Longtime Rio Rancho Rockets coach Nutal Patel was surprised July 25 when KOB-TV handed her $400 as part of its Pay It 4Ward promotion. Patel, second from right, was nominated by fellow Rockets coach Laura Correa, considering Patel’s work with her son, 32-year-old Alex Correa, who won a bronze medal at the USA Special Olympics competition in Orlando this spring. “She’s a very avid runner too, so it’s wonderful. She’s just an incredible woman,” Laura said of Patel. Patel said she’d funnel the proceeds into the Rockets’ program. “… she’s a wonderful woman; she’s always there when you need her. And out of the goodness of her heart she came and offered to help my son.” Also in this photo are, from left, Patel’s son Shiv, Rockets coach Carla Stalf, Special Olympian Erin Stalf and Alex Correa. (Observer file photo)