By the time redshirt freshman Lucas Lueth, Eagle basketball’s dynamic guard, ICCAC All-Region Academic award winner, and NJCAA Division 2 National Tournament MVP, was approaching graduation from Ames High School, he had already garnered several collegiate offers, including offers from NCAA Division II schools.
Lucas had also attracted the attention of Kirkwood Men’s Basketball Coach Tim Sandquist who was recruiting a different athlete at Ames when he first discovered Lucas.
“He was still a junior at the time,” said Sandquist. “I was able to get a real good look at Lucas over his last two seasons at Ames and I liked what I saw.” Sandquist successfully recruited Lucas into Kirkwood’s basketball program, much to the team’s good fortune.
How was it possible for a community college far from Lucas’ home to get the better of a NCAA Division II school. To find out, the Communiqué asked Lucas to share his adventure with our readers.
Picking the right school for post-secondary education is a big decision. Why did you choose Kirkwood as your pathway to higher education?
In my senior year at Ames, I got offers from college basketball programs, including NCAA Division II schools. But accepting a scholarship at a D-II school would lock me into their program for all five years of my eligibility. I had my sights set on playing for a Division I school and eventually going pro. To catch the attention of the D-I schools, I wanted to find a way to increase my exposure without getting locked into a long-term commitment.
I was also dealing with severe tendinitis in my knees, and I knew I wouldn’t be at my best without some help. Coach Sandquist was willing to let me sit out my freshman year so I could get my knees fixed up. The year off also gave me a chance to get bigger, stronger and smarter. It was the perfect move for me. After a year off, my knees were healed and I was ready to hit the court and join a team that was getting ready to make a lot of noise.
Coming out of high school, many graduates haven’t yet figured out what they’d like to do. What course of study are you pursuing? Have you decided on a career path yet?
I am working toward a pro basketball career, but I’m also thinking about what will come after. At first, I chose to pursue an associate of applied science degree in business administration. With the credits I already had from high school, I was able to obtain the degree in my first year.
Then, inspired by the help I got with my knees, I turned to pre-med. After my basketball career, I’d like to combine what I learned in business administration with something in the medical field, like hospital management, for example.
Balancing independence and family connection is often a challenge for college students. How are you handling being away from home?
I still miss my family. Kirkwood is a bit far from home, especially since I don’t have a car. A car would have made life easier, but cars are an expensive luxury, and I wanted the challenge of managing without one.
Also, basketball has been my life for such a long time that taking my first year off was a very big change for me. I needed a new start. I had to find an identity outside of basketball.
That’s when I started going to Veritas Church, a diverse, welcoming church in downtown Cedar Rapids. At Veritas, I found folks of all ages and all walks of life. Some shared my passion for music, athletics and cooking. I gained new friends and through them and their families I found a home away from home.
Some students feel there’s a family atmosphere here at Kirkwood. Have you felt that?
Yes, I have a big connection through Kirkwood athletics. It would have been easy to stay tucked inside the athletics bubble, but I felt it was important to look beyond athletics, which led me to Veritas. There, I was able fulfill my desire to know, follow and spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Are you getting the support you need from coaches, teachers, and staff?
I am. There’s the support I get through Kirkwood athletics. That’s not just through the basketball program. Every coach at Kirkwood, regardless of their sport, is committed to looking after all of the athletes, including making sure they are performing in the classroom.
My teachers are also very supportive. At times, they can be annoying, but in a good way. They’re always checking to see if I’m on track with my schoolwork and they make themselves available to me if I need help. Classes, athletics and my job at the Café are demanding on my time, but my teachers are always willing to find a time when we can get together.
Yes, you’re working at the Café in addition to taking classes and playing basketball. How are you managing the stress of such a busy schedule?
Yeah, I’m busy. A typical and optimal day for me begins with shooting and a workout at the gym followed by my classes. Then, it’s off to work at the Café. I have regular basketball practice after lunch, followed by study hall.
Afterwards, I try to relax with either another workout or by playing a little music before getting ready to go to church. When I come back to the apartment, I cook my own dinner. It’s a balancing act.
My rule is to put the things I want to do last, like playing guitar and piano. That helps me stay on task with the other stuff because if I can do that, I won’t fall behind. Even with my busy schedule, I usually manage to have a little time for myself and get enough sleep.
Did you see Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl half-time show? What did you think of his performance? What about the feud with Drake?
I liked his show a lot. The music was great. He had some pop stuff popping at the moment, but also music with a strong message. It was a great performance, but a 12-minute half-time show of Lamar just isn’t enough.
Yeah, things have gotten out of hand between Lamar and Drake. I just hope that they work things out so they can work together again.
Categories: Basketball, Feature, Sports, Student Spotlight
