OHS

Hilarious, honest, highly regarded, well known. That’s Lloyd in a nutshell. He has fun, is funny & makes me laugh.

In elementary school, Lloyd had an interest in track. Mr. Roggentein dashed those dreams. “Boys who wear glasses can’t play sports.”

Since his father had died at age 54, when Lloyd was just 5 years old, his mother had not let that fact stop her son from learning about sports. It was HER in the back yard throwing the baseball for a game of catch, or HER showing him how to bring the football back to your ear, snap your wrist. This woman would watch a Chicago Cubs game on TV & listen to another game on the radio. Every Iowa game was on at her house, too. She was mostly definitely a sports fan.

In about about 5th grade, he used to play baseball games on the field behind Wildwood School with a bunch of neighborhood kids. Steve & Gary White, and Paula Stufflebeam were a few that I know. That was a time when not many girls played baseball. Paula was a year younger and a better player than all the guys. They sure didn’t mind if she was on the field. They all had a great time and were all friends.

He had been wearing glasses for a very long time, since 3rd grade. He had enjoyed sports, but since his teacher told him he couldn’t play sports in school because of his glasses, that was the end of that.

In 8th grade P.E. class, Mr. Gullion saw his natural speed and good running form & asked why he wasn’t in track. What a peculiar question. “I wear glasses, Mr. Gullion. Boys that wear glasses can’t play sports.”

Gullion told him to report to track practice. A lot of athletes wear glasses. Dan Gullion was just one of the teacher heroes that made a huge difference in Lloyd’s life! Thank you for telling the truth.

He started fueling his body & running twice a day. Freshman year and each year following, he ran varsity track 100, relays & long jump breaking school records plus, personal bests & Drake Relays.

Never did take off his glasses, Mr. Roggentein!

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One fall morning after early bird marching band practice, Lloyd, Scott Hutton & Doug Techel all piled in Lloyd’s car to go back to band at the high school. They were a few minutes late.

Hutton and Techel told Mr. Cameron they had a flat tire. Lloyd, however, was sent to Vice Principal Hammersley’s office, who asked the same question of Lloyd that Mr. Cameron had asked, “Why were you late this morning?”

The guys had made a pit stop, while nourishing and satisfying as it was, it made the carload tardy.

Lloyd gave the same answer to Hammersley that he gave Cameron. He simply told the truth. “I stopped for doughnuts.”

Dupy’s doughnuts were so delicious and just made everything better. Lloyd probably wished he had purchased one more to hand to Mr. Hammersley at that precise moment.

Hammersley gave the stern, dreaded vice principal look and told him how disappointed he was in Lloyd’s behavior. This act would result consequences. An after school detention.

Lloyd, ever the fast thinker, quickly responded that he’d take the detention, but he wanted the school to know that he rode with three guys, who he would not name, but just know that each one made up a story and told a lie about having a flat tire. They were not punished, nor given a tardy. “I’ve been completely honest, told nothing but the truth and am punished. You understand my confusion, correct?”

Score one for Lloyd! He was excused his tardiness, relieved of detention & told to go back to class.

Mr. Hammersley proved to be another of Lloyd’s heroes.

Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.

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