Luke Daniel '19 Recruiting Profile

I set a high expectation of myself and have done so my whole life.  I have been a student that all of my teachers have said I wish I could have a whole class of students like Luke.   I am a person who is respectful to all those around me and works hard to set a good example in everything I do.  In my running I set goals that help drive me to be a better athlete.  I communicate those goals to others and I review them daily in my routine in practice.  Once I obtain a goal I set the next one to achieve.   

I tried a variety of sports when I was younger and always ended up being one of the fastest on the court or field.  This lead me to running as early as my elementary school when I won the intramural races at the end of the school year.  At that point I knew I wanted to be a runner.  I ran cross country and track starting in 6th grade.   I have continued to set higher and higher goals for myself since then.  

Running has taught me discipline and I have figured out that the more effort you put into it the more you get out of it.  That doesn’t mean you win every race it means that you do the best that your body and mind and do and that is what drives me.   I want to continually get better and get more out of myself I know that I have untapped potential that surprises even me sometimes.     

My personal achievements for my high school career so far have been: Going to States as a Freshman in the 4 x 8  for track.  Freshman of track rookie of the year. In Sophomore year going to States for cross country qualifying both individually and as a team. Sophomore distance runner of the year for track. In my Junior year going to States for cross country qualifying as an individual.   Being recognized by my coaches and teammates as the most valuable runner both my Sophomore and Jr. year of xc.  Voted Captain for XC Jr. year.  

My academic goals for HS are to  continue to achieve high honors reconnection through my Senior year.  In college I expect to do the same.  Understanding that academic are the most important thing for the next several years.  I have learned to prioritize this with my running.

I have not always had it easy when it comes to running.  I have had to overcome a fractured foot the summer going into my Freshman year.  Having to do physical therapy and not being able to train all summer taught me how important good mental attitude is and how important it is to be part of a team.  I went to ever practice even though it was hard and ran but not to the level that I wanted to.