Rich Rodriguez is well-known in college football as the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers. His wife, Rita Setliff Rodriguez’s lovely story of survival, love, and support is a firm basis for his life achievements.
Rita was born and raised in Jane Lew, West Virginia, in the heart of the state.
Growing up in a service-minded family, her Army veteran father taught her the principles of discipline and hard labor.
She attended Lewis County High School as an all-county tennis and basketball player.
Her athletic achievements and dedication mirrored the qualities that later defined her role as Rich Rodriguez’s supportive wife and mother.
Rich And Rita’s Love For Sports And Their Developing Friendship Became The Bedrock For A Lifelong Union
A native of Grant Town, West Virginia, Rich Rodriguez was a talented athlete and president of his junior class.
By moving to Morgantown to play football for the West Virginia Mountaineers, Rich unintentionally set himself on an intersection with Rita.
For her part, Rita had relocated from Jane Lew to Fairmont to play tennis for the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons.
Though they lived only 19 miles apart, they crossed paths three years later.
They met for the first time in a cafeteria where the Mountaineer football players hung out.
Rich, always the confident leader, made the first move, and the two quickly found themselves attracted to one another.
Motivated by their newfound interest in each other, Rita transferred to West Virginia University (WVU) and was eventually on the college cheerleading squad.
She stood on the sidelines every Saturday afternoon, cheering on Rich and the Mountaineers.
Their love for sports and their developing friendship became the bedrock for a lifelong union.
Rich and Rita were married on July 1, 1989, starting an adventure filled with ups and downs.
Rich and Rita have two children: Raquel and Rhett Rodriguez. The family has always been at the center of their lives.
Raquel Rodriguez is a Creative Content Specialist for Jacksonville State University’s football program. She combines her artistic talent with her love for the sport.
Rhett Rodriguez followed in the family’s athletic footsteps and played as a quarterback for Catalina Foothills in Arizona.
As of March 2024, Rhett Rodriguez is a football coach at Jacksonville State University.
Rich Rodriguez’s Wife, Rita, Was Famous In The Sports World For Her “Super Bowl Dip”
Rita’s contributions to Rich’s career extend beyond the sidelines. She is known for her warmth and hospitality.
She often opens her home to players and staff, creating a supportive environment fostering unity.
One is her nacho cheese dip, a small, significant ritual that started after a rough loss to Notre Dame during Rich’s first season at West Virginia in 2001.
She said-:
“Everybody loves getting a little attention. It’s something given in front of the team. And it tastes pretty good.”
Via ESPN
Rich Rodriguez’s wife, Rita, became famous in the sports world with her “Super Bowl Dip” during his coaching tenure.
The creamy, spicy dip was frequently highlighted in interviews and became a fan favorite among Rich’s teams.
During his coaching career, Rita routinely shared this dish with supporters and at events, garnering her a reputation as a welcoming and entertaining character in the football community.
Rich Rodriguez’s Wife Understands The Demands Of Competitive Sports
Although Rich and Rita are from West Virginia, they now call Tucson, Arizona, home and continue to support each other in their pursuits.
Rita is a constant source of strength and encouragement, juggling her roles as wife, mother, and community leader.
Her life is a perfect example of love, collaboration, and determination, which have brought success to her family and touched many lives.
Rich and Rita’s partnership is a tale of mutual respect, shared dreams, and enduring commitment.
Rita Setliff Rodriguez is the model of a devoted wife and mother, a cheerleader in every sense of the word.
As Rich continues to make his mark in college football, his success is deeply intertwined with the support and love of his wife, Rita.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Rich graduated from North Marion High School in 1981, participating in four sports and earning all-state honors in football and basketball.
- Rodriguez was a student assistant under head coach Don Nehlen and finished with a degree in physical education in 1985.
- Rich Rodriguez’s grandfather is originally from Spain.
