Lembke, who played linebacker for the Grizzlies from 1989-92, was recruited by Don Read’s staff along with fellow Butte High standouts Todd Ericson and Lance Allen. But because Lembke was pressed into action as a true freshman, he used up his eligibility before his longtime classmates.
“It was different,” said Lembke, who works as a business consultant in Missoula. “I had played football with these guys since we were kids and then here I was the only one not playing. It was an adjustment, but you just have to move on with your life.”
“That was an area of importance,” said Lembke, who played for former Butte coach Jon McElroy. “I think (former UM assistant coach) Bob Beers had some Butte connections and ties to coaches with similar philosophies.”
Lembke said he enjoys following the exploits of Butte players contributing for the Griz.
“Colt Anderson is a very good player,” Lembke said of the Grizzlies’ starting strong safety.
Lembke said he enjoyed playing for Read.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “He was a great man and a great coach. He knew how to motivate and get the best out of players.”
Lembke didn’t wait long to make an impact with the Grizzlies, making a tackle on the opening kickoff at Fresno State in the second game of the 1989 season. After gaining experience on special teams as a freshman and sophomore, Lembke was named starting linebacker as a junior. He went on to become a two-time, first-team all-Big Sky selection (1991-92). Lembke, who ranked 14th among school leaders in career tackles (262) entering this season, also earned the Grizzlies’ Outstanding Linebacker award (1991-92) and the Golden Helmet (hardest hitter) award winner (1992).
When asked to name any memorable games or plays, Lembke mentioned shutting down Boise State’s offense in a 27-7 Grizzly win in 1991 and intercepting a Drew Bledsoe pass in 25-13 loss to Washington State in 1992.
“That was such a hard fought game,” he said. “And obviously, all the MSU games stand out.”
Lembke, who has a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and accounting, recently went into business for himself and has 12 years of investment and banking experience. He said his role depends on his client’s needs.
“It might be marketing, flexibility, accounting or development,” he said.
Lembke has been married to his wife Holly for eight years. They have a 4-year-old daughter (Rella) and a 2-year-old son (Hudson). When not going on family hikes or backpacking, Lembke said he enjoys fishing.
Lembke said he tries to make it to a few Griz games each year, but definitely watches on TV or listens on the radio when he’s unable to attend. He’s hoping to be in the stands at Washington-Grizzly Stadium more often in the future as his children grow.
“It’s definitely something we want the kids to experience,” he said. “It’s neat to see the team continue to grow and see the effort pay off.”
Scott Johnson is a freelance writer in Missoula. If you have an idea for a player to be profiled as the subject of a Where are they now?, please contact him at sjohnson2930@msn.com.
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