Coach Alphonzo is SRO's chief motivator. With a hug for everyone and an inspirational saying at every turn, he prepares the teenagers for this physically grueling endeavor. A nationally ranked runner and a legend in the Bay Area running scene, he loves the city of Oakland and is doing whatever he can to reverse its bad rap. Some of his favorite sayings are: "It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter" and "Don't wimp out on yourself." If you happen to say to him, "It's a beautiful day," you'll often hear back, "Everyday you can get out and run is a beautiful day." He is the ultimate coach.