Student-Athlete of the Week: Lucas Steiner

Niwot student Lucas Steiner’s penchant for hard work is paying dividends this fall.

As a member of the Niwot’s football team, the 185-pound offensive lineman was pressed into service on defense this season, after a rash of injuries left the coaches scrambling to field a full squad. Steiner played both as offensive guard and middle linebacker in several games, earning a post-season “Dog” award from the coaches for being a “loyal, hardworking kid who does things the right way.”

“Lucas was a great asset for us on both sides of the football,” said Niwot head coach Jeremy Lanter of Steiner’s junior season. “Lucas consistently had the highest grade-outs on film of anybody that we have, meaning that he knows where he’s supposed to go and he does it as well as anyone else on the team does.”

Steiner is also an active member of Niwot Boy Scout Troop 161, and recently achieved the esteemed Eagle Scout ranking, after years of service in and around the community. To earn the BSA’s highest honor, Steiner was required to complete more than 21 merit badges and also conduct a large-scale service project. Earlier this year, Steiner designed, planned and executed an extensive landscaping update for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, recruiting his fellow scouts for labor.

“Scouting teaches you how to be responsible and how to be a leader,” Steiner said, adding that such skills have also been helpful in other areas of his life. “It’s helped me to focus on learning the skills that I need for football and being a leader on the team.”

It almost goes without saying that Steiner is also an accomplished student. He currently maintains a 4.3 GPA on the AP track at Niwot, and especially enjoys his business classes with Mr. Robles. He also considers himself a bit of a history buff. After high school, Steiner is planning to pursue a degree in either business or architecture. Right now, he doesn’t have any plans to continue his football career, but hasn’t ruled out a future career in downhill skiing, his other athletic passion.

Steiner said that good planning skills were essential for staying on top of his academic and community commitments. “It all comes down to time-management. You just have to balance school, activities and your social life.”