Competitive Drive

On a team without scholarships, Lambert wrestles for love of the sport

Carolyn Walser / senior photographer Senior Brian Lambert takes command in his match with George Mason's Nick Webster in Staurday's match between the Dukes and the Patriots.

Much has changed in the JMU wrestling program over the past five years. In 2000, the Dukes repeated as Colonial Athletic Association champions after winning it in 1999. Then, in 2001, JMU became a victim of Title IX, becoming the only non-scholarship wrestling program in the CAA.

2001 also saw the arrival of Brian Lambert.

"When I came here, we were top dogs," the senior said. "I saw the seniors’ rings and it’s been a rough four years, but our new coaches are really good. JMU wrestling is going to start climbing now. We are going to be all right."

Lambert came to JMU from Chesapeake, and has since moved to the top in Sinclair Gymnasium, be it on the mat, in the weight room or as the squad’s general.

"He’s definitely the leader," redshirt junior Chris Cvitan said. "If any young person wants a role model — he’s the guy. He does everything right."

Cvitan was a part of Lambert’s recruiting class and has been around the 174-pounder for his entire career as Duke.

"His dedication is unbelievable," Cvitan said. "Everyone looks to him."

After Saturday’s match against George Mason University, Lambert owns the Dukes’ best individual record at 11-5 — most of which he was won by pinfall.

"Some of the other guys were joking on him about not pinning the guy [Saturday]," Cvitan said. "Just because he’s pinned the last three or four guys."

Lambert has defeated two of his last four opponents by pinfall, and it has become rather common. Teammates and fans alike almost expect to see Lambert holding his victim’s shoulders against the canvas.

"No one even says, ‘Congratulations’ for the win," Lambert said. "They just say, ‘What, no pin?’"

This season is Lambert’s last in the purple and gold singlet and during its duration, he looks to make amends for a lost season in 2003-’04.

Last year, Lambert suffered a pinched nerve in his right shoulder early in the season due to a bulging disk. The injury rendered his arm useless for all wrestling purposes.

"I hurt it in practice," Lambert said. "It started out as a stinger in my neck. My neck was stiff the next day, but I wrestled through it."

Now back at nearly full strength, Lambert is making the best of his senior year. After three years, it seems that the grappler has finally found a home in the 174-lb. weight class after switching every year at JMU.

"I was at 157 my freshman year and have been going up a weight class a year," Lambert said. "Right now, I am at the right weight class and, hopefully, I can keep the train rolling."

Out of high school, Lambert had other offers to programs that were "fully funded" — or in other words, gave scholarships to their wrestlers.

"JMU was my No. 1 choice," Lambert said. "And as soon as I got a call from coach [Jeff] Bowyer, I said, ‘You don’t have to sell me. I’m already sold.’"

Being the only non-scholarship program in a conference filled with those who offer free rides could be a curse and burden, but Lambert and the Dukes see it as their advantage.

"My freshman class was the first to not have scholarships," Lambert said. "But no one has given up. We’re definitely improving. You run into some people who are fully funded and just wrestle for the free ride."