Once at the Texas Relays they had a special 100M field set up, with star sprinters. Lam won in what appeared on the scoreboard clock to be a world record. It was 9.8 or something. Then, they decided the time was unofficial for some reason and went to hand times, which were 9.9 or something, not a record. Anyway, I'll always remember that.
Brian Jones had Lam on his podcast last week, so I suspect the hospitalization is a recent thing. They did talk about the fact that he has been having some health problems.
I wasn't old enough to see that anchor leg in the State track meet, but I knew/know a lot of people who did and the way they have always talked about it with such reverance it has gone down in Texas athletics lore.
They say he ran the Hill Country relays in Mason with bells on his shoes.
Probably the fastest guy ever to attend this school.
Does anyone know what is wrong with Lam? How about the hospital he is in? Can we start an online "get well card" that can be delivered to Johny? Man, we have to let him know that Longhorn nation is praying for him, and that he will never be forgotten. Let's make this happen.
I remember Lampasas scrimmaged us (McCallum) in his senior year; I was impressed that coach Royal was here at a HS scrimmage. I think Lam ran an 8.95 or 9.0 100 yard dash (yeah, we used to have the 100 yard dash) but it was later figured wind-aided. I used to see him on campus a lot as we were both freshmen that year, and he was one of the most impressive looking athletes in street clothes I've ever seen. Graceful.
I went to the Rice game that year, in Houston, and it was a joke. Toss the ball to Lam, beat the man to the corner and turn upfield. (I think maybe Raymond Clayborn was the other halfback.)
Lam,Ham and Jam. Great memories.
Get Well Johnny Lam. The Longhorn Family is pulling for you and you are in our hearts and prayers. See you at the Rose Bowl. We are out to slay some Trojans.