Musketeers honor former coach Lamb

Musketeers from years past and present filled the Richmond Academy cafeteria Friday night to honor one of their beloved coaches.

Richmond Academy Booster Club president Mike Johnson unveiled a newly renovated weight room, dedicated to former coach Sammie Lamb in honor of his years of service and devotion to his team.

Lamb coached football, baseball and girls basketball for Richmond Academy from 1966 until his retirement in 1983. But his love for the school has remained constant.

"To this day, he still bleeds purple and gold," Johnson said.

Three letters from former Musketeers were mounted on plaques and presented to Lamb during the ceremony. Wayne Bolt, defensive coordinator at the Univeristy of Alabama-Birmingham; Ken Whisenhunt, offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers; and Dr. William B. Carlton, director of athletics at Presbyterian College, each credited Lamb for teaching them a strong work ethic, and thanked him for his leadership.

After unveiling a plaque to record 20 years of school powerlifting competition winners, the floor was opened to anyone who wanted to share memories about Lamb. Each person's story combined with the next to paint a portrait of a man who pushed each of his pupils to excel, who respected and cared for each player, and who always led by example.

"There are no words to express an occasion like this," said Lamb, 75.

The weight room renovations were made possible by the fund-raising efforts of alumnus Randy Smith, which resulted in $12,000 of the $18,000 necessary for the weight room renovation.

"It's a great addition to the team to have more equipment to work out with," said current football player Freddrick Clairborne. "We'll be more prepared for the season."