Lamar University honors legacy of Coach Sonny Jolly

In a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated half a century to Lamar University athletics, the institution has announced that its track will now bear the name of Coach Sonny Jolly.

A former student-athlete, head coach, and director of athletics, Jolly is celebrated as a legendary figure in college sports. His 20-year reign saw him transform the Lamar Cardinals into a Southland Conference powerhouse, bringing national recognition to the university for its athletic achievements.

"Sonny Jolly stands as a legendary figure in the realm of college sports," Lamar University President Jaime Taylor said. "His contributions not only elevated the Cardinals to new heights but also brought national recognition to Lamar University for its reputation as a force in college athletics."

Jolly's journey with Lamar began in 1971, and over the next 50 years, he witnessed and contributed to the university's growth and success. Reflecting on his career, Jolly credited his athletes' successes and the unwavering support from the Lamar University community.

"We were a small school, but we were like a family. That's the way our track team worked," Jolly said. "I had 50 years to be aware of every president in the region, and all of them supported everything Lamar."

Coach Jolly resurrected the Lamar University track and field program, creating a dynasty in the Southland Conference and guiding it to national prominence.

Jolly's journey at Lamar began under the mentorship of Coach Ty Terrell.

"Coach Terrell and his group of athletes were nationally known and set the stage for the rest of us," Jolly said. "I have to thank Coach Terrell for getting me started. He gave a little skinny kid from South Park High School a scholarship and a chance to run. My first or second day of practice running with Coach Terrell, I knew I wanted to be a track coach at Lamar."

Before Jolly's era, the Cardinals were perennial contenders but had only secured two conference championships. After six years of dedicated effort in shaping the program, his teams reached new heights of success. From 1978 to 1986, the Cardinals achieved an unprecedented feat by winning nine consecutive Southland Conference outdoor track and field championships. In total, his teams amassed 22 conference titles across cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field events.

Jolly's exemplary coaching earned him the title of conference Coach of the Year nine times. He coached 40 All-Americans, one NCAA national champion, and guided mile-relay teams to second-place finishes in the NCAA. Several of his athletes competed in the 1984 United States Olympic Trials and the 1984 Summer Olympics. In 1988, Jolly led the victorious U.S. National Team in a dual meet against Great Britain and served on the U.S. coaching staff at the 1991 Pan American Games.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Lamar University has decided to honor Jolly by naming the track after him. This dedication reflects the high esteem in which he is held by the university and acknowledges the lasting impact he has made on its athletics program.

LU's Driector of Track & Field and Cross Country Trey Clark praised Jolly's selflessness and dedication.

"One of the things that Coach Jolly talked about very early on was that he never wanted to accept the team job for himself because that was for the team," Clark said. "Fast forward a couple of years ago, and he was named into the Hall of Honor. It was the first time he actually had to accept an award. Well, coach, now you have to accept one more, and I'm very proud."

Jolly's association with LU stretches back to his days as a student-athlete and letterman in track to the five years he spent as director of athletics. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches at Lamar University, and the newly named track stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the program.

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