The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Track And Field Remembers Rodney Lockhart
10/8/2007 | Track and Field
The
Lockhart, 20, a junior psychology major from
At the 2006 SEC Outdoor Championships, Lockhart finished ninth in the 400 meters and was a member of the 4x400-meter relay team that finished eighth. At the 2006 SEC Indoor Championships, he finished eighth in the 400 meters and was a member of the 4x400-meter relay team that finished fifth.
Below are several quotes of remembrance from both coaches and athletes that provide insight into what type of person and student-athlete Lockhart was.
“Rodney was a well liked athlete, usually smiling and enjoying life. He was a hard working, as well as talented athlete, to go along with his personality. He will be deeply missed.” Head coach Joe Walker
“When I think of Rodney, I will always think of the last time I saw that bright smile and big eyes twinkle last week when we passed at the track office and I said, Hey Rad-ney!’ When someone dies, people always say, We're going to win one for him because that's what he would've wanted!’ It's such a great thing to say that in this case, it's absolutely true that there is nothing more that would honor Rodney than for the athletes to pull together and make this the best and most successful year in Ole Miss Track history! Success in track was his passion. It really would be the greatest thing that Rodney would've wanted!” Assistant coach Erin Wibbels
“Rodney was not only our teammate, but our brother and our friend. There are no words to explain how dedicated he was to track and how much he wanted each of us to succeed even when he didn’t. He encouraged every athlete to give their all every time we stepped on the track. Rodney fed off each other’s performances. If I ran well and won my face, he followed by doing the same and vice versa. I remember like it was yesterday when Rodney was hurt last year and he used to tell me before every race, Yata, you have to win this one for your boy. Those girls don’t have anything on you.’ Words could never explain the pain I’m feeling over his death. The track family will truly miss our brother, but we will live on and compete in his honor. This year is dedicated to our lost brother Rodney Lydale Lockhart. Rest in peace.” Kenyata Coleman