Share: mail

As soon as PCC alumni Rodon Ogilvie could describe how he felt about his recent transfer to Idaho State, a big smile appeared on his face as he said, “making history right now.” The last time a PCC athlete committed to Idaho State was 20 years ago.

Ogilvie was one of PCC’s most dominant football players on and off the field from 2013 to 2015.

Ogilvie’s outstanding season was his sophomore year in 2014. Playing free safety, he was PCC’s second-leading tackler with 55 and led the Lancers with a total of 87 career tackles, which managed to place him 83rd in conference for that season. In addition to an interception and four pass deflections, Ogilvie had 33 solo tackles and 22 assisted tackles.

He started his football career playing pop warner for the Compton Titans, thanks to his older brother Qwaine Ogilvie and cousin Keith Price Jr., who motivated him.

“Watching my brother and cousin play football at a young age made me want to play,” Ogilvie said.

Although kids don’t know what they want, he certainly had his mind set on getting a football scholarship at the age of 9.

That opportunity definitely popped up when Idaho State started recruiting him as soon as he graduated from Lynwood High School. Although he wasn’t picked up right out of high school, he persevered.

As soon as he walked on the field, defensive backs coach Addison Hawthorne had no trouble working with him.

“From day one, when we first met, there were no struggles,” Hawthorne said. “He did everything asked. He was a very good athlete, hard worker, and probably one of my smartest players.”

With no surprise, Ogilvie had a starting position since his freshman year at PCC and played 18 out of 22 games.

Idaho State definitely kept the relationship going with Ogilvie watching him every step of the way during his football career at PCC.

He made it clear that it wasn’t easy. Despite the long process, Ogilvie dedicated himself to reaching his goal. He stayed after practice and was on the field when there wasn’t practice, working twice as hard.

He put the same amount of energy into his schoolwork. He stayed at PCC an additional year to focus on his academics and raise his GPA to put himself in line for a better scholarship.

Michael McClellan, associate athletic director and director of football operations, witnessed Ogilvie’s growth every semester.

“He’s the type of person who continues to grind,” McClellan said. “There’s no quit in Rodon, he’s just a quality young man and it’s easy to help someone like that because he’s very appreciative.”

The extra hours he put on his own time paid off for Ogilvie. On January 7, 2016, Ogilvie signed and received a football scholarship to Idaho State.

Former teammate on the defensive side Jalyn Williams said that Ogilvie deserves his success. Not knowing that they both grew up in Lynwood, they have a strong connection that continues to this day.

He’s a dependable player and fun dude to play with,” Williams said. “He’s always going to do the right thing.”

Other than the fact that it’s freezing in Idaho State, Ogilive says he has adapted smoothly. PCC not only did a nice job of preparing him mentally and physically but gave him a second chance at his passion.

Of course, he wouldn’t be where he is today if it weren’t for his parents, who inspire him. A product of Dina Turner and Bo Ogilvie, Rodon has looked up to them since the beginning. His mom, who is his biggest cheerleader, once told him that anything is possible.

In spite of his father’s recent passing, which took a toll on him, it gives him the strength to push harder every second.

“Not being able to watch me accomplish everything is what gets me up every day to give him that 100 percent because I know he’s watching me,” Ogilvie said.

Ogilvie has never lost faith, and as he starts the journey of one of his biggest accomplishments, he has already set new goals. A few include striving to be a two-year starter and an All-American, receive his bachelor’s in sports management, and most importantly, to make his mom proud.

“I’ll forever be a Lancer!”

Follow: rssyoutubeinstagrammail

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.