Concordia University signed a multi-faceted, standout student-athlete Monday at Arlington High School.
Eagles senior Luke Hammang will run cross-country and track at the Seward school, beginning next fall.
“Besides cross-country and track, I'm in band,” the newest signee said when asked to list items off of his resume. “I just started choir this year. I'm involved in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), student council and NHS (National Honor Society). I'm class vice president. I'm also president of NHS.”
The senior wasn't done.
“I got Runza Student of the Week. All that stuff,” Hammang said. “And I got homecoming king.”
The AHS runner joins classmate Keelianne Green as a recent signing to coach Matt Beisel's Bulldogs squad. Like Green, too, Hammang is still new to the sport.
“I didn't think I would be here two years ago,” he said. “I just started my running journey my junior year. It just feels unreal to me, still.”
The runner was 18th at the district meet in October and finished his NSAA State Championships 5-kilometer race in 19:00.1, which was second on coach Michaela Curran's Arlington team.
Now, Hammang's athletic focus is improvement and cutting time.
“I really hope I can break the 17:30 mark,” he said, citing near misses during the season.
Concordia is the place he's chosen to set and accomplish his goals.
“I feel like coach Matt and everybody are just going to take all of my interests to heart and truly give me a place,” Hammang said. “Get me in the mindset where I can thrive in all of my activities and everything.”
Monday's signing was a big step forward for the dedicated student-athlete.
“All I can say is that it just feels right,” he said. “It just feels like I'm headed in the right direction, you know?”
