Hamm was a two-time All-Catholic track honoree and three-time All-Catholic Cross Country honoree. Hamm also was an All-WNY Cross Country selection as a senior. He holds Catholic state titles in both indoor and outdoor Track and won a New York State Federation title in indoor track. He holds school records in both the indoor and outdoor 1,600 meters and as a member of the indoor 4x800 relay team.
Hamm's reflection:
I am equally humbled and honored to join the incredible gentlemen that have come before me in this Athletic Hall of Fame. They set the bar for future generations and I’m proud to be a part of that history.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my family. To my parents, who provided me with love and support to chase my dreams. To Ben, who set the standard for success and taught me to challenge myself. To Joelle, who always kept it real and taught me how to be a good friend. To Greg, who was my ultimate competitor from day one and taught me the value of hard work. To Kelsey, who was wise beyond her years and inspired me to be confident. You all provided so much for me and have always been on my team.
It is without a doubt in my mind, that I would not have had the success that I did without the guidance of my coaches. Thank you, Brian Lombardo and Brian Tollar. It was from day one that Coach Lombardo recognized my potential and painted a picture of what I could do during my four years at Canisius High School. Those years were filled with countless miles and hours of setting and attaining goals. But it wasn’t just the running that made it special, it was the vision by Coach Lombardo and Tollar to take a solo, individual sport and make it an all-in team sport. The 2007 track & field team was one of my favorites as we won our first All-Catholic team title in years. That team set a precedent for success and allowed me to grow into a leader on and off the track.
While running is an individual effort, it was my teammates throughout those four years that made it special. The hours spent together training and traveling for races are some of my most cherished memories. From my first team trip to the Dartmouth Relays in 2006 to the last team trip to NYC for Catholic States in 2009, I formed so many bonds and friendships. I’m lucky to consider some of them my best friends today. To all my friends and teammates, thank you.
There are so many within the Canisius High School community that contributed to my success on and off the track, but I must acknowledge and thank two mentors of mine – Paul Cumbo and Adam Baber. You both helped me understand what it meant to be a good person, how to serve your community, and when to speak up for others. Thank you for being a guiding light when I needed it most.
Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough what the sport of running has done for me. It has given me everything. It gave me direction and purpose. A passion to pursue. It introduced me to my beautiful wife. It has given me good health. It has allowed me to have a career working with the world’s best runners. It has taken me places far and near. It has taught me how to visualize and problem solve. I know for a fact that I would not be where I am today without the foundation that was laid at Canisius High School. Thank you for the opportunity and support to chase my dreams – I will always bleed blue & gold.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
