreal. It all comes back to community and parents. The ride that I've been on has been remarkable."

Looking ahead

Gonzalez is stepping away from the Moody sidelines, but keeping athletes safe and raising the next generation of trainers will always be his passion.

Gonzalez said even though he's retiring, he isn't closing his window completely. If an opportunity in the private sector opens, he could see himself starting a new chapter.

"The safety of the kids has to come first," Gonzalez said. "What I want the next generation to know is to keep up with technology, tricks of the trade and know everything that's going on to get ahead. It's not treating the injury, it's treating the person. If you work with your team doctors and make sure you're doing the right thing, you shouldn't have any problems with this profession."