Olympics to NBA: The Norfolk Sports Club Has It All

The Norfolk Sports Club hosted two engaging meetings this month using the time to honor high school student-athletes as well as local legends for their former athletic feats. Three Outstanding Metro Scholastic Awards were handed out at the first meeting: Eric Merriam (Wrestling, Great Bridge), Milan Parks (Women's Track, Western Branch), and Steven Dunbar (Men's Track, Tallwood). During that meeting, the club was also honored to have Lawrence Johnson, 2000 Olympics Silver Medalist in Pole Vault, speak on being an athlete, his motto, and the Olympic experience. He has also recently become active in pole vaulting safety and development (www.vaultassaultonline.com).

I am always asked how it feels to stand on the Olympic podium and be awarded a medal, and this is what I say: One week after winning the Silver in Sydney in 2000 I was able to fly home and hold my baby girl right after she was born and that honestly blew away the Olympic podium experience. There's nothing better in the world... Lawrence Johnson

Later in the month, the club welcomed Dave Twardzik, a member of the ODU, Hampton Roads, and Virginia Sports Halls of Fame. While he had a very successful career playing for Old Dominion University, the Virginia Squires and the Portland Trailblazers, along with a long career of NBA coaching and front office work, Dave still stood by that he was just very lucky. Speaking openly about NBA salaries past and present and how international players are changing the game, he offered a captivating presentation that was only limited by the time allowed.

Norfolk Sports Club meets the first and third Mondays of every month.

To reserve a space at the next meeting, or for more information, visit www.norfolksportsclub.com.