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Hernando Today

Morphing From An Average Joe

Staff photo by BOB EAST III

Nature Coast runner Matt Lambert (front) earned Hernando Today Runner of the Year honors.

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: January 4, 2009

In 2007, Nature Coast Technical junior Matt David Lambert wanted to do something different.
So he tried out for Head Coach Armen Merjanian's cross country team with a singular purpose — to get in better shape for wrestling.
The 5-foot-10, 145-pounder hoped the arduous road training would benefit his stamina on the mats.
It succeeded.
After posting two losing campaigns as a freshman and a sophomore for Head Coach Mike Lastra, the middle of three children to Dan and Sue Lambert wanted to raise the bar on himself.
As a first-year runner, Lambert was a relative unknown, who mostly operated in the middle of the cross country pack or worse.
His road work and work ethic, however, began to pay dividends on the mat. The New Port, R.I.-born Lambert posted a personal-best 18-11 won-lost wrestling chart featuring 10 pins. He finished fourth on the team in wins.
Unfortunately, his season unraveled with a 1-2 dismissal at 135 pounds during the Class 1A, District 5 Championship Meet at Citrus Springs Middle.
After a quiet campaign in track and field, Lambert rededicated and pushed himself even harder.
According to Coach Merjanian, he logged over 500 miles during the grueling summer months and attended several running camps in preparation for this fall.
It succeeded.
The 17-year-old Lambert was the main cog for the resurgent Sharks program.
All told, Lambert notched seven Top 10 finishes in eight meets. He was also the Sharks' first performer to the finish line in all but two races. He didn't compete at the Hernando/Citrus Classic and finished 24th at states.
His highlights included winning the Class 2A, District 3 Championship at McKethan Lake and finishing runner-up a week later under the Sahara-like conditions of the Class 2A, Region II Meet at Titusville.
Though area coaches agreed Hernando High's four-year state qualifier Joe Wright had an outstanding campaign, they all felt Lambert was a little better.
On Lambert, "He was a hard working kid," described Coach Milholland. "I was very impressed with him. Before the season, I thought he was more of a wrestler. The two best guys this year were Joe Wright and him. I'd give it to Lambert based on what he did all season."
"Lambert was probably the most consistent runner through the state series," pointed out Hernando High Hall-of-Famer Ernie Chatman. "He was very good during his senior year. And you've got to give him credit, he did a lot of summer running. I thought he set a good example for the rest of the boys to follow."
Lambert's determination was not lost on his mentor.
"From the beginning, his hard work really paid off," expressed second-year NCT skipper Merjanian. "He's one of those kids who listens and leads the way in practice. There were no excuses if we had an extremely hard practice, he just sucked it up.
"Bottom line," indicated Merjanian. "He believed in what we were saying. And then the other kids saw his work ethic and were inspired to follow."
What's the key for Lambert?
"He's got a lot of heart," insisted Merjanian. "The kid doesn't give up. Not only does he listen, but he does his homework on other runners and other schools. Give him credit, he was hungry to become a better runner. He was always looking to improve. The guy went from an unknown middle of the pack guy to one of this area's best runners."
Lambert: 101
What about being feted as Hernando County's Runner of the Year?
"It feels great," said the Spring Hill resident. "I beat out a guy who was a four-time state qualifier, that's a tremendous honor. Honestly, I never thought I was that good. It was an amazing season."
Not bad for an athlete who has resided in Florida since fourth grade and never played any middle school sports when he attended West Hernando.
"I was just trying to get in better shape for wrestling," explained Lambert, who carries a 3.0 grade point average in the engineering cluster. "It was Armen's first year and all he did was build up my endurance. And I've got to give credit to my teammates, especially Bruce (Federico). He practically ran alongside me all season, even in practice. We kinda kept encouraging each other and pushing each other. If I didn't win, I wanted him to win."
Biggest highlight?
"Us finishing 1-2 at districts and nearly duplicating that in regionals," he smiled.
What about losing to Federico at states?
"I ran a fast time, so I can't really complain," recalled Lambert, who would like to study biology or marine biology in college. "I was kinda sick, a little congested and I still finished close to my PR (16:25.00 compared to 16:19.99). To me, my biggest achievement was reaching states and I accomplished that."
What's in the cards?
"These days I'm wrestling and I'd like to have 20 wins and get 10 pins and make states," forecasted Lambert. "As far as the team, I'd like us to either win districts or get second.
"As far as college, I've always been in love with animals and oceans it'd be neat to study," he said. "We used to have a couple boats and we'd go snorkeling and fishing with my dad. It's something I've always enjoyed. I love the outdoors.
"I don't think I'd wrestle in college, I hate cutting weight," he added. "As long as I can run in college, I'll continue to compete."
And no doubt continue to succeed.

By the Number: NCT ROY Matt Lambert
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO
DATE EVENT PL TIME
09-20 Lukas Inv. 6th 16:58.33
09-27 Mitchell Inv. 4th 17.13.79
10-03 Flrunners.com 5th 17:01.77
10-11 Land O'Lakes Inv. 7th 17:08.00
10-18 Pre-State Meet 4th 16:46.56
11-06 Class 2A, District 3 1st 16:19.99
11-15 Class 2A, Region II 2nd 16:49.96
11-22 Class 2A State 24th 16:25.00

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at 352-544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

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