Vaughn leads Memphis contingent into NCAA regionals

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – What was Kevin Robinson supposed to say?

When the University of Memphis track coach was asked by Luke Vaughn, the program's two-time All-America thrower, to be a groomsman at his wedding two years ago, Robinson gladly accepted. What Robinson couldn't have known was that the ceremony -- held on the property of Vaughn's aunt in Metamora, Illinois, a Peoria suburb -- would be performed in searing July heat.

By the time Luke and Malia were pronounced man and wife, Vaughn said Robinson's formal attire was soaked -- and not from any tears coach might have shed. Despite the uncomfortable conditions, it's likely Robinson would participate in the ceremony again. He's grown fond of one of the best athletes he has coached.

When the UofM – with a record 23 athletes qualifying -- participates in the NCAA East Preliminaries beginning Thursday in Tampa, Fla., Vaughn will be among the favorites to win the discus. He is ranked third nationally and the school-record holder with a toss earlier this spring of 204 feet (62.18 meters). Competition in the discus starts Friday.

Vaughn, a senior, also owns records in the indoor and outdoor shot put. And he is a five-time American Athletic Conference throws champ who earned the 2018 AAC Male Most Valuable Performer at the league championships.

The one-time Ole Miss signee may end his career among the most decorated athletes in the program's history.

"Guys like him don't come around very often," Robinson said.

A native of East Peoria, Ill., Vaughn, now 6-8 and 291 pounds, was a productive, yet somewhat lighter (at 230 pounds), basketball star at Champaign (Ill.) Centennial High. He averaged a double-double and was expected to receive some Division 1 offers.

"Early on his high school, I thought that was going to be the route I took," Vaughn said.

But his passion was track, where he enjoyed greater success. So he ended his basketball career and concentrated solely on becoming an elite thrower. The plan was to begin his college career in the Southeastern Conference, but an assistant coaching change in Oxford forced him to re-think his path. It led him to Memphis.

"(Former Rebels throws coach) Adam Judge, who I fell in love with right away, got fired before I got to Ole Miss," Vaughn said. "Coach Judge was coached by Coach Rob. That's how I got connected to here. He told me coach Rob was someone I could trust, someone I could get along with."

And, as it turned out, someone who could impact his career.

"What a blessing in disguise," he said. "I've been so happy here. I couldn't be any happier with my college experience."

Vaughn said Robinson, a former all-conference thrower for the Tigers, has aided his development into one of the nation's top throwers. His school-record indoor shot traveled 61 feet, 5 inches. His outdoor shot record went 61 feet, 11.75 inches. He owns 27 career titles in outdoor and indoor throws combined.

"He is super knowledgeable in the throws," Vaughn said of Robinson. "And he is very intense. I'm just better-prepared technically."

Robinson expects Vaughn to compete for a future spot in the Olympics. Anyone who can toss a discus more than 200 feet, Robinson said, places himself in an elite category.

"Once you get over the 200 barrier, you are throwing with the big boys," Robinson said.

Robinson's credits Vaughn's father for giving his son a solid foundation as a coachable athlete.

"From Day 1, he's been a strong competitor," Robinson said. "He adapted to the training environment very quickly. And he really bought into the team concept and philosophy very quickly. He has solidified himself as one of the best young discus throwers in the U.S."

In Tampa, Vaughn will be attempting to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the third time in his career. He finished 15^th in the discus in 2014 and 14^th in 2015.

Gradually adding weight to his 6-8 frame has proven beneficial. Robinson said at 290 pounds, Vaughn "has the strength to accelerate and the mass to not get pushed around" by the implement.

"We've been building his technique, and him, for five years," Robinson said. "We've been able to keep his athleticism at a pretty high level (despite the significant weight gain). "

Whatever level Vaughn reaches over the next few years – he'll move to Colorado Springs later this summer to intensify his training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center – he won't forget his time at Memphis, the multiple records he set or his wedding day and the discomfort it created for a coach he considers a friend.

"It was miserable weather," Vaughn said. "It was the hottest day all summer. It was crazy humid. And coach Rob's suit? It literally turned a different color that day."

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Vaughn leads Memphis contingent into NCAA regionals

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