Sam Kendricks Named Grand Marshal of Christmas Parade

There isn’t anything Sam Kendricks won’t do for his hometown of Oxford. So, when the world’s top-ranked pole vaulter got a call from Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill to serve as the Grand Marshal of the annual Christmas parade, he was on board in less time than it takes for him to leap over the bar at a meet.
The former Oxford High and Ole Miss standout, who won the bronze medal in the pole vault at the 2016 Olympics, is very excited about his position in the parade, which will take place Monday night at 6:30.
“Growing up, the parade was always a special event to take part in,” Kendricks said. “It is so cool to go into my own backyard and to see people that are interested in my journey and my family. This honor, being the Grand Marshal of the Christmas parade, I never thought it would be something I would be named for. I always thought it would be some beautiful homecoming queen or someone everyone knows from the get go. But the year after my name was plastered all over the Square and people’s homes in Oxford, to drive those same streets and see all those people is great. I don’t think people have had a chance to see me unless they’ve run into me at the hardware store or out on the track, and I think that’s very special.”
This will also be one of the first public opportunities for people to see Kendricks since his victory in the IAAF World Championships in London this past summer.
“I had to go all the way across the Atlantic to celebrate an award with people I didn’t know that well,” Kendricks said. “I would rather stay at home and celebrate the honor I do have with the people I appreciate.”
Kendricks added he was hoping to be at home more often in the future.
“It’s really pretty cool when the mayor calls you and says ‘Hey, Sam, will you be the Grand Marshal for our Christmas parade?’ It’s not something I ever thought about,” he said. “It’s awesome, ‘Heck yes, I’ll do it.’ The first Monday of every December is the Oxford Christmas parade. I only ever remember it snowing once. It’s Mississippi Christmas for you, and Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s kind of the reset time. I’m going to get married right after Christmas, and then I will start my 2018. This is the last thing I want to celebrate, and the Christmas parade starts off that time and that season.”
Tannehill, who has cheered on Kendricks for years and watched his career since he was at OHS, was excited when Kendricks decided to accept the invitation.
“The City of Oxford is thrilled to have Sam Kendricks as our Grand Marshal leading the 2017 Christmas Parade,” she said. “From his most recent recognition, World Athlete of the Year 2017, to his Olympic medal, Sam continues to make his hometown extremely proud. We could not have a better role model for our local youth. Sam is the perfect example of dedication, perseverance and humility … one fine, young man.”

By John Davis, Oxford Park Commission
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