All-Pro to recognize Monroe for breaking record

Retired NFL All-Pro and Tabor College alumnus Rolland “Bay” Lawrence is scheduled to attend Tabor’s home game Saturday against Bethel College. He will be present to congratulate senior James Monroe Jr. for breaking Lawrence’s career rushing record at Tabor.

Lawrence set the record in 1973 with 3,008 career rushing yards for the Bluejays. He then played in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons from 1973 to 1981. He was an All-Pro in 1976 and 1977.

Since retiring from the NFL, he has worked as a teacher, coach, vice principal, and principal for Vision Quest, a youth placement facility in Lawrence’s hometown of Franklin, Pa.

Monroe broke Lawrence’s record Oct. 19 as the Bluejays defeated Friends University 20-19. He had 197 rushing yards and a touchdown on 34 carries that game, bringing his career total to 3,198. Since then, Monroe has added another 268 rushing yards.

Breaking Lawrence’s record was the last thing on Monroe’s mind after his freshman season.

“After my first year at Tabor, I had slightly over 400 yards, and I thought there is no way I could break that,” he said. “So I stopped thinking about it and played ball.”

There will be a come-and-go reception at JavaJays in the student center after the game for former Tabor football players.