Graduated from Lakeland in 1998 as a six-time letter winner in track and football.
In track, was a two-time Conference Champion and a two-time Sectional Champion.
On the football field, was a member of two Conference Championship teams, and earned an All-Conference Selection as a running back his junior year.
Still ranks as 16th all-time in Lakeland career rushing yards and 18th in career scoring.
After graduating, joined the army and was stationed at both Fort Carson in Colorado and Fort Hood in Texas before his eventual deployment to Afghanistan.
Prior to his deployment, Kristopher was accepted to Officer Candidate school and began training as an Airborne Officer.
Served for eight years before tragically losing his life on August 16, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.
The army later determined that through his actions at the time of his death, Kristopher helped save the lives of more than 12 of his fellow soldiers.
A true American hero.
Accepting the award this evening in memory of Kristopher are his son, Kaden Rodgers, and his parents, Kathy and Dennis Wiard.