Carroll College Athletics

A 6’1”, 200-lb. All-State offensive guard from Butte High, Kambich became a 3½ year starter for the Saint gridders, while helping Carroll to three successive Frontier championships his last three seasons. When the Hilltoppers lost three quarterbacks to injury, “Jim filled important roles as center and long snapper after coach Bob Petrino reverted to the old single wing formation,” his 1995 HOF nomination form stated. “His expertise and ability to adapt proved vital for the success of the team.”

His sophomore year he was selected second team All-Conference at interior lineman, and in 1981, Jim again made the second team, despite missing 5 games due to a broken ankle. As a 220-lb. senior co-captain, after the 28-18 win over Tech, he was named Frontier offensive Player of the Week for “playing a big role in freeing” up the Saints’ running backs. Kambich was selected 1982 first team All-Conference and honorable mention All-District 12, having helped Carroll to an average of 384 total offensive yards per game, No. 2 in the District.