He’s scored many touchdowns in his role as a professional educator, earning acclaim with administrators, staff and students at Hernando High School. Now, assistant principal, Lorenzo Fields, has been elected to the Eastern Kentucky University Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a quarterback on his alma mater’s Colonels football team.
Fields, according to information provided by Mark Lee at the Hernando Leopards information page, broke a number of Colonels’ football records during his time at the school, including the highest completion percentage established in 1988 that remains standing today. The school won conference honors for three of the four years he attended and he holds three championship rings. “I get the idea that I also was honored because of my attitude,” said Fields. “To me, it’s a symbol of how hard I worked.”
Although originating from a family that favored baseball as a sport; Fields, who also played baseball, basketball and track, loved football. “I started playing football in middle school, the seventh grade, as I loved the camaraderie, the opportunity to be around teammates, to deal together with the ups and downs and think of others as well as yourself. I learned humility,” he said.
When this Wildwood High School graduate came to EKU in 1986 and assumed quarterback duties in 1987, Fields quickly realized he had made the right decision. As a sophomore in 1988, he achieved honorable mentions, All-OVC honors. He threw for 1,463 yards and 10 touchdowns, and ran for 418 additional yards and four TouchDowns as Eastern finished with a score of 11-3 and qualified for the NCAA semifinals. He served as a co-captain and achieved a 35-8 record as a starting quarterback for the Colonels. Throughout his career, he achieved 31 touchdowns.
Ultimately choosing a career in education, he earned a Bachelors of Science in Sports Supervision/Physical Education in 1991 from Eastern Kentucky University. He also earned a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, General, Grade K-12 at Jones International University in 2006. Fields has served as a vice principal at Hernando High School since 2012. He says that his time playing football helped to prepare him for a career in educational administration, and as a coach of football and track and field.
“Football prepared me to adapt to change, as everything can turn on a dime, to lead, to help the students, even to give interviews to the media. Football helps me with life in general. It has helped me through,” he said.
Rick Ahrens, Hernando High School Brooksville Sr. FFA Chapter Advisor and Agriscience/Veterinary Assistant Teacher, feels that his lessons were well learned. “Naming Lorenzo Fields to the EKU Athletic Hall of Fame is a great honor. It shows that the hard work and efforts of the past are remembered and honored in the future. Mr. Fields has always proven to be a quiet leader that leads by example. He expects no more from people than he, himself, is willing to put in. I consider my time as an educator under Mr. Fields’ tutelage has made me a better educator and a better person.
His legacy at Hernando High School has been tireless dedication in helping young athletes better themselves both on and off the field. He can often
be found taking the time to counsel students and push them to be better in all aspects of their lives. Hernando High is truly blessed to have Lorenzo Fields on our staff,” he said.
Leechele Booker, Principal of Hernando High School, lauds and applauds her assistant principal. “I am extremely excited for Mr. Lorenzo Fields being selected into the Eastern Kentucky University Class of 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Fields serving in his role as an administrator displays a sincere passion for Hernando High School’s students and staff. He devotes time and energy to assist our students and student-athletes in pursuing their dreams of academic excellence and preparing them for college athletics. Observing his dedication on our campus, only makes me imagine how driven, motivated and determined he must have been as a student-athlete,” she said. “I’ve heard many compliments in regards to Mr. Fields’ athletic career and outstanding performance on the field, but none can compare to what I witness daily as a fellow administrator and friend. HHS Leopard Family congratulates Mr. Fields on his accomplishments and induction into the Eastern Kentucky University Class of 2021 Athletic Hall o Fame. Mr. Fields = HHS Leopard Pride,” said Booker.
For Fields, it’s always for the students. “I want to advise them to believe in what they’re doing. I tell them that if they work hard, it’s going to come to pass,” he said.
