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Press Release: Lightning Farewell Oatman Family

The Lakeside Lightning thank Sam Oatman and his family as they head back home to the USA.

Two years ago, both Lakeside and the Oatman family took a huge step of faith in committing to a two-year contract. Moving your family to Australia is a big commitment and likewise, for Lakeside to commit to bringing a family out from the US was certainly going beyond what we have ever done before. We want to celebrate the many successes of the past two years and acknowledge the work done by Sam in his time here.

OATMAN DEPARTS EARLIER THAN EXPECTED BUT WILL ALWAYS BE THANKFUL

Sam’s role at Lakeside has been very broad and he has worked across many areas of Basketball Development including our holiday camps, school visits, skills sessions and our WABL Program. A significant part of his role has been as Head Coach of our SBL Men and this deserves special recognition. Sam has led our Men’s SBL team, which has been in a re-building phase with many experienced players leaving and young players coming through. Sam has done some great work in building foundations for the future by encouraging and developing our young players and giving them opportunities.

Beyond his passion for Basketball, Sam has a heart for people and we thank him for his broader contribution to our community. Our intention to be a place ‘where it’s more than a game’ has been lived out by Sam in many ways. We would also like to thank Sam’s wife Laura and the Oatman Family for their support and contribution to the Lightning during their time at Lakeside. There is no doubt that they have become part of the Lightning Family and we will miss them!

Sam, Laura, and their children head home to the USA this week to get ready for the beginning of the school year in America. From everyone at Lakeside, we thank them for everything they have contributed to our community and wish them the very best for the future!

Steve Bezant
Director of Lakeside Lightning