Lamar Smith came to Bennett as a freshman sprinter from Raleigh, N.C. He was an immediate success in track, leading Bennett to four undefeated seasons with 55 wins and O losses. Lamar broke all
existing “Scalp & Blade” records in all 5 events he ever entered, including the 100 yard dash, 220, 440, mile relay and 440 relay. Records were also set in all metered events covering the same distances.
After his freshman year Lamar entered the “Jessie Owens Junior Olympic” track competition and became national champion in the 100 at Drake Stadium on U.C.L.A. campus. In August of’91 after
Lamar’s junior season he captured the Empire State Games scholastic 100m and 200m championship. Two years later Lamar became the state’s open division 200m champion. Lamar’s greatest achievement while competing for Bennett came on that magical day (for him), June 16, 1982 at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. It all came together when Lamar captured the elusive NYSPHSAA 100m and 200m titles by setting state records in both events. The 100m record was 10.7 (F.A.T.) and the 200m record was set at 21.5 (F.A.T.). Lamar also anchored the 4x400m relay, which set a WNY record that stands to this day at 3:17.4. Lamar’s anchor leg was clocked at 48 seconds.
The best was yet to be for Lamar when he was invited to the “Golden West” track meet in Sacramento, Ca. to close out his high school career. The Golden West is the national high school championship meet that features the top 10 state champions from around the country in a “showdown” meet. Lamar, one of only four athletes to be invited to more than one event, finished 4th in the 100m, and 3rd in the 200m.
In 1982, Lamar was recognized as track athlete of the year in New York State by the NYSPHSAA, and All-American by the National High School Track Coaches Association.
Lamar accepted a track scholarship to national track power University of Alabama. There he ran on a relay team with Olympians Calvin Smith and Emmett King. Lamar’s highest achievement was being invited to try out for the 1984 Olympic squad in San Francisco, CA. Lamar survived until the final cut at 400m, the last cutoff.
Lamar finished his undergraduate degree work at Buffalo State College.