Tennessee National Guardsman places 2nd in National Joint Service Greco-Roman Wrestling Competition in Colorado

Courtesy Photo | Pictured from left to right: Capt. David Smith (Company Commander), Spc. Matthew Lamb, Maj. Patrick Ellis (Battalion Commander). Lamb is a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard with the 776th Maintenance company of Elizabethton, Tenn., and recently was picked up on active duty to wrestle with the All Army Wrestling Team. He participated in the inter-service competition March 27-28, 2015, where he placed second in individual competition in his weight class in Greco-Roman wrestling, and helped the team earn the gold medal.  

KINGSPORT, TN, UNITED STATES

03.30.2015

Story by 1st Sgt. Robin Brown 

Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Kingsport, Tennessee, native Spc. Matthew Lamb helped bring All Army Sports its 14th consecutive Armed Forces Wrestling Championship March 28-29 at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Special Events Center at Fort Carson, Colorado. Lamb placed second in individual competition in his weight class in Greco-Roman wrestling.

"It's an awesome sense of pride knowing that I'm representing my fellow Soldiers," said Lamb. "To be part of number 14 is something I will always remember."

Spc. Lamb is currently assigned to the Tennessee Army National Guard's 776th Maintenance Company based in Elizabethton, Tennessee, as an automated supply chain specialist. He enlisted in the Tennessee National Guard in April of 2014, but he has also served in the U.S. Navy, and participated with the all Navy wrestling team previously.

In All Army Sports, Soldiers from active duty, Reserve and National Guard compete in a variety of sports at the highest levels to include Armed Forces, USA Nationals and Military World Games.

"Although wrestling is very much an individual sport, you can't expect to achieve your goals without the support of your training partners and teammates," said Lamb. "It's the same as serving with your unit; the mission cannot be accomplished without everyone working together to achieve a common goal."

Wrestling is not new for the Tennessee National Guard Soldier.

"I started wrestling in eighth grade in New Jersey. I wrestled junior varsity and was the only New Jersey individual state qualifier from my school that year," he said. Lamb comes from a military family and moved often growing up. "My senior year, we were transferred to Beaufort, S.C., where I placed second in the state, losing to a wrestler I had beaten eight times during the season."

Lamb joined the Navy in 1991 and was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, where he initially applied to be part of the All Navy team.

"While waiting to be accepted, I entered and won numerous freestyle and Greco Roman tournaments on the east coast," he said. "This culminated with winning an AAU Greco Roman Grand National title and placing third in freestyle."

After attending his first All Navy camp, his Greco career took off.

"After my first camp, my coach, Rob Hermann, sent me to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs," where he said he may be training for the next Olympic trials also. "It's exciting, but ultimately tough. Knowing you have the chance to represent your country and your branch of service in the highest profile sports event in the world is awesome."

All Army Sports is a short-term opportunity that may last between four days or up to three months, depending on your sport and whether you’re selected for higher competition. It is not a change in Military Occupation Specialty or Permanent Change of Station.

Participants in the All Army Sports Program are called Soldier-Athletes because they must be Soldiers first and outstanding athletes second. Soldier-Athletes must apply to be selected for the All Army program. They represent the Army in Armed Forces Sports Championships and national and international competitions.

"I've worked hard over the past two years to return to good physical, wrestling condition," said Lamb, who added that so far his age has been his biggest obstacle. "When I was younger, I would just hop on the mat without warming up or taking treatment; now I think I appreciate the process more."

Soldier-Athletes require command approval before they can be considered. Reviewing officials include All Army Sports staff and the Army Coaches of each designated sport. They consider the applicant’s background, past performances, athletic awards and sports standards. Applicants have the opportunity to supplement their applications with newspaper articles, letters of recommendation, award certificates or other forms of support.

"Typically, you are required to have placed in high level tournaments a the FILA Cadet, Junior and/or Senior level. NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3 placements are also considered," said Lamb. "Based on my past performances and experiences, the All Army coach, Shon Lewis, decided to bring me to camp once again. He wrestled for the Army while I was on the Navy team, so we have known each other for quite a few years."

Training is rigorous for the athletes. Applicants must have graduated basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) and at an actual duty assignment. Active duty officers must have graduated their basic course and be assessed.

"From the start of the camp, we have two practices each day, except Wednesday. Practices are usually two to two and a half hours," said Lamb. "We cover quite a bit of technique, drilling and live wrestling; the coaches set up our training according to a competition schedule."

Lamb said he most likes being able to represent his fellow Soldiers, the Army, and his country in domestic and foreign competition. "I would encourage any Soldier interested in All Army sports to pursue their dreams," he said. "The program is not easy - qualifying and being invited is the first step. Once you are in the camp, you are training with the best athletes in the country. It's well worth the effort."

The following sports are currently being offered: Army Ten Miler (Men and Women); Basketball (Men and Women); Boxing (Men and Women); Bowling (Men and Women); Cross-Country (Men and Women); Golf (Men and Women); Marathon (Men and Women); Rugby 7's (Men and Women); Soccer (Men and Women); Softball (Men and Women); Taekwondo (Men and Women); Triathlon (Men and Women); Indoor Volleyball (Men and Women); and Wrestling (Men and Women).

Lamb is heading to Korea in October to participate in the Council International Sport Military (CISM) World Games.

"It is very similar to the Olympic games ... the competition level is very high," Lamb said. "Most countries have a mandatory military requirement, so their best athletes will be there representing their respective nations as well."

"The biggest lesson I have learned from my time in the sport is to embrace and enjoy the process," he added. "Take care of the day-to-day business, the small things, and the big picture will come together."

For more information about All Army Sports, email [e-mail] or call 210-466-1337. Applications for an All Army Sport are available at https://apps.imcom.army.mil/apptracmain.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2015
• Date Posted: 07.02.2015 12:23
• Story ID: 168926
• Location: KINGSPORT, TN, US
• Hometown: KINGSPORT, TN, US