Photo courtesy of Max Boyko ’28
Success in athletics is not only about wins and losses; it is about how an athlete shows up for their team. Varsity football captain A’ahzere Lucas ’27 is recognized not only for his tough athletic excellence, but also for the impact he has on his teammates.
Lucas has played football since he was five; he started with flag football for the Mt. Airy Bantams, where he discovered his love for the game. Football has helped Lucas grow and mature as he’s gotten older. Lucas shares, “Football has taught me life, from facing adversity to overcoming a lot.” Along with the many lessons the sport taught him, he has many memorable moments. Lucas adds, “Throughout my whole four years, my favorite moment was last year winning a sweater again.”
The team’s close friendships behind these wins help the team grow stronger. The sense of connection carries into Lucas’ role as a teammate and captain. Kaleb Kegler ’29 says, “He brings a positive energy. When it’s time to flip the switch, he’s locked in.” Kegler also highlights Lucas’ ability to give constructive feedback while encouraging his teammates. “He’s going to point out what’s wrong, but also going to find something for positive reinforcement.”
His passion shapes his character on and off the field and guides the team toward its goals. David Lavender ’29 states, “He brings a lot of energy, and then he just hypes us up all around.”
Lucas works effortlessly, using each practice as an opportunity to grow. Lucas’ hard work stems from his story. Football coach Charles McAnally ’17 remarks, “I don’t think he lets anyone else outwork him.” Lucas work ethic inspires both underclassmen and middle school student-athletes. McAnally also remarks, “His brother is in 8th grade, and all of those middle schoolers really look up to him.” He uses his leadership to serve his community. Lucas can relate to many of the underclassmen, as Football coach Mike McNulty ’09 expresses, “He can relate to a lot of these kids…He was there; he was the kid struggling.” He uses this experience to mentor his teammates. Kegler says, “He’s been someone that’s dependable.”
On the field, Lucas holds himself and his teammates to the highest expectations. McNulty states, “He demands that his teammates bring it every day. Alongside [promoting] accountability, Lucas illuminates the team; he’s got an infectious energy.”
Photo courtesy of Max Boyko ’28
As captain, Lucas recognizes the responsibilities that come with earning his coaches’ and teammates’ trust. “I feel that being [chosen as] a captain means that my peers, my coaches, my teammates-they [trust] me to get this team where we want to go, and to the ultimate goal: win that Inter-Ac championship again. I feel like they put that trust in me, so I’m very grateful for that,” Lucas says. No amount of setbacks will bring Lucas down or lower his expectations for his teammates. McNulty explains, “He really, really worked…He has really grown as a student, [and] he’s really grown as a person in his community.” McNulty also notes Lucas’ persistence: “He is as tough as they come…When it comes to his toughness and how hard he works, you see him grow so much as a football player.”
Lucas’ passion for the sport and his dedication to those around him have made him a trustworthy teammate and a role model for younger players. Through his leadership and mentorship, Lucas continues to influence those around him, showing that his contributions extend far beyond the field.