Gritty Nebraska high school athlete Sasse’s guest at State of Union

A Nebraska high school athlete from McCool Junction was Sen. Ben Sasse’s guest at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Noah Lambrecht was born in Chicago with major heart issues and adopted by Nebraskans as an infant.

Despite multiple open-heart surgeries, asthma and a pacemaker, Lambrecht has competed on the high school cross country team.

Because of his medical history, he often was the last to finish races, but teammates and competitors who already had completed the course would join Noah to run with him, Sasse said.

“Noah is a remarkable kid and a great Nebraskan,” the senator said.

“He’s got grit, heart and a contagious attitude. I’m glad to share the State of the Union with Noah, and his powerful story with our state.”