Still a Champion

Not too many kids can brag that their grandma is the national shot put champion. Cherrie Sherrard’s grandchildren can. In August, at the USA Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Decatur, Illinois, Sherrard placed first in the shot put for women ages 65 to 69. She holds the shot put record for her age group (32 feet, 2.75 inches). She also won the discus throw, making her a national champ in two events. “I worked hard this season,” says Sherrard. “With hard work and a little luck, one never knows what one can accomplish.”

As a masters competitor for 30 years, at age 65 Sherrard has set 11 records and won more than 65 first-place finishes. What keeps her motivated to hit the track when people half her age have trouble getting off the couch? “I just enjoy competing, and it helps keep my weight down. Well, maybe it does,” says Sherrard, laughing. When told she is an inspiration, she notes that “there are people a lot older than me out there!”

Sherrard (BA, Physical Education and Special Secondary Physical Education Credential, ’62) has been setting track and field records since her high school days in San Francisco. She competed in the 1960 and 1964 U.S. Olympic Trials, winning a spot on the Olympic team in 1964 as a hurdler. In 1967, Sherrard set an American record in the 80-meter hurdles, and she was a four-time Outdoor National Hurdle Champion.

In 2004, Sherrard says she competed in more meets than usual, another indication she has no intention of slowing down. “I just go for the fun of it,” she says. “I enjoy being with people and having a good time.”

Before retiring, Sherrard was a teacher and coach at high school and university levels, including head women’s track and field coach at CSU, Chico from 1976 to 1984. She was named to the Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. Sherrard is the widow of Bob Sherrard, coordinator of CSU, Chico’s original Black Studies program and long-time leader in the Department of Ethnic and Women’s Studies.

Sherrard lives in Vallejo, California. She has two sons, Mike, a former NFL wide receiver who graduated from University of California, Los Angeles, and Roy, who graduated from Southwest Texas State, and three grandchildren.

Lisa Kirk, Public Affairs and Publications
Photo by David Pacheco, Vallejo Times-Herald