Oregon Institute of Technology Athletics

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Having met many of his expectations, Lachlan McKimm has taken advantage of playing basketball at Oregon Tech.
 
Unlike many of his teammates, the senior from Sydney, Australia, actually had some knowledge of the school where the 22-year-old senior applied psychology major will graduate in four years.
 
McKimm along with fellow seniors, Harrison Steiger, Scotty Burge, Garret Albrecht, and Kellen Gerig will all be honored before the start of the men's game on Saturday's Senior Night.
 
"Coach (Joshua) Wetzler was one of the reasons I came here," McKimm said of the former OIT assistant. "He knew people I knew and, indirectly, I had a connection to OIT. I played for the Hills Hornets and I played against the son of former (Tech) player Delmas Green."

Ironically, almost all of the former Australians to play for the Hustlin' Owls are from Perth, which is on the far western side of the country. Sydney is on the far eastern part of the country.
 
He laughs at living in a perpetual winter, since summer in the United States is winter at home.

Like his basketball, McKimm has taken advantage of his opportunities while at Tech and has used Christmas breaks as a chance to travel and discover what he calls the "real America."

Before coming to OIT, McKimm, with his family, had visited Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other large communities.
 
"I have taken a whole combination of things and living in the real America," he said as he reflected on his time in Klamath Falls. "I have visited placed I wouldn't normally go to," and lists many of the places the Hustlin' Owls have played.
 
He also has taken time to visit places like Vancouver, British Columbia.
 
"It has been very hard, especially around the holidays (to be away from family), but I don't try to think about it. I have found ways to distract myself. I listed all of the pros and cons of doing this with my family, and the pros outweighed the cons." He said his expectations were "well moderated."
 
"I was expecting good teams and fan support and knew I would come in and be a backup.

"I was pleased with my freshman year. Being runner-up (in the last NAIA Division II men's national tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota), that was an incredible season and that run is one I won't forget.
 
"In 2020, we were feeling good about our chances and everybody was prepared, so when the tournament was cancelled, it was a letdown. Still, there have been a lot more ups than downs."

To date, McKimm has a single-game career high if 18 points, 16 rebounds (second highest among current players), three assists, and two blocked shots (tied for second among current players).
 
"From an academic perspective, I have been able to experience a different culture, live by myself, and be able to graduate in four years," McKimm, who has minors in international business and literature and philosophy, said.
 
"I appreciate all of the professors who have helped me, and the hands-on experience has helped me greatly.
 
"The main thing is the education system here, and the class size. I came here to play basketball and learn about a different culture. What I have in Klamath Falls is different, not better but not worse. (Klamath Falls and Sydney) are two different things."
 
McKimm noted he has high school friends in Australia who attend universities with as many as 80,000 students when he pointed out a major difference from his experience at Oregon Tech.
 
Steve Matthies is the former sports editor of the Klamath Falls Herald and News. He covered Oregon Tech athletics for more than 30 years.
 
LACHLAN McKIMM AT A GLANCE

• Favorite book – I enjoy reading, especially things about the misinformation age.
• Favorite TV show – Parks & Recreation.
• Favorite actor – Hugh Jackman.
• Most famous person met – Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills (Australians in the NBA).
• Person would like to meet – Madeline Albright (former U.S. Secretary of State).
• Favorite place visited – Park City, Utah, for skiing.
• Place would like to visit – Western Europe.
• Favorite food – Barbeque, good Italian food.
• Parents – Rob and Hilary McKimm.
• Siblings – Brother Rob.

NOTE ON HIS NAME – Lachlan, his grandfather's middle name, is common in Australia. 
 
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