Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
By Jen Gibson, Times-Union Sports Writer
WINONA LAKE -ÊGrace College had a special visitor Thursday afternoon. Luke Recker, former Indiana University standout who will attend the University of Arizona this fall, was on hand to speak at the Lancer Basketball Camp.
After earning Mr. Basketball honors in 1997, Recker was a McDonald's All-American and represented the United States on a national team. He has played in games with Michael Jordan and received advice from Jerry West.
But the thing that stands out about Recker is the fact that no matter where he's been or who he's met, he is very down to earth. He's humble. He's -gasp- nice.
"With all the success he has experienced, he has his head on his shoulders," said Grace College men's basketball coach Jim Kessler. "He's very approachable."
Unlike many of the basketball stars or other professional athletes you see today, Recker is someone young people should look up to. He stresses the benefits of hard work. He talks about setting and reaching goals. He emphasizes the importance of education. He pointed out the importance of respect for teachers and coaches. Could you see Latrell Sprewell a speech like this?
"If you want a good team, you must get along with your teammates and your coach," said Recker. "Off the floor, I think of my classmates as teammates. I respect my teachers the way I respect my coach."
How many people would spend their 21st birthday speaking at a small basketball camp for children instead of whooping it up all day with their buddies? He didn't just spend his birthday with this group of children, he shared the birthday cake with them.
Recker appreciates where he has been and where he is. He also knows how hard it was to get there.
"How did I get here?" said Recker. "I didn't just wake up one morning as a basketball player. I was not named Mr. Basketball because I had more skills than anyone else. I earned it by working harder. There are a lot of people with more athletic ability than me, but I'm a better player because of hard work.
"I do the same drills you are learning here, and I work hard at them every day. That's how I have gotten this far. If you want to be great, you must be willing to put forth the effort."
Recker told about going to school at 5:45 a.m. every day for four years to work out for an hour and shoot baskets for an hour to become the best player in the state. He spoke of how he still works every day on some aspect of his game.
"In high school, my friends thought I was crazy," said Recker. "Now that I've reached my goals they don't think I'm crazy anymore.
"Basketball has done a tremendous amount for me. My education is free. I have met tremendous people like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. I have traveled to many places.
"But more importantly, I have learned a lot about myself beacuse of the game. I have learned about working with a team to accomplish a goal."
Many people criticized Recker for leaving Indiana University. But after speaking with him, you realize that he made the choice to leave because it was the best way for him to reach his goals. A lot of players would speak badly about the school and the coach they left, but not Recker.
"My two years at Indiana benefited me as a basketball player," said Recker. "Coach Knight is a great coach. It was tough to decide on a school. I just think Arizona is the best place for me to meet my individual goals and team goals."
Recker says he wants to play in the NBA. In his own words, he may not be the most talented athlete on the basketball court. But any NBA team would benefit just from having Recker in the lockerroom. His positive attitude and work ethic are head and shoulders above the rest.
In a day and age when it's much easier to find negative influences from professional athletes, Luke Recker is a breath of fresh air. Thank you, Luke, for being a role model and taking the time to care about the people who look up to you.
