Alumnus Profile: Jack Lamont BA '18

Jack was attracted to Saint Mary's for a couple of reasons. First, his father and Kinesiology Department faculty member, Professor Deane Lamont, encouraged him to attend. Second, the small class sizes provided a more intimate experience than was possible at Oregon. He described the Kinesiology Department as a “well put together, tight-knit community,” where students and faculty create long-lasting relationships that go beyond the classroom. Jack recalls Professors Chi-An Emhoff, Derek Marks, and Steve Miller as the faculty who were particularly memorable and helpful throughout his time in the program.

Following graduation, Jack secured an interview with the Oakland Raiders through the help of a family friend. He was then hired as a part-time Raiders ambassador, performing numerous jobs from setting up NFL Play 60 events to counting tailgaters in the parking lot for fire safety. Despite completing these seemingly menial tasks, Jack enjoyed his job as it meant he was part of a professional sports team. In late 2018, he was promoted to the position of Equipment Assistant, and continues to work as one today. His regular duties include setting up drills for practice, communicating with retail distributors, and ensuring the availability and quality of player and staff gear.

The move of the Raiders from Oakland to Las Vegas created a unique situation for Jack. A move to Las Vegas would mean leaving the Bay Area, which he loves, and moving away from family and friends. To make matters more challenging, the move to Vegas coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in delays and disorganization as everyone was now dealing with a situation no one had ever dealt with before. In fact, Jack lived in a team hotel through the month of July as the 2020 NFL season remained in flux. The effects of COVID are still being felt today, and Jack has been tasked with more responsibilities as a result. Because the NFL has reduced traveling party numbers, Jack must also work as a ballboy and perform extra sanitation measures in addition to his normal duties. This has not phased him though, stating that “Saint Mary’s taught me how to think on my feet, how to communicate well with other people, and how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”