Lancers Past Rohn Brown

As a transfer from Frank Phillips JC, Dave Strothers made his two Longwood years count.  As a senior, he led the Lancers in scoring and rebounding and made 87% of his career free throws.  For the last 30 years, he applies the same demeanor as a school administrator.   Strothers is the principal of Mayfield Woods Middle School in Howard Co., Md.  Dave faced his biggest test in 2012 as he and his family escaped their burning house.  Dave commends his community for their generousity and former Longwood Head Coach Cal Luther.

Roger Strong and Greg Gilliam were pioneers.  They enrolled at Longwood in the first year of full co-education in 1976-77 and were on the first Men’s Basketball team.  In the last game of a 2-12 season, their beloved teammate - Jimmy Yarbrough made history in a 134-93 loss.   The 5-6 Yarbrough scored 46 points and made 16 field goals, records that still stand today.  Listen to Roger and Greg talk about their unique experiences at Longwood and beyond – and their friend, the late Jimmy Yarbrough. 

Byron Bracey was a citizen leader long before it became part of Longwood's admissions literature.  Raised in a family of educators, Byron made Longwood history.  He enrolled in the second year of co-education in the fall of 1977.  Lettering three years on the men’s basketball team, he played his part as the Lancers shocked the nation with an appearance in the NCAA Division III Final Four.   The 1981 graduate left Longwood as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and retired 20 years later as Major Byron Bracey. 

Shortly after Longwood College became fully co-ed, Robert Boyd, Tim White, and company set the tone for Longwood Men’s Golf.  Arriving in 1977-78, Longwood experienced early success.  White was named Division III All-American in 1980 and is the only golfer named to the Longwood Athletic Hall of Fame (2016).  In 1982, the Lancers won the College Division of the Virginia Intercollegiate Championship.  Robert is retired and lives in Daniel Island, S.C.  Tim is the golf pro at Lake Chesdin Golf Club in Chesterfield County. 

In Michelle Meadow’s 17-year career at Longwood University, she relished her time helping student-athletes.  She worked her way up from assistant athletic director for compliance to LU's athletic director.  As a four-year starter on the Virginia Tech women’s softball team, she was elected to the Hokie’s Hall of Fame in 2010.  The three time Academic All-American is now the Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for the National Junior College Athletic Association. 

Jamal Allen wasted no time in becoming a professional baseball umpire.  Six months after graduating from Longwood, he headed to the Wendelstedt Umpire School and completed a season in the Northwoods League, a collegiate wooden bat circuit.  Last season, Jamal started his professional career in the Florida Complex Rooke League and is expected to umpire in Class A baseball in either the California League, Carolina League, or Florida State League for the 2024 season.  Special commentary from Kyle Nichol, Longwood '14 and  former minor league umpire.