ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Kalani Rodrigues had always loved to run, but usually it was with a football in his hands. He started by playing with this father, brothers and friends before joining the Evergreen High School team and then transferring to Heritage High School when that school opened. He was a standout player, but his team struggled until Kalani’s senior year when he helped the team to an 8-1 season.
The winning season led him to want more, so he joined the track team in the spring. His talents were noticed almost instantly by Clark’s Coach Erik Anderson. A scholarship was offered and thus began Kalani’s career as a track star.
In the 2002-2003 season, he was a multiple NWAACC champion. He placed first in the 400 meters, 4x100 meter relay and the 4x400 meter relay. At the conclusion of his Clark career, he held four All-American titles, Sophomore of the Year honor and several school records.
Soon after graduating from Clark, life took a drastic turn for Kalani and his family. He discovered he had brain cancer and there was no cure. Cutting-edge medications added about a half dozen months to his three- to six-month chance of survival, but in the end his succumbed to the disease.
Kalani passed away on December 2, 2004. To preserve his memory and bring awareness to brain cancer, his mother, Lori Jimerson and stepfather, Skip Jimerson, created the K-Rod Run and a scholarship fund. Today, the Kalani Rodrigues Athletic Scholarship Endowment is valued at $80,000 and provides scholarships to student-athletes.
Although Kalani is gone, he will never be forgotten. He set a positive example for the Penguin Nation and serves as an inspiration for student-athletes who have followed him.
