Athlete Spotlight
Hometown
Kent, Wash. |
High
School
Kentlake |
Year
Junior |
Major
Chemistry and Geoscience |
Luke placed third in the 400-meter
hurdles at both the 2006 and the 2007 Northwest Conference championship
meets. He is working to overcome a hamstring injury in order to
run at this year's conference meet scheduled for April 18-19 at
George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. In addition to competing
in track & field, Luke was a PLU swim team member for two
seasons.
Describe
your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
Both of my parents are teachers in the Kent School District.
My mom, Jami Weinbrecht, teaches graphic arts and my dad, Rick
Weinbrecht, is a physical education/health teacher. I come from
a line of teachers that have all taught at different schools and
within different disciplines. My family has been a great support
whether it is in athletics, academics, or allowing me to achieve
life goals. I owe them a lot for everything that they have done
and things that they have taught me. Thanks! I would like to add,
that my fiancée, Kate Wilson, has been my biggest support.
She is with me everyday and allows me to see the good or positive
even when injured, struggling with hurdles, or even when I don’t
understand my Physical Chemistry homework. I would like to thank
her for everything she does: "You make the world beautiful."
Describe any hardships or
extenuation circumstances that you have faced to get to where
you are today.
My junior year in high school I had an extremely bad thyroid problem
where I lost 15 pounds in two days. I struggled for eight months
to regain a stable metabolism, through both swim and track seasons.
Going though this experience has allowed me to better understand
struggling to achieve something when there are barriers that are
out of your control. But overall I would like to say that the
hardships that I have faced have created who I am, but I would
not change a thing. I have learned and grown with everyday of
my life. Things happen to everyone; this is what makes each persons
experience and perspective unique. I also pulled my hamstring
midway though the season this year, and have been rehabbing for
three weeks and hope to compete soon! (the training room rocks!
Thanks all!)
What factors led to your
decision to attend PLU?
I liked the science program here at PLU and the small
community feel that you get when on campus. I was really excited
about PLU when I met the track coaches. Also, the fact that I
was not obligated to run but was required to get an education
was key to my discussion.
What has been your favorite
class at PLU?
Any science class! It is what makes me tick!
Have
you had any trouble balancing athletics with academics?
It has been a little hard balancing class and lab with my practice
schedule, but it can be done if you put your mind to it. I think
that it makes a person a better student and athlete. You learn
to put your passion into the things you love, and when you do
that, you excel.
What are your plans after
college?
We plan on moving to the east coast where
I will get my masters in science education. From there we would
like to move back to the northwest to settle down. I want to be
a science educator as well as coach someday where I can share
my passion with others.
When your athletic career
is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to
say about you?
I would like people to remember that each race I did at least
one thing great. Also, that I worked hard. I had a smile on my
face with every hurdle, and with every step. Always believe that
you can do it!
Describe your hometown and
what you miss about it the most.
Covington – it is a great place, kinda
small, but still a wonderful place to grow up. I think what I
miss the most would be how close Coldstone was to my house.
What's your favorite spot
on campus?
The chemistry lab table where Kate and I
did our Organic Chemistry labs, and the backside of the track
on a rainy day.
What is your favorite restaurant
in Tacoma?
The Ghetto Mexican Restaurant (GMR). It is on Pac Ave down past
Fred Meyer on the left. It is a small family owned restaurant
that I can never remember the name of, so we call it the GMR.
Six enchiladas, rice and beans for two and a juice for $21.
What music is playing in
your ipod right now?
Five for fighting – World.
