Vern Lockemer was a splendid all-around athlete at CFHS, lettering in four sports. He was superb in track and field, breaking school records in three events – the high jump, high hurdles, and low hurdles. He was also a member of the 440 relay team which set a school record and the 880 relay team which tied the school record. During his junior and senior years, he played defensive back and offensive end on undefeated football teams. As a senior, he was selected All East County as an end. Vern also played basketball and baseball at CFHS. He attended Hiram College, where he ran indoor and outdoor track. In 1964, while at Hiram, he placed fourth in the high hurdles at the Ohio Conference Indoor Meet.