Ralph Branchizio has been a noted coach in San Antonio for 20+ years. He has coached high school kids who later qualified for the Olympic Trials as well as countless recreational runners. He loves the sport and has given a lot to it. Those who have learned and been loved by Ralph, keep Ralph in your thoughts. This has to be rough on Ralph.
His son, John, was a competitive swimmer, triathlete and marathon runner. John served his country for 9 years as a Navy Seal.
Working as part of a security team, John was escorting American diplomats sent to interview Palestinian academics in Gaza who had applied for Fulbright scholarships to study or teach in the United States. The suburban he was driving hit a roadside bomb and exploded. He gave his life to make this world a better place. RIP, John.