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Tallmadge player does it all, despite hardships

by Frank Aceto

Associate Sports Editor

Tallmadge -- Jonathan Lampley has everything going for him.

The Tallmadge senior can light up a room when he smiles and his efforts in the classroom and on the basketball court have been admirable.

As a student, Jonathan has a 4.2 grade-point average and is a National Merit Scholarship finalist. As an undersized forward, Jonathan is the rock of a talented Tallmadge team that competed in district play.

If you're looking to find him in a certain place, however, good luck.

Jonathan plays the tuba for the Tallmadge High School marching band and also plays the trumpet for the concert band.

And if those things weren't enough, Jonathan is a member of the drama club and is the vice president of his class.

His dream is to one day dot the "i" as a member of The Ohio State University marching band. He plans to enroll at Ohio State next fall with hopes of becoming a doctor.

"When every teacher reflects on his career, there are a half-dozen students who stick out," Tallmadge Middle School Principal Gregory Misch said. "Jon is one of them. He is extraordinarily talented, humble and academically intelligent. Anyone in this building has high praise for Jon."

Jonathan gets the most out of a hectic schedule, a schedule he wouldn't want any other way.

But there is a much bigger picture when it comes to this talented, yet humble young man.

Jonathan has accomplished all of this despite going through the most difficult period of his life.

Dealing with
health issues

Jonathan's father, also named Jonathan, has been waiting for a kidney transplant for quite some time.

He undergoes dialysis three times a week, which takes away most of his strength.

And then the Lampley family got more devastating news last September.

Jonathan's mother, Rebekah, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"My dad has been sick for awhile," Jonathan Jr. said. "My mom is doing a lot better, but it was really scary when we first heard about it."

Despite these excruciating setbacks, Jonathan Sr. and Rebekah have not missed a single game.

"Jon has helped me out a lot," Jonathan Sr. said. "I enjoy watching him play. He gives me energy."

"It really helps me to see him play, especially when he's doing well and they win," Rebekah added.

Don't tell Jonathan's parents they're sick. They remain enthusiastic and continue to dwell on the positives.

And their faith has been rewarded. Jonathan Sr. got some pleasant news last week.

"Last Wednesday, some lady, who is an ex-teacher, told me, 'I'm going to give you a kidney,'" he said.

Rebekah recently completed her chemotherapy treatments. She is thankful to have her pastor, Bishop Samuel Hampton, by her side during this ordeal.

"He has been a strong, prayer warrior," Rebekah said. "And I've gotten so many cards and breast cancer trinkets from the citizens of Tallmadge. It has been awesome since day one."

Overcoming his
own obstacles

Jonathan has the physique of a guard. He's generously listed at 6-foot-1 and gives up at least a few inches in height and several pounds in weight to just about every opposing post player he faces.

"I kid him about that all the time," Tallmadge head boys basketball coach Jon Karnuth said. "I don't even think he's 6 foot."

Such factors have done nothing to stop Jonathan. He's a potent low-post scorer and rebounder who also can block his share of shots.

"Jonathan is one of the neatest kids," Karnuth said. "He's one of those kids who knows his limitations and he gets to the ball so well. He's always focused."

Jonathan will get his share of touches throughout the game. He's a proven scorer who uses his quickness and resilience to get a number of points in the paint.

But if he's not the first option, Jonathan will happily let someone else have the spotlight.

"He has a lot of humility," Jonathan Sr. said. "He has won some contests over the years and didn't tell us. He says to me all the time, 'Dad, I'm not going to shoot it if someone else is open.'"

Looking toward
the future

Jonathan bleeds Scarlet and Gray when it comes to his future college.

"I've loved OSU since I was a little kid," he said. "My dad really loved Ohio State and he kind of passed that down to me. I also love music. It has been my dream to be part of the OSU band and dot the 'i.'"

No one will bet against him.

The versatile teenager has taken on all comers and has emerged victorious each time. He has proven to be indestructible, especially in some of his darkest moments.

Jonathan Lampley has everything going for him and no one could be happier than his coach.

"He has a great way of putting everything in perspective," Karnuth said. "I'm a firm believer that good things happen to good people. Jon is a quality kid who I'm going to miss dearly."

E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3914