Jim Lambert, Union Catholic's Information Director, was inducted into the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Hall of Fame during a ceremony at his alma mater on Monday night.
Lambert, a 1984 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, was recognized for his distinguished career as a track and field and cross-country reporter.
In a journalism career that began in 1989, Lambert wrote for The Star-Ledger and NJ.com through 2016. In 2017, he became Union Catholic's Information Director. Lambert continues covering track and field for NJ MileSplit.
Lambert has been one of New Jersey's most respected high school sports journalists during his career. He covered countless championship events and chronicled the achievements of thousands of student-athletes. His insightful reporting, passion for storytelling, and commitment to excellence helped make him a trusted voice in New Jersey sports.
He has earned numerous state and national honors over the years. Lambert was named the NJ Sportswriter of the Year by the NJSIAA in 2002 and 2016, received the Allen Dawson Award in 2022 from the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation, and earned the prestigious Jesse Abramson Award from the Penn Relays in 2025.
Surrounded by Union Catholic faculty members and adminstrators and members of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood community, Lambert thanked the mentors, teachers, colleagues, friends, and family members who supported him throughout his journey. He reflected on the relationships he built during his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to tell the stories of so many remarkable people.
Rich McGriff, the boys' track and field coach at SPFHS, and one of Lambert's closest friends since elementary school, highlighted Lambert's professionalism, integrity, and dedication to promoting student-athletes and their accomplishments.
As Union Catholic’s Information Director, Lambert showcases the achievements of students, coaches, and alumni while helping elevate the school's profile throughout New Jersey. His writing, social media presence, and communications efforts have helped tell the stories of Union Catholic's success in academics, athletics, and service.
Lambert's induction served as a tribute to someone whose work has left an indelible mark on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood community and on high school athletics throughout New Jersey. Through his award-winning journalism, commitment to education, and dedication to celebrating the achievements of others, Lambert has built a legacy that extends beyond the written word.
With his induction into the SPFHS Hall of Fame, Lambert joins an esteemed group of individuals whose contributions have helped define excellence in the community. Monday night's ceremony ensured that his impact will be remembered for generations to come.