Boys Athlete of the Week: Paul Lucas

<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;">To Highlight Exceptional Performances and Hard Work from Arizona Prep Track and Cross Country Athletes</span></h3>

Paul Lucas en route to a 100m victory at the Chandler Rotary. Arizona Milesplit Photo.

Paul Lucas was selected as athlete of the week for his victorious performances in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m at the Chandler Rotary.

Growing up it is always good to have a role model to look up to. As a member of the Do Right Track club Paul Lucas had the opportunity to learn from Markus Wheaton. Like Paul, Makrus grew up in Phoenix running track and playing football. After an illustrious career at Oregon State he was drafted by the Putts As many reading this may already know he is a key member of the Pittsburg Steelers offense over the past couple season. Paul believes he can follow along a similar path. “I feel like I can be the same as Markus," stated Paul, “I want to follow in his footsteps and break his records." Paul has already broken many of his records, though the 400m is still out there (see the links on the side to review their PRs on their athlete profiles). Paul also has his sites set on the overall state records.

Currently La Noris Marshall from Dysart HS and Ryan Milus from Hamilton High School share the 100m record at 10.33. Paul is less than a tenth of a second behind them. That will be the easier of the two though. “The 200m will be tough," said Paul. Die hard track fans might recall it is held by Dwayne Evans of South Mountain High School. Back in 1976 he ran a blazing 20.22. That same year Dwayne was a bronze medal in the 200m dash at the Olympic Games in Montreal. If anyone us up for the challenge it is Paul. His coach, Tim O'Neil, explained that Paul is working his butt off; he is all in for track this spring.

Up until a month ago, Paul said he was focused on football but now he is all in for track. He put on 8 lbs lifting that he is trying to shed to get those few extra tenths of a second. Even talking to him about his goals I could see the fire in his eyes. He wants to leave his mark on Arizona track and field before becoming a Beaver under Coach Gary Anderson next fall. Make sure to check back with Arizona Milesplit to follow his progress.