Sophomore Luke Herrera — a first-year junior varsity boys football player and a second-year varsity boys soccer player — balances two sports, schoolwork, and his social life at La Salle.
Herrera only started playing a month ago, having been inspired by a family friend. “It was one of my mom’s friends, he brought up the idea, so one day we went to [Clackamas] High School and just started kicking a football.”
At La Salle, Herrera is a kicker and a punter. He describes the role as “a lot of pressure when you get to kick the ball,” he said.
As football isn’t Herrera’s main sport, he only attends practices for about thirty minutes after soccer. His position only consists of kicking and punting, so practices look different from the rest of the team.
“Pretty much after my soccer, every day of the [school] week, I stop by the practice for football,” he said. “I just kick a few balls and that’s it.”
Being a multi-sport athlete, balance between schoolwork and practices is vital for Herrera. He gets tired as the day goes on. “It makes me procrastinate a little bit,” he said. Despite this exhaustion, he still manages to get everything done.
Outside of school-oriented practices, Herrera continues to develop his kicking. “During the weekend sometimes I like to go to Clackamas High School or something when the fields are open and just practice a bit,” he said.
For Herrera, a typical game is focused on attitude and mindset in order to gear up for the pressure he’s about to face.
“When you’re kicking, everyone’s focused on you,” he said. “I know some people, the pressure makes them a little nervous, but I think it gives me motivation. I think it makes me perform a little better even.”
Before the game starts, Herrera can be seen hyping up his team in the locker room. “I like to be a good supporter,” he said.
Aside from the sport itself, Herrera’s favorite part about football are his teammates.
“I love how connected our team is, it’s not just us playing football, it’s more like we’re a family,” he said. “We get to have fun around each other.”
The football team has had a successful season so far, one point specifically thanks to Herrera. His position doesn’t entail consistent court time with indefinite attempts, but instead one crucial moment. His first time being put under this pressure proved successful.
“One for one, 100%, haven’t missed a single shot in my whole career,” he said.
Academically speaking, Herrera’s favorite class is Health 2 as he enjoys learning from the health teacher Mr. Chris Sulages. “I think what we’re learning right now is really going to be helpful in life, we’re learning about insurance,” he said.
In his free time, Herrera listens to music — especially Drake and Travis Scott — goes outside, FaceTimes friends, plays games, or practices kicking. He also volunteered to teach kicking to anyone who’s interested.
