Chemistry grad honored on court

Monique Headley

While the physical rigors of collegiate athletics pummeled his sinewy 6-foot-6-inch frame, the academic requirements of a full course load merely served to challenge the mind of Charles Loftis.

The Langston University graduate recently earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Through his work with co-collaborator Dr. Dakshinamurthy Rajalingam, as a participant in the George Washington Carver Research Program summer research internship at the University of Arkansas, Loftis published his first scientific paper titled, “Trichloracetic Acid — Induced Protein Precipitation Involves the Reversible Association of a Stable Partially Structured Intermediate,” Loftis said his paper detailed the purpose and need of the acid to isolate proteins from a solution — like for salting gout, he explained.

The academic work was published in the March issue of “Protein Science” magazine.

As if that was not sufficiently remarkable, the National Association of Basketball Coaches has also recognized the scholarly athlete. In July, Loftis will be inducted into the NABC Honors Court, which, according to the NABC Web site, “recognizes the talents and gifts that these men possess off the court and the hard work they exhibit in the classroom. In order to be named to the Honors Court, an athlete must meet a high standard of academic criteria.”

“It meant a lot to me to be recognized as having those types of values,” said Loftis. “It is an honor. It makes me feel like the stuff I’m doing is recognized on the court and in the classroom.”

LU men’s basketball Coach Gregory E. Webb said, “We are very proud of him. He’s a consummate student athlete and competitor. He has an excellent ability to work well with others. Charles is a great leader and always puts team first.”

Assistant Coach Nigel Thomas said, “Charles is an outstanding guy. He is admired on and off the court by students, faculty and the administration.”

Earned compliments flow courtside, but Loftis began his collegiate athletic career on the track.

In his freshman year, Loftis qualified for nationals in the high hurdles. He said he was ranked No. 14 in the nation.

“Charles has a couple of track conference rings,” said, track Coach James Hilliard. “He’s a good guy who exemplifies a student athlete.”

Also his freshman year, Loftis said, Webb approached him about playing basketball.

“I have been playing ball since I was in the fifth grade,” said Loftis. “I always wanted to play in college.

“I was a chemistry major. I wasn’t sure about making the transition to basketball or about the course load. People always talked about how tough it was.”

Unsure, he initially declined the offer.

“I came back sophomore year and was sure that I could balance it out and handle class,” he said. “I did both for a couple of years. Doing both sports was something I had to keep balanced. Sometimes, it’d be quite stressful. Basketball let me filter out stuff and be free.”

In 2007, reality placed a higher hurdle than physically possible for even Loftis.

“I tore the cartilage in my knee and had to get a couple surgeries. I sat out for about four to five months and then had to get reconditioned,” said Loftis.

“It was hard to deal with the swelling and pain. I worked hard and hand in hand with my coaches.

“I wondered if I could come back. But it was a reality check. These types of incidences happen all the time plus I had a strong background to fall back on. The coaches were so helpful. They are like a brother and father to me.”

While he convalesced, Loftis, who said he graduated with a 3.343 grade point average, maintained his academics while offering courtside inspiration and insight during games.

“I have always been on the sidelines talking like an assistant to the assistant coach,” he said. “I talk to the players and let them know what I see.

“Everyone makes mistakes. That’s typical but you have to learn from them and not make the same mistakes over and over.”

He said he considers one day returning to Langston as a graduate student and coach.

Most immediately, Loftis said, he plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy from Langston, the University of Oklahoma or elsewhere in Texas.

“I have always wanted to work in physical therapy or go to pharmacy school but I thought I’d be much better with physical therapy because with the things I’ve done, I might help other athletes,” he said.