Rock a superb 800 runner

Despite spending just one season with the Arkansas Razorback men’s track and field team, Brandon Rock cemented his legacy as one of Arkansas’ great half-milers with dominating performances and consistent efforts.

In addition to setting records and winning titles in the open race, Rock also used his two-lap talents as a member of various distance medley and sprint medley relays.

During his time in the Arkansas uniform, Rock was a member of the 1995 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor and Southeastern Conference Indoor and Outdoor Championship teams.

Individually, Rock was the 1995 NCAA Outdoor Champion at 800 meters with his time of 1:46.37. He won two SEC 800-meter titles, clocking an indoor time of 1:49.43 and an outdoor time of 1:46.20. Rock was also a member of the 1995 SEC Indoor title-winning distance medley relay. The quartet clocked a time of 9:46.26.

He picked up All-America honors twice in the 800 meters and also for the distance medley relay. During the 1995 indoor season, Rock finished fifth in the 800 meters with a time of 1:49.9 and ran the 800-meter leg of the distance medley relay team that clocked a time of 9:37.3 to finish sixth. Outdoors, he earned an All-America certificate for his NCAA win in the 800 meters (1:46.37).

In the Arkansas record book, he holds the best mark in the outdoor 800 meters with his time of 1:44.97. At 800-meters indoors, Rock ranks No. 9 on the all-time list with a 1:48.37. Outdoors, as a member of the sprint medley relay, Rock was a member of the quartet that clocked a time of 3:15.52 and ranks No. 3 on Arkansas’ all-time list. As a member of the outdoor distance medley relay, Rock ran with the squad that clocked a time of 9:23.42 and ranks No. 4 on the all-time list.

Rock was a member of Team USA at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where he competed in the 800 meters. He also finished fifth in the half mile at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg.

Rock earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in May 2004. He resides in Fayetteville.

The University of Arkansas’ Athletic Department recognizes its heritage and the countless contributions made by African-American student-athletes in all 19 of its varsity sports. The Razorbacks are proud to celebrate this great tradition and recognize some of the inspiring pioneers, great student-athletes and outstanding role models that have worn a Razorback uniform as a part of Black History Month.