SARNIA – Staying home.
Midfielder Landon Buckingham has officially committed to Head Coach Adam Lakey and the Lambton Men’s Soccer Program for the 2023 season.
Buckingham is the fourth member of the 2023 recruiting class for Lakey and his coaching staff. Come September, Buckingham will join the likes of Ben Crombeen (Sarnia, Ont.), Ashton Vink (Wallaceburg, Ont.), and Darren Lapointe (Sarnia, Ont.) as a newcomer with the Lions.
“I’m excited to get going here at Lambton with a whole new team and new coaches,” said Buckingham. “I’m looking forward to playing in my hometown at the college level.”
Buckingham, a Sarnia native, comes to Lambton College by way of Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School in Sarnia. Come September, the five-foot-seven midfielder will trade his Mustangs colours for Lambton blue.
In the summer months, Buckingham suits up for the Sarnia FC U18 program, playing under Head Coach Dean Troiani, or Coach Deaner as he’s known to Buckingham and the rest of the roster.
Coach Lakey is no stranger to the Sarnia FC program and is looking forward to having Buckingham make the transition to the Lions.
“His club has competed against some strong competition throughout the province and has had success,” said Lakey. “I think that experience will help Landon as he transitions to collegiate soccer.”
“Landon is a hardworking midfielder and a great teammate, one who is focused on doing what is necessary to help the team be successful.”
Buckingham is the latest in a long line of local soccer players that have chosen to stay at home and play for the Lions. Last year’s team featured six student-athletes from Sarnia, and a total of nine from Lambton County.
The addition of Buckingham adds more depth to the midfielder rotation for Coach Lakey and the Lions heading into the 2023 season. With his speed both on and off the ball, Buckingham gives the Lions some options when it comes to lineups moving ahead.
Looking ahead to September, Buckingham can’t wait to get started. When asked what fans can expect to see from him on the field, he didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“A lot of effort … 110% effort,” added Buckingham. “I’ll be a great teammate and will do whatever I can to help the team be successful.”
Lakey echoed those last comments when speaking on his newest recruit, adding that he expects Landon to come on and push his teammates in training while competing for playing time.
Academically, Buckingham will be enrolled in the Renovation Construction Technician Program at Lambton College.
The Lions are coming off a 2022 season that saw the program advance to the post-season for the second time in the last three seasons. With several newcomers on last year’s roster having taken on key roles from the outset of the season, the future is bright for the Lions heading into the 2023 season.
Buckingham’s addition adds depth and versatility to the lineup heading into the new season.
The Lions open their 2023 season on Saturday, September 9th at home against the Sheridan Bruins. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. in the Men’s Game.
Welcome to The Den, Landon!