Lancers Past

Brian Sprinkle was a fixture in goal as the Lancers posted a 50-15-11 record from 1981 to 1984. The three-time all-conference keeper received his BS in Business Administration and Marketing. After 20 years in corporate advertising and 10 years in college coaching, Sprinkle continues to pay tribute to his late teammate and Longwood All-American Mark McCardle.

Danny Sterling came to Longwood in 2006 as the Head Athletic Trainer and left in 2009 as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations. He applied lessons learned from Longwood's transition to Division I as the Athletic Director at UVA-Wise and Presbyterian College. After a two-year stint as VCU's Executive Associate Athletic Director, Sterling is the Vice President of Sales for A Better Way Athletics.

Randy Johnson, Longwood '82, made his mark in the beginning of co-education and men's basketball. He was the leading rebounder on the NCAA Division III Final Four Team in 1980 and then mentored a young Jerome Kersey in Longwood's first two years in Division II. At George Wythe High in Richmond, Johnson teamed with another future NBA veteran - Paul Pressey. After a 32-year career with Philip Morris, Johnson is now an accomplished salt and freshwater fisherman.

Kathryn Idleson Noftzger wasted no time making her mark as a Longwood gymnast. The freshman from Severn, MD finished 7th in nationals and was Longwood's first A-A in any sport. On May 5, 2017, she faced her biggest opposition when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. With help from friends and husband, Mike, she is now cancer free and a passionate advocate for early detection and awareness. Learn more about Kathryn's story of strength, hope and faith in this episode of the Lancers Past Podcast.

"Jerome Kersey: Overcoming the Odds" is a motivational story about a young man who came from humble beginnings to rise to the top of professional basketball. Kerry Eggers, veteran Portland Oregon area journalist, tells the story through Jerome's friends, teammates, family, and coaches.

Mitch Walker is featured in the third and final tribute to Longwood basketball legend Jerome Kersey. Walker, who bonded with Jerome as a freshman on and off the basketball court, reflects on the traits and characteristics that made Kersey special. Walker is a Financial Advisor for the Equitable Advisors Group and the First Deputy Director of Administration for Children's Services with the City of New York.

John Rusevlyan is featured in the second episode of a three-part tribute to Longwood basketball legend Jerome Kersey. Rusevlyan, who roomed with Jerome for two years, reflects on lessons learned from the elder Kersey. Now, John is the owner and broker of ProSouth Realty in Florence Ala.

Orlando Turner or "O" is featured in this episode as part of a tribute to Longwood basketball legend Jerome Kersey. O, who knew Jerome from basketball at Longwood to his untimely death in 2015, looks back at their friendship and brotherhood. Turner lives in Fredericksburg where he is a Team Leader and Loan Specialist with the US Small Business Administration.

With a BA in Physics from the University of Virginia in hand and a year of eligibility, Colin Ducharme had an itch to play more college basketball. As a Longwood College graduate student, the 6-9, 243 Ducharme dominated the paint and helped engineer one of Division II's biggest turnarounds with a 28-3 and a berth in the NCAA playoffs. Ducharme is now the Executive Director of Sterling Capital Management in Virginia Beach.

Sean Flood spent just two years at Longwood, but his love for basketball and Ireland is a lifetime. As a team captain, he has represented Ireland for 10 years in international competition. Flood and the Irish senior national team won the 2021 FIBA European Championship for small countries in August to qualify for the EuroBasket 2025 tournament. Flood, a two-time All-Big South Academic selection, starts his second year of professional basketball with Omonia, a first division club in Nocosia, Cyprus.