BY RYAN O'CONNOR

Robert Rhoades was 55 when he died suddenly of a brain aneurism in March 2006.

Now, his daughter, Kathleen Rhoades, joins former Blue Devil athletes Mike O’Shaughnessy and Joey Donovan in organizing the second annual Robert Rhoades benefit run.

The 3.1-mile run begins at Salem High School at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25.

“It’s a great way to raise money, but more than that, it’s about the memory of my father,” said Kathleen Rhoades.

“And getting everyone together for my dad is great. That part is more special to me than raising the money.”

There is no entry fee. Proceeds are raised through donations and T-shirt sales, along with concessions offered by Salem High School boosters.

Proceeds from the run fund the Bob Rhoades scholarship under the Dollars for Scholars campaign.

Last year, Kathleen Rhoades said the event raised more than $3,000.

While runners use the cross country course at SHS, walkers are also encouraged to participate by using the school’s outdoor track.

Moreover, despite last year’s large attendance, Rhoades’ daughter said this year’s event includes one race, rather than two, to tighten the schedule and prevent participants from waiting.

Rhoades, a longtime Salem High School social studies teacher, coached boys basketball, indoor track, cross country and tennis in his 32 years in the district.

In October 2006, Rhoades was inducted into the Salem Athletic Hall of Fame.

“The kids were always first and foremost with him, and he always did what he could, whether it was through his teaching or his coaching, to always look out for the benefit of those kids,” said Chris Bergeron, Salem athletics director, following the Hall of Fame ceremony. “The school isn’t the same without him, and he has been sorely missed.”

Anyone who wants to participate can sign up at Salem High School prior to the start of the race.