I was saddened to hear that Senior DE/LB Jacob Lamping had his high school football career cut short Friday night when he suffered a serious knee injury. Surgery is required and his playing days are over.

 

My wife and I have been blessed to know Jacob since he was born because of our friendship with his parents. To say that Greg Lamping has had an impact on our lives would be a)true and b) and understatement.

 

The great thing about Jacob is that for most of his school years he wasn't an athlete of any renown. He got cut from baseball when he tried out. He was a water boy for the high school team at one point and no one in their right mind thought he would ever contribute a lot on the field for Union.

 

However, he kept at it and busted his hump and turned himself into a kid that is built like we all wished were built like. Suddenly, he was getting praise. I remember reading a quote from Bryson Warner before Jacob's junior season where he mentioned Jacob as one of the players who was knocking people around in practice. I about spit out my cereal when I read it. Shrot, chubby Jacob Lamping was knocking people around? Well, as I said, he wasn't short , slow , and chubby anymore.

 

He worked his way into a starting role for the Raiders D. I watched a 7on7 this summer and the other team had a DB who was going way over the line with the "touch." One kid came off the sidelines to let him know that stuff was going to end - Jacob Lamping. I actually almost teared up I was so proud of him (and stunned).

 

So here's to my main man Jacob Lamping. Ryle is going to miss having you on the field.

 

I could NOT be any more proud of you, boy.

 

Every school needs Jacob Lampings.

Prayers to him.

I love stories like that.

Every team has a Jacob in an odd way, and it's usually because of that player that other players who tend to take football for granted because they've never had to play behind others etc. that puts the reality of how hard some actually have to work and may still never see the field on Friday Nights.

 

I hate hearing anyone getting hurt, but especially a senior who is in his last year possibly of ever playing the sport again. Prayers are with you Jacob!

I'm so sorry to hear about the ACL injury. What great memories of seeing Jacob handling ball boy duties back when his older brother, Josh, was playing. Jacob gets it and I know he will be very successful in college and beyond. The Lampings are a great family and I'm glad to count Jacob as a friend. Hang tough, Jacob! You are an outstanding young man!

Great post Clyde. Keep your head up Jacob. The character that you demonstrated in your commitment to becoming the best football player you could become will serve you very well the rest of your life.

Makes me sick to my stomach when kids go through these types of setbacks but everything happens for another reason imo.

 

Good luck and get well soon Jacob.:thumb:

Good luck, Jacob. I hope you have a swift and successful recovery!! :thumb:

Great kid and great family. These are the type of kids you want in your program. They work hard every single day and defy the odds. They don't quit because they are not satisfied with their role on the team. They better themselves to earn the spot. I respect Jacob and all of the other players that may not get recognition. Jacob sets a great example and hopefully others will continue to follow in his footsteps.

Thanks for sharing that Clyde, very touching story and an inspiration to all of us.

 

To Jacob (or Jacob's parents), contact me at [email protected] and I will set you up with some really cool BGP Gear on Clyde! :thumb:

.........

 

Clyde, I know you take a lot of flack on here from people, but your loyalty to people is impressive and inspiring. Jacob sounds like a great young man and what we all hope our boys grow into.

 

Prayers to he and his family.....and kudos to you Clyde for being so intensely loyal to the people you know and care about.

.........

 

Clyde, I know you take a lot of flack on here from people, but your loyalty to people is impressive and inspiring. Jacob sounds like a great young man and what we all hope our boys grow into.

 

Prayers to he and his family.....and kudos to you Clyde for being so intensely loyal to the people you know and care about.

 

Good or bad, I'm damn loyal.