BEAUFORT BROWN

(born: Tampa, Florida USA 1953)

University of Florida 1971 – 1975 “The Genesis of Champions Era”

Coaches: Jimmy Carnes, Head; Roy Benson, Asst; Dave Atkins,

440 and Relays

2011

I was recruited to the University of Florida's Track Program in 1971, by Head Coach Jimmy Carnes. While in Tampa Florida’s Middleton High School, I played football; was track team captain; and had won Championship titles at the Conference, District, Regional, and State levels. 　When I was competing in the State of Florida’s Championship meet, Coach Carnes came to watch me run the 440 and the sprint medley relay—both of which I was favored to win. I anchored and won the relay; but when I made the mistake of looking back near the finish line, I lost the 440! As a result, Coach put me on the Gators’ team—but he wouldn’t give me a scholarship until I proved myself. From that point on, I never looked back—either literally or figuratively. My time as a Trackman at the University of Florida was The Best Time of My Life! I made some life-long friends with some great guys. Together, we put UF on the National Track and Field “map”, and we were among UF Track’s pioneers in “The Genesis of Champions” era. Florida’s jumpers, vaulters, and fielders were already soaring, so we runners began the tradition of the “Flat Out Flyin’ Florida Gators!” I loved impressing the fans with my trademark ‘flying’ leap across the finish line. The UF Track Team, several individuals and I became SEC Champions; my mile-relay teammates and I became National Champions; and I enjoyed earning a long list of honors and awards—including being elected team captain for an unprecedented three years! Coach Carnes encouraged me to be a versatile runner by challenging me to run everything from sprints to middle distances (100 – 880 yds)! I clocked some of the fastest times in the world for several events; ran in prestigious invitational meets; qualified for the Olympic Trials; and beat the Russians in the Jr. Olympics, while setting and shattering UF records all along the way! I even managed to make the Dean’s List! One newspaper article proclaimed, “Brown Is Beautiful!” and another nicknamed me, “Bodacious!”

When I arrived at UF, I met my friend and college sweetheart, Barbara Lee, who graduated from UF cum laude. Three years later, we were married; and we now have three adult children—all of whom are honor students and musicians. Older son, Beaufort III—aka “Robb”—has graduated from USF; son Brandon has graduated cum laude from UF; and daughter Briahna is currently a student at UF (Class of 2012).

Four years after arriving at UF, I graduated as an Outstanding Senior. Then, I earned my state insurance license and worked in that area for a few years. Since that time, I have been blessed to work as an educator in the field I love—health, fitness, and physical education. In addition to working in the Florida school system, I have coached track at the high school and college levels; managed swimming programs; and worked with Migrant and Special Olympics. I have been honored by induction into three Halls of Fame. I learned to water-ski—even barefoot! I am an avid student of religious studies and a spiritual teacher. My wife and I recently had a great visit to Mayan lands; so I hope to do more traveling. I enjoy grilling, cooking—and eating—but I still do a little running to stay in shape. *lol*

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LORI MERCER

In high school (1979 – 1981) Lori earned All-America status as a shot putter and discus thrower for Cheyenne Central High School where she held the state record in the Shot Put for over 20 years and continues to hold the record in her high school. She was an 8 time State Champion in the shot put, discus, and softball throw. She was heavily recruited in high school and after attending Utah State University from 1981-1982, she followed her coach to the University of Florida where she made a name for herself. In the fall of 1983 while training in “THE SWAMP” she was challenged by linebacker great Wilbur Marshall in a baseball throwing competition. To the amazement of her coach and all

in attendance, she threw a baseball the length of Florida Field splitting the uprights of the goal posts at the other end. Her coach was so impressed that he put a javelin in her hand and her track career took flight. In the spring of 1984 she qualified for the NCAA Championships where she finished 3rd and qualified for the Olympic Trials where she finished 8th ; after only training in the even for eight months.

She has always considered her throwing ability a gift from God stating, “I don’t know many people who grow up dreaming of throwing the javelin!” Since that time she set the University of Florida record for the javelin at 188’ 8”. Lori also set records and won the Penn Relays two years in a row (1985 and1986) and won the Gatorade Classic. At the 1985 US Championships she finished 2nd earning her a spot on the United States Track and Field Team. She competed in several international competitions that year and ended that season with a trip to Tokyo Japan where she finished 11th in the World University Games. She carried a US top 10 ranking 4 out of the 5 years she competed on the national and international track circuit and was a three time Collegiate All-America and two time Olympic Trials finalist in the javelin.

Lori earned a BA in Health Science from the University of Florida in 1986. Since then she has earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling Education, and a Masters of Arts in Education: Administration and Supervision. She has worked for the past 25 years with disadvantaged, inner city youth. She currently resides in Newark, NJ and works in Jersey City, NJ at the Hudson County Schools of Technology/County Prep High School where she is a School Counselor. She continues to stay close to her athletic roots and

has been a volunteer throws coach at Newark Central High School and an assistant volleyball coach at Jersey City’s Snyder High School. She also continues to play competitive volleyball and likes to take her javelins out often to take road trips down memory lane.