Former faculty focus: John Lockwood (ASL 1967-2007)

We are deeply saddened to report the loss of former athletics director John Lockwood, who passed away on 28 February 2024, following a short illness. He was 81. Our condolences go to John’s wife, Jocelyn Everett (ASL 1989-96), his family, his many friends, and his former students. Here, we remember John and his 40-year career at ASL.

In 1967—the year the Beatles released their Sgt. Pepper album, and Charlie Chaplin appeared in his last film—ASL was housed in two locations in York Terrace and York Gate, and rugby legend John Lockwood joined the School as a PE teacher. The Loughborough University graduate brought to ASL a passion for his craft and a determination to bring rugby to our school. While still serving as one of the longest-serving members of Saracens 1st XV, which he captained during the 1968-69 season, Coach Lockwood began to make an impact on the students at ASL. 

Another 1967 recruit was the late Eddie Hufford (ASL 1967-2003), while Bob Carter (ASL 1969-2014) joined the pack a couple of years later. And so began the association of three of ASL’s longest-serving PE teachers, often referred to as ‘the holy trinity’ or ‘the three stooges,’ who, among them, clocked up 121 years of service to our school!

In a letter to Accents magazine in 2014, Frank O’Hara ’74 remembered his coach in the late 60s, “Mr. Lockwood looked like he was chiseled from granite. I can still see him instructing us in proper corner kick fundamentals on one of the pitches in Regent’s Park behind York Gate. John was modest about his success as a top-class rugby player. No PE teacher or coach thereafter ever came close to Mr. Lockwood."

Moving to the St. John’s Wood campus in 1971 allowed for swift expansion of ASL sports, and in 1972, John founded the rugby program. He arranged for his players to match up against the elite rugby programs at British independent schools to strengthen ASL’s performance and reputation. Within a few years, other ISST schools developed rugby teams, and the program was well established by the time Mike Cottle ’79 and Mark Pearson ’80 played their first season in 1976. “Coach Lockwood was an inspiration,” the friends remembered. The draw of playing rugby was twofold for Mike, who joined the team to get out of gym class and because it was the closest experience he could have to American football—a sport that has never been a part of ASL athletics. "We had the brawn to play," Mike mused, "but we lacked the skill to compete against British teams whose players had been training together since childhood." Despite being green, the ASL rugby team could hold its own against other international schools, and they won the ISST championship in 1979. One of the most memorable moments for Mike was in his first game of the 1978-79 season, when an opponent's metal cleat scraped the side of his face after he got caught up in a muddy ruck, nearly taking off his earlobe. Mike stood up, oblivious to the blood pouring from his ear, until Raul Biancardi ’80 drew his attention to the injury. John Lockwood later told him, "Don't worry about it! Not having earlobes is a sign of royalty!"

Trevor Jones (ASL 1985-2022) remembers a desperate call from John that began his own long association with ASL. “After a stint covering a position in the summer program, I ended up coaching JV and varsity rugby alongside John,” Trevor shares. “John eventually stepped away and left things to me; an endorsement of sorts, but I was always aware of the squinting assessment of his protegé. Usually withering and one-eyed, (was he cringing or winking?) but always done with humor and that devilish twinkle. He was fearsomely honest and utterly authentic.”
 

In 1994, ASL acquired the 22-acre site of Canons Park as its very own playing fields. There is much substance to the rumor that on John’s first visit to view the venue, he whipped out his checkbook and wrote a check to go towards securing the facility for the future of ASL athletics. After its acquisition, John commented, “At long last, we can have home games! This has been a big boost for ASL. We are also able to provide hospitality for visiting teams. Coaches are very pleased because practices are more coherent with the entire team arriving together on a bus.”

John was passionate about improving the fields to suit the needs of the ASL program, organizing the widening of the gates to accommodate the athletes’ buses, the conversion of the marshland we’d inherited into usable pitches, and making peace with neighbors somewhat annoyed by baseballs shattering greenhouses!

Mark, Mike, Raul, Tom Dickson ’80, Scott Mason ’80, Dave McCloskey ’80 and Tim Sickinger ’80, rugby alumni, still meet once a year to reminisce about their ASL days and catch a game or two. Their latest gathering was last month in Dublin during the rugby Six Nations. Mike considers these annual reunions a testament to the strength of their friendship formed more than 40 years ago. Until Covid struck in 2020, both John Lockwood and Bob Carter were firm fixtures at these annual get-togethers.

On learning of the death of John Lockwood, the ASL family rallied to share memories of their former coach, colleague and mentor. Raul Biancardi describes John’s legacy: “John was a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on all who played for him and on the sport that we all love. He was more than just a leader on the field; he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Under his guidance, we learned the value of teamwork, discipline and perseverance. He instilled in us a sense of camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of the rugby field, creating a bond among us that has already endured for decades and that will continue to endure for long after his passing. His wisdom, wicked sense of humor, and encouragement pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves, both as players and as people.”

Emma (Hamilton) Malina ’95 shared, “Mr. Lockwood was quiet, until he wasn’t. Getting him to laugh was something I cherished. He cared a great deal. His legend lives on as he’s someone you’ll never forget.”
Tom Wicks ’75 says, “His mentorship transcended the game of rugby and led us in the game of life.” 

Chris Finch ’73 was coached by John for just one year, but remembers him with fondness: “He was a great man and sure to be missed. I’m sure he’s already on a pitch somewhere, high in the sky, sharing his wisdom and love of the game.”

Adrien Ong ’92 is a fan: “Mr. Lockwood helped me develop mental strength and emotional fortitude through track and field—pushing past pain barriers with grit and determination. ‘Knees high!’ he would bellow across Paddington Rec. Thirty-five years later, his voice still rings true when I’m running and my form is less than what it needs to be. His legacy continues. Thank you, Mr. Lockwood, for inspiring me, and pushing me to achieve more and be my best.”

Foundation Board member, former trustee and parent of alumni Linda Ely P ’06 ’08 ’13 says simply, “I am so sorry. He was a great ASL icon.”

Whether stepping in to referee a basketball game to promote fair play, attending alumni events to retell stories of past glories with former students, or traveling miles at the wheel of the school minibus to coach the golf team, Mr. Lockwood was always there for our students.

On behalf of all the students who benefitted from your wisdom, determination and passion for ASL athletics, thank you, Mr. Lockwood. May you rest in peace.