RHINELANDER, Wis. — It may be basketball season, but three-sport athlete Truman Lamers said he doesn’t have a favorite sport.

“It’s kind of season to season whatever time of year it is, that’s what I’m going to commit my time to,” said Lamers.

In the fall, Lamers could be found leading the Hodags football team. Dean of Students and Head Football Coach, Aaron Kramer, called Lamers a self-starter on both sides of the ball.

“He can throw the ball the long distances and can hit check downs, but he’s also a guy that makes plays with his feet,” explained Lamers. “As time went on, he kind of grew into that passing role. He was an unbelievable safety for us, too. He can come downhill, hit, always in the right spot, communicating on the defensive side of the ball. He really is a quarterback on both sides of the football.”

Kramer also called Lamers, an unbelievable leader.

“His teammates absolutely love him and he’s somebody that they look to in big situations to make play for them and also to have their back in the moments when they absolutely need him,” said Kramer.

Springtime is track and field season for Lamers, who competes in the long, triple and high jumps. He also runs sprints and said he enjoys interacting with other athletes at the meets.

“Track is more of my individual sport where I can relax, meet a lot of new people. There’s a lot of breaks in between events, just socialize and get my mind a break while my body continues to compete,” said Lamers.

(Spectrum News/Jon Fuller)

He’s currently undecided about where he will attend college next year but is leaning toward Florida Gulf Coast.

“I’m not a big fan of the winter, so I’m excited to go down to the warmth,” said Lamers.

Lamers already decided that he won’t play sports in college next year, but it isn’t due to of lack of skill.

“I think he could go play at a high level at wherever he wanted to go play, but sometimes you know when you’re done, and I respect him for that,” said Kramer.

Lamers will, however, make sports the focus of his career. He plans to pursue a Sports Psychology degree. 

“I think it’s a way to use my people skills and intellectual skills to help others and spread what I’ve been given,” said Lamers.

Math Teacher Taylor Kloehn said Lamers can accomplish any goal that’s put in front of him.

“If Truman is going to talk, more often than not it’s going to be correct, and more often than not his peers are going to respect that he’s the one chiming in,” said Kloehn. “He’s built that reputation. He’s gained that respect from his teachers and the respect from his peers alike.”

With an unweighted 4.0 GPA, Lamers credits his mother for pushing him academically.

Kloehn wants to see Lamers grow in other areas as well and helped Lamers learn how to play the guitar.

“I think that’s an outlet and a good way to meet people in the community and to contribute a different way within a community,” said Kloehn.

Lamers volunteers in his community through groups like National Honor Society and Key Club.

“I’ve learned to appreciate each and every minute I’ve put into those clubs,” said Lamers.

For all of his giving, Lamers was touched when he received something back.

“For Christmas, I actually received a sweatshirt from one of my kids I helped coach in our football youth program. That’s when it really settled in. I’m like, I really do make a difference on these kids,” said Lamers.

He’s now keeping the door open to coaching opportunities once he’s done with college.

“He’s a special young man and I hope the best for him and I know he’s going to do great things,” said Kramer.

While his playing days are nearing the end, Lamers will try to set himself up to continue making a positive impact on athletes with his future career.