Senior discus thrower Rodney Brown was a hurdler and high jumper in high school, but he decided to practice with throwers one day to take a break from running. It was a small decision, but it brought big results.
Brown has maintained a stellar career at LSU, becoming a conference champion and being named an All-American in 2013. He also broke LSU’s 25-year-old discus throw record and is helping lead the men’s track and field team in his final season.
Brown qualified for the discus NCAA championships as a freshman and entered the competition ranked 13th in the nation. He followed this by receiving All-American honors as a sophomore.
In his third year, Brown broke the previous school discus record set by former NCAA Champion John Nichols as a junior with a throw of 210 feet 10 inches.
Brown said what he is most proud of is the growth he’s seen within himself since joining the team, and it is what he attributes with his success.
“I came in in my own little shell, but I’ve come to know a lot of good people here, and I’ve branched out and tried to get my brand growing,” Brown said. “I could say I’ve done a pretty good job of putting my best foot forward.”
He said he has improved his craft significantly over the years with the help of teammates and head coach Dennis Shaver. Now in his senior season, he wants the chance to be a mentor and help younger teammates grow as he did and reach their full potential.
“Originally, my goal was to become the best discus thrower to come through the school, which I’ve accomplished, but now it’s about branching out and helping others become a better thrower and better person,” Brown said. He said this season is of utmost importance for seniors, as it can affect their professional careers.
“This is the money season, because this is the season that determines your contract and whether you make world championships or the Olympics,” Brown said.
After all the records and accolades Brown has earned, he still has one ultimate goal for his senior season: a national title.
The Tigers haven’t won a national championship since 2004. Brown said he hopes to break the 11-year drought and leave LSU on a good note.
“We have the team to do it,” he said. “We didn’t lose much talent, and if everyone gets on board and everybody believes we can, I think we have a really good shot at winning the national championship.”