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He also served as a professor in health and exercise science until his retirement in 2010.

In 2013, Mesa College named an invitational meet after the former coach — the Arnie Robinson Invitational is held each April.

Robinson also served as USATF San Diego-Imperial Youth Track and Field chair, where he mentored thousands of athletes. He was inducted into the San Diego Breitbard Hall of Fame in 1984, the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2000 and the California Community College Athletic Association Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2007.

Robinson overcame several health-related struggles over the years, including a serious car accident in 2000.

“I think that’s one of the things that drove him. Wanting to achieve something really, really big … setting it out there and making it happen,” said Paul.

That commitment was his calling card. He served in the Army and later, worked a track coach at Mesa College for three decades.

In 2004, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, a grade 4 glioblastoma and given six months to live. He went through several round of chemo and radiation.

“After some research, a complete 180 on his diet. Looking back on it now, he saw it as another challenge,” said Paul.

His son told KGTV he believes Robinson contracted COVID-19 from a caregiver who had tested positive for the virus. He died one week after the diagnosis, his son said.

“You’re just in a state of shock and disbelief over how it happened,” Paul Robinson told the station. “Respect COVID for what it is. Once COVID comes, and it closes in, there’s nothing you can do.”