ALMA – Mat Lambourn has always been fast.

In his high school career at Ogemaw Heights, Lambourn was an all-NEMC sprinter in three of his four years, and competed in the state finals either individually or as part of a relay team at the end of all four seasons.

Lambourn concentrates on the sprints and sprint relays, as well as the javelin throw , which is not part of high school competition in MHSAA sanctioned meets. Lambourn finished his junior season with an eighth-place finish in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association conference finals with a time of 11.44 in the 100-meter dash. He also took 10th in the 200 and 11th in the javelin with a toss of 46.37 meters.

Lambourn enjoys the individual competition and mutual respect that is common in track and field competition.

“Track is different from other sports because of how the athletes respect one another,” he said in his scholarship application. “If you are good, you are recognized for it. If you aren’t, that’s easily seen, too. If you lose a race or don’t throw your best, you can’t point your finger at somebody else on the team and blame them. It’s all on you. Whatever you put into this sport is what you get out of it. Once you see that if you work a little harder that you can perform better, it translates into everything else you do.”

The business administration major / psychology minor, who just completed his junior season at Alma College, also made his mark on the football field (and also plays football at Alma). It gives him a first-hand perspective on both the individual and team aspects of track and field.

“There is (also) a team aspect of track … and that’s what makes it fun, especially relay-type races,” he added. “I’ve found the best thing in the sport is the people you meet, both from your own school and the schools you race against. In this sport the athletes from opposing teams are more apt to be social.

“This is quite a switch from all other sports. It’s interesting to find out that opposing players aren’t the enemy like they are made out to be in other sports.”

Sidebar:

Scholarship fund boosts educational opportunities for Ogemaw track alumni

Each year, money is raised through the Dwayne Rau Memorial Road Race / Walk that benefits Ogemaw Heights track and field alumni who have moved on to compete in college. This year, four scholarships of $500 will be awarded. The recipients are Mat Lambourn (Alma College), Matt Miller (Spring Arbor University), Abigail Nelkie (North Carolina State University) and Emory Nelkie (Lake Superior State University). Profiles of each of the recipients will be published in the coming weeks.

Donations to the scholarship fund are tax deductible. Individuals or businesses interested may contact Margie Taylor (989-345-1088) or Doug Grezeszak (989-345-0901).

This year’s Dwayne Rau Memorial Road Race / Walk will be run Saturday, Aug. 13.