When it comes to directing the Turks defense, Ben Lukone is the boss. And when the task is to pick a musical hero, Lukone said no one beats The Boss (Bruce Springsteen).
Kevin Nortz / The Herald
Coach’s corner: Sultan coach Jim MacDicken said Lukone, who squats 450 pounds and bench presses 290, is his strongest player: “He’s as tough as they come.” Lukone started lifting weights the summer after he finished seventh grade, and he’s been an iron-pumping machine ever since.
Calling the shots: Lukone is in charge of calling defensive plays from his linebacker position. The 5-foot-6, 200-pound human fire hydrant said he likes the responsibility – and the chance to flatten opposing ball carriers. “I really love being in the spotlight,” Lukone said. “The feeling after you get a big hit, just the adrenaline rush you get, is great.” Lukone said one of his biggest hits came Sept. 30 in a 35-0 victory over King’s. He penetrated the backfield without any resistance and slammed a King’s running back 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
One-man band: Inspired by rock legend Springsteen, Lukone dove into music during his sophomore year. He started taking piano lessons – something he continues today. He also plays drums, harmonica and saxophone. For his senior project, Lukone plans to record an album of original material. He described his sound as “pretty rocking.”
Meeting The Boss: Last summer, Lukone talked to Springsteen for the fifth time. His first encounter with the man responsible for songs like “Thunder Road” and “Born in the U.S.A.” came in 2003 in San Francisco; Lukone tracked down his idol before a concert and they talked for about five minutes. “It was pretty freaky,” said Lukone, whose first words to Springsteen were “I love you man!”
Favorite Springsteen song: “Pink Cadillac”
Favorite movies: “A Night at the Roxbury,” (1998); “When Harry Met Sally …” (1989); and “The Hurricane” (1999)
Cultural awakening: Lukone is part Ojibwe Indian. He honors his heritage as the student president of the Skykomish Valley Indian Education program, which offers field trips and other activities aimed at celebrating the Ojibwe culture. “I’d like it to be a part of my life forever,” Lukone said of the program. “You really get to learn about your inner circle.”
Making the grade: During his sophomore year, Lukone struggled to a 1.6 grade-point average. But with encouragement from his parents and MacDicken, Lukone focused on his studies and got back on track. Since then he’s lifted his GPA to about 3.4. Along the way, Lukone realized schoolwork isn’t all that bad. “I just feel more involved, really,” he said. “Now I can actually learn stuff. It’s kind of fun.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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