Lucas football journey triggers emotional response

CANTON — Evan before Saturday morning’s state championship game kicked off, Lucas mayor Todd Hall was choked up with pride for his village’s athletes.

“It’s unbelievable, it really is,” he said on the Richland Source Championship Kickoff. “If anyone has been to the send-offs or pep rallies, you probably have a good idea of what this means to the community.

“This has been their goal since they were little kids and just to get to this point, makes the community extremely proud.”

That sentiment was seen and heard throughout the state championship game at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium.

“It is super exciting,” said Sharon Brubaker, who has two sons performing in the game. “Lucas has been around since the 1800s and this is our first time here (playing for a state championship). We are so excited.

“I’m so excited for them,” said Grace Spoerr, a recent graduate of Lucas High School.

Other members of the community shared their thoughts through Richland Source’s Open Source feature:

“As a past graduate of Lucas High School and a former student athlete, these boys are living a dream that I had as an athlete, a trip to the state championship,” said Lynne Spencer. “It is wonderful to see and watch as their dreams come true!

“I still remember the feeling of competition and camaraderie as a student-athlete and the wonderful community support we had. I feel blessed to have been a part of it and to witness this historic march to state.”

Amy Cuthbertson said she’s seen these youngsters mature from sprouts.

“The championship run for the Cubs means that when my husband, who was their Pee-Wee football coach told them that it’s not always about the W when they couldn’t get a first down, that it was about building skill, character and family that he wasn’t just trying to make them feel better he was believing in them as he has since day one,” she said. “Each year you hear a player thank his mentor on the team from the year before. Every generation of Lucas football has instilled pride and respect to each new generation coming in as freshman.

“There is a little part of players past such as Reuben Luna, Mason Galco and Jeb Grover that lives on in our team each year and this championship run is proof that so many great kids have continued the Cub Pride tradition throughout the years. It makes me proud of our program but most importantly it makes me proud of the parents and students that make up our community.”

Alicia Blackledge said the team is carrying the pride of the community

“It is hard to even put into words what this experience has meant to the Lucas community. We may be a small, one-stoplight town, but our pride in our school our kids, and our community is remarkable!” she said. “The amount of fans that travel to support the football team is impressive for a school our size. It has been an emotional journey to say the least, and those emotions were heightened this past week when we joined in with Mansfield Tygers players, coaches and fans to support both teams on their journeys.

“This is why high school football is electric, it is a group of boys who are dedicated, disciplined, and trust each other without fail to go out and play the game they love and leave everything they have on the field! It is a coaching staff that is just as dedicated and invested! I can’t thank you enough enough for the excitement and the memories you have given us this year!! I am and will forever be proud to be a Lucas Cubs! #wearelucas.”

Morgan Spitler said her father is proud of his team.

“The Lucas championship run has meant a lot to my family and I. Being able to see my dad prepare every day to get the job done at the end of the week is something I love watching. He is so dedicated to his team and his job,”she said. “Our family has football running through our veins. Ever since I was born I was running around on the football field at my dad’s practices. This is something I’ve grown up wishing for. Seeing my dad so happy and excited for his team makes me proud to be the daughter of one of the best coaches you will ever find!! Go Cubs!!

“I love you Dad!”