NEW PALESTINE, Ind. (WTHR) — If you spend a quick minute watching the New Palestine Dragons football team, you’ll notice number six because he’s everywhere. Senior Brody Luker plays both offense and defense, rarely leaving the field.
“It gets really tiring, but we have a good system because we’ve got a lot of seniors and a lot of guys who can play,” Brody said. “If we get tired, we come out, but most of the time, if we’re good to go, we’re playing both ways.”
Brody is a three-year starter who makes it a priority to lead by example. Coach Kyle Ralph can’t say enough nice things about the 17-year-old standout who excels not only on the field but in the classroom as well.
“You know, when you've got a kid like that to look up to and a kid like that to respect, I think that just continues to build upon what his legacy is here,” Coach Ralph said. “He does things the right way on the field, which is great, but more importantly he does the right things off of it and just makes an all-around special kid.”
Brody likes challenges and he really enjoys football, but he also loves the classroom.
“Schoolwork is always a priority cause, I mean, you can get in any college with your grades, you can't always do that with your athletics. So it's always good to focus on school," Brody said. "Football might not ever pan out for anybody, but school can always get you somewhere, so I always try to focus on school.”
His focus has paid off. Brody has achieved a 4.1 grade point average, all while taking honors and AP courses. He said the key is getting the work done on time. And he does all that while juggling the demands of football.
Coach Ralph admits, a schedule like that can be tough on any athlete.
“Ones that are in the little bit more the rigorous sports where the hours spent away are higher, I think it makes things a lot more difficult," Ralph said. "So to have grades like he has, to be able to excel in the classroom like that, is really special.”
But Brody said he didn't always have that knack for the books. He wants to encourage other, younger kids to keep after it.
“I never really thought I was that great of a student but, I mean, if you just try your best to focus and get your schoolwork done, then who knows that can happen?” Brody said.
Brody is headed to Hanover College next fall. He said he’d like to possibly pursue a career in broadcasting or film.
“I've always liked movies, it would be a dream to make movies, but not many people can ever do that, so we'll see what'll happen!” Brody said.
Papa John’s is proud to begin a new partnership with WTHR honoring student athletes in Central Indiana via the Student Athlete of the Month program. The Student Athlete of the Month program honors well rounded central Indiana high school students who have demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, or clubs/ co-curricular school related hobbies. Monthly winners receive a $500 scholarship funded by Papa John’s and WTHR donated to the winner’s high school in the winner’s name.