Alamogordo Community Celebrates Living Legend Coach Bob Sepulveda’s 90th Birthday at Dudley School

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — The Alamogordo community is set to honor one of its most revered figures today as Coach Robert “Bob” Sepulveda marks his 90th birthday with a special celebration at Dudley School from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Known as a living legend in New Mexico athletics, Coach Sepulveda’s decades-long career has left an indelible mark on track and field, football, and cross country, inspiring generations of athletes and earning him a place in local and state history.

Born in 1936, Coach Sepulveda began his illustrious coaching journey at Alamogordo High School, where he served as head track and field coach starting in 1969. Over his tenure, he led the Tigers to unprecedented success, securing 19 district championships, five state championships—including four consecutive titles—one second-place finish, and five third-place finishes.  His teams held the longest consecutive state track and field winning streak in the 1990s of any New Mexico coach, a testament to his strategic prowess and dedication to excellence. 

Beyond high school, Coach Sepulveda’s influence extended to the collegiate level, where he coached for over 20 years and developed three Olympians, four NCAA Division I national champions, 22 NCAA All-Americans, and 34 conference champions.

His personal achievements include competing in multiple Senior Olympics with plans to attend Nationals in 2026, showcasing his own athletic talent and commitment to sports. Coach Sepulveda remains active, winning five medals at a recent New Mexico Senior Olympics. 

In 1988, Coach Sepulveda and his late wife, Marilyn—a pioneering coach in her own right—were inducted into the Alamogordo Tiger Hall of Fame. Marilyn, who passed away in 1989, was posthumously honored by the New Mexico Activities Association’s Coaches Hall of Honor in 2025 for her contributions to girls’ athletics. Together, the couple represented the heart of Alamogordo’s sports community, and are both recognized and honored still around the state with state sanctioned track and field state qualifying meets honoring their name. Their legacy is chronicled in books like “Coach Robert (Bob) Louis Sepulveda: The Early Years,” co-authored by Chris Edwards and Rene Sepulveda.

Today’s event at Dudley School, located in the heart of Alamogordo, 5 pm to 8 pm  is expected to draw family, former athletes, colleagues, and community members eager to pay tribute to Coach Sepulveda’s enduring impact

Organizers have described it as a “birthday tribute” to celebrate not just his milestone age but his role in building pride and resilience in New Mexico youth through sports and academics.

Attendees are encouraged to share stories, photos, and memories of how Coach Sepulveda shaped their lives.

As Alamogordo reflects on Coach Sepulveda’s remarkable journey—from coaching triumphs to personal milestones—the celebration underscores his status as a living icon . “He’s not just a coach; he’s a mentor and a legend,” said one former athlete in a recent discussion. The event is open to the public, inviting all to join in honoring this iconic figure with joyous stories. Music will be hosted by Lenore Whitney. 

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