Written by Camille White // Photo provided by McKenna Oliver
Harding University dedicated the new track and field complex to Ted and Marcie Lloyd Saturday, Sept. 16. Ted Lloyd is a former head coach of Harding’s cross-country and track teams.
Lloyd said Marcie’s inclusion in the dedication was a surprise to her, though both Lloyds have a long history with Harding.
“We have been at Harding ever since we were students, and the year we graduated, we started working for Harding,” Lloyd said. “Harding has been our life.”
Ted Lloyd’s coaching career at Harding began in 1957 when he coached basketball, track and football at Harding Academy. He served in that position until 1964 when he began coaching the track team for the University.
Lloyd said that while there were other track coaches before him, he was the first full-time coach. He coached track until 1990. Additionally, he coached the cross-country teams from 1968 until 1995. Under Lloyd’s leadership, the teams attended 72 conference championships and won 40.
Many of Lloyd’s family members, friends and former athletes attended the dedication ceremony, as well as the current Harding cross-country and track athletes and numerous Harding faculty and staff members.
Two of these faculty members included Director of Athletics Jeff Morgan, who gave a welcoming message, and Executive Vice President Jean-Noel Thompson, who shared additional remarks.
Following the dedication ceremony was a reception for the Lloyd family at Cone Chapel, where all were invited to celebrate.
“Coach Lloyd, he’s just a phenomenal man that has done a tremendous amount of good in a whole lot of lives,” said head cross-country and track coach Don Hood. “To have a permanent reminder of who he is, and what his family means to this school, and what he’s done for our program is just a real joy.”
Hood said that even after Lloyd’s retirement, he still spent time volunteering with the teams, mentoring athletes and coming to practices and meets. Hood said Lloyd is a great role model to both athletes and coaches.
“Today was definitely a special day to honor the legacy of coach Lloyd,” senior Tom Valente, a member of the cross-country and track teams, said. “He will still come and meet with the cross-country team and give us encouragement, and beyond that, just tell us the importance of not just being great athletes, but also being great men.”
