Kambitsis ready for sports campaign at Mt. Lebanon
Time passes quickly, even at age 17. Just ask Kris Kambitsis of Mt. Lebanon. He is embarking on his final athletic campaign as a running back and linebacker for the football team.
“It’s surreal that I am a senior,” he exclaimed in amazement.
For Kambitsis, it seems like only yesterday he was rooting for former NFL tailback-turned professional boxer Le’Veon Bell as well as former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly. He still has the poster of Bell in his bedroom and plays him in the Madden NFL video games.
“I loved him. He was so electric. I was so sad when he left,” Kambitsis said of Bell, who went from the Steelers to the Jets, Chiefs, Ravens and Buccaneers before retiring from professional football in 2022.
Kambitsis, who owns a 4.2 GPA, added his admiration of Kuechly, too. “He had a true knowledge of the game. One of the best football IQs,” he said. “I watched him play when I was little. He was one of the best around.”
This fall, Kambitsis doesn’t expect to emulate either Bell or Kuechly. He only anticipates contributing to Lebo’s success on the gridiron. The Blue Devils are looking to improve upon last year’s 3-8 record that included a 3-3 mark in the Quad County Conference and a 48-14 loss to North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs.
“Winning a WPIAL championship is always the goal, what you strive for,” Kambitsis said. “Anything less is unsuccessful from a team perspective.
“I don’t particularly care about personal things (like statistics) as long as we play well as a team and we are all contributing and working toward the goal. That’s how it should be in my opinion,” he added.
“We all love playing the game and the goal is to win. We have really come together in summer workouts and camp. Grinding it out and staying attentive to the little things,” he continued. “Usually that’s a recipe for success.”
While Kambitsis has not enjoyed a winning season playing football for the Blue Devils, he has experienced the thrill of victory on the lacrosse field. Mt. Lebanon won its third consecutive WPIAL championship this spring.
“Kris is what every high school athlete should aspire to be. A starter in two varsity sports at the highest level and strong academics that make his a recruitable student-athlete,” said Lebo football coach Greg Perry.
Kambitsis started playing lacrosse in the fourth grade. He picked up football in the seventh grade because all of his friends were playing the game.
“At the time, lacrosse was an up-and-coming sport and big at Lebo,” Kambitsis said. “I had played baseball before but my dad and I wanted me to play lacrosse because we thought it was cool.
“I really enjoy playing football with my buddies though,” he added. “There is nothing better than playing football with your friends.”
Hence, it is difficult for Kambitsis to discern which sport he prefers, especially since he is getting looks from colleges like Middlebury as well as Franklin and Marshall to play lacrosse but other Division III schools to compete as a dual athlete.
“Lacrosse is looser, more creative and there aren’t as many set plays,” he said. “I like the togetherness of football. In order to have success, you have to be on the same page and work together.”
A healthy Kambitsis, who suffered a hamstring injury during the football season that lingered into the lacrosse campaign, will enable Lebo to diversify its offense and sure up its defense.
Last year, Kambitsis ranked second on the team in rushing behind quarterback Patrick Smith. He gained 243 yards on 83 carries and scored three touchdowns. He also had 22 receptions for 158 yards. Kambitsis is also slated to again start at linebacker on defense alongside Smith.
“Kris is a very intelligent football player with a high football IQ,” said Perry. “He makes all of our defensive calls and knows all of the offensive skill positions. His versatility will make us better on offense. He has a great combination of strength and speed to go along with his knowledge of the game.”
Kambitsis sees himself relying more on his defensive skills on both sides of the ball. He says blocking for others who tote the football is “rewarding” to him. He recalled throwing a “nice” block that enabled Smith to rush for a 70-yard touchdown last season.
“I feel like I am a good blocker and I love to play defense. I love the communication part of it. The whole unit is all on the same page,” he said. “When you’re clicking and make that third-down stop it can really rally the team when you make the play.”
As one of the team’s captains, Kambitsis anticipates that his “quiet” leadership skills and desire will enable the Blue Devils to reach their goals this fall.
“We haven’t had a winning season since I have been here,” he sighed. “Now more than ever, we are hungrier to get over the hump and make a run. I’m not much of a vocal guy so I try to lead by example like jogging between the lines or coaching up the guys during practices. I try to help make us all get better.”
Time is of the essence for Kambitsis. This is it for him.
“I’m just so excited to play my senior year,” he said. “One last run with my best friends.”
Kris Kambitsis
Bio box
Age: 17
Parents: Katie and Jason
Birthdate: Nov. 20
Siblings: Marty
School: Mt. Lebanon
Year: Senior
GPA: 4.2
Sports: Football, lacrosse
Food: Pizza
Who makes the best pies: Badamo’s. “The white pizza is the best.”
Book: The Great Gatsby
Color: Blue
Music: Drake. “I have a lot of good songs by him on my playlist.”
Athlete: Le’Veon Bell
People might be surprised to know this about you: “I enjoy skiing. Breckinridge and Crested Butte are among the best places where I have gone skiing.”
With whom would you like to have dinner: Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Future plans: Middlebury College as well as Franklin and Marshall are interested in him for lacrosse. Plans to major in economics or business.
Life lesson learned from playing sports: “Leadership skills obviously along with communication. It’s a big thing in the workplace. If everybody is not all on the same page, it makes it hard to get the job done.”